Jet Ski Insurance: Is It Mandatory?

Jet ski insurance is not a legal requirement in all states. However, it is still a good idea to have your jet ski insured. Jet ski insurance, which falls under personal watercraft (PWC) insurance, will help cover the costs of damage related to storms, accidents, fires, and even travelling. It works similarly to auto insurance, with different coverages and protections selected based on your policy.

Peace of Mind When Riding

Jet skiing is an adventurous and thrilling experience. However, it is not without its risks. Therefore, it is important to consider getting insurance for your jet ski. While it is not mandatory in some places, it is still a good idea to get one to protect yourself from liabilities and being sued for property damage, injuries, or even death.

Protection Against Liabilities

Imagine causing bodily harm to another rider, a beachgoer, or anyone else on the waterways. Litigation could lead to thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars in lawyer fees and payments for life. This can not only impact you financially but also emotionally.

Repair/Replacement of Your Jet Ski

With insurance, you can have your jet ski replaced or repaired by a mechanic. Without insurance, you will likely have to pay out of pocket for repairs to your hull or engine, which can cost $3,000 or more.

Protection for Medical Emergencies

Accidents can happen, and life-changing injuries are a possibility when riding jet skis. While you can depend on the services of the Coast Guard and water ambulance, hospital treatment can be costly and may not be covered. Some jet ski insurance policies include personal medical evacuation and treatment, but most don't because it is more expensive.

Protection for Your Trailer

Many people forget about insurance for their jet ski trailer, but it can be covered under the same policy as your jet ski. This can include accessories like a rooftop tent or front toolbox, giving you an agreed value at the payout.

Discounts Are Available

You may be eligible for discounts on your jet ski insurance if you already have a policy for your car or home. Insurance companies often extend discounts to their existing customers when they purchase additional policies.

With insurance, you can ride your jet ski without worrying about the financial consequences of an accident or damage to your watercraft. You can focus on having fun and enjoying the thrill of riding your jet ski!

Protection Against Liabilities

While jet ski insurance is not mandatory in some places, it is still a good idea to have your jet ski insured to protect yourself from liabilities and being sued for property damage, injuries, or even death. Here are some reasons why jet ski insurance is important for protection against liabilities:

The cost of jet ski insurance is a small price to pay compared to the potential financial burden of being found liable for an accident. In some states, you must have at least liability coverage to operate a watercraft. This will help cover any costs incurred by another boat in an accident where you are at fault. Liability coverage can also extend to cover your assets if you are taken to court for negligence in a watercrafting accident.

Peace of mind

Having jet ski insurance gives you peace of mind when riding. You can ride without worrying about the financial consequences of an accident or damage to your jet ski. This is especially important if you have a performance-oriented jet ski, as you will likely want to ride at high speeds.

Protection for medical emergencies

Accidents can happen, even to experienced riders. If you are thrown from your jet ski and severely injured, you will want to ensure you have the best possible medical treatment. Some jet ski insurance policies include personal medical evacuation and treatment, which can make a significant difference in the level of care you receive.

Protection for your trailer

Many people forget to insure their jet ski trailer, but it is important to consider. Your trailer could be stolen or damaged, and having insurance will help cover the costs of repairs or replacement.

Protection against theft

While insurance won't always prevent theft, it can help lessen the financial and emotional impact. Insurance companies can often trace stolen jet skis, and having a policy in place means you can get back on the water sooner rather than later.

Repair/Replacement of Your Jet Ski

As with any vehicle, jet skis are susceptible to damage and wear and tear. Repairs can be costly, so it is important to consider insurance to cover these expenses. Regular maintenance and care can help prolong the life of your jet ski and prevent the need for major repairs. However, accidents can happen, and repairs may become necessary.

Some common issues that may require repair or replacement include:

• Seat damage: Jet ski seats are subject to wear and tear from friction and exposure to the sun. Minor cracks and tears can often be repaired using vinyl repair kits, and the foam in the seat cushion can also be replaced if damaged. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to simply replace the entire seat or seat cover.
• Hull damage: The hull of a jet ski can be damaged due to collisions or other incidents. Repairs may involve using adhesives and fillers to fix cracks or breaks in the hull material, which is often made from SMC (Sheet Moulding Compound) or fiberglass.
• Engine damage: Engine issues can range from minor problems to major failures. Some insurance policies may cover engine damage, but it is important to check the specifics of your policy, as some activities may be excluded.
• Other mechanical issues: Jet skis have various mechanical components that may require repair or replacement over time, such as the throttle, drain plug, or trailer tires.

When considering repairs or replacements for your jet ski, it is important to weigh the cost of the repairs against the value of the jet ski itself. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to replace the jet ski, especially if the repairs are extensive. Additionally, insurance can provide coverage for repairs or replacements due to accidents, theft, or other unforeseen events.

It is worth noting that insurance policies can vary in their coverage of repairs and replacements. While some policies may cover a wide range of issues, others may have exclusions or limitations. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions of your insurance policy to understand what is covered and what is not. By having a comprehensive understanding of your policy, you can make informed decisions about repairing or replacing your jet ski in the event of damage or malfunction.

Protection Against Theft

Personal watercraft (PWC) insurance is not a legal requirement in all states, but it is still a good idea to have your jet ski insured. Jet skis are a major target for thieves, and insurance will provide an important safeguard for your investment.

While taking out a jet ski insurance policy won't always stop crime, it'll lessen the pain and frustration you feel. You could have your insurance claim paid out within several days so you can get out there riding again!

Some thieves don't like to steal jet skis that have insurance policies, as they can be easier to trace. These companies have advanced software to track online sales of PWCs anonymously.

To prevent the possibility of watercraft theft, keep your PWC stored in a locked, enclosed storage or vehicle when not in use. If you must keep it stored at a marina between uses, secure it to the dock with a locked steel cable. Mark your PWC with an identifying number, such as your driver's license.

Photograph or film your watercraft with a smartphone to have as evidence and for descriptive purposes in cases of loss or theft. Before you head out, enter a log of your intended activities, including your departure time and course of travel, on social media. Name the people who will accompany you and list an emergency contact number.

PWC insurance can cover physical damage, bodily injury, medical payments, towing, and roadside assistance, and more.

Protection For Medical Emergencies

Jet skiing is a fun activity, but it's not without its risks. Accidents can happen, and they can result in severe injuries that require immediate medical attention. Therefore, it is essential to have adequate insurance coverage for medical emergencies when operating a jet ski.

In some states, it is legally required to have a jet ski insurance policy, while in others, it is merely a recommendation. However, regardless of the legal requirements, having insurance is crucial for protecting yourself from liabilities and the financial burden of medical emergencies.

Most jet ski insurance policies include medical payments as part of their coverage. This means that if you or your passenger sustain injuries while operating the jet ski, the insurance company will cover the medical expenses associated with those injuries. This can include hospital treatment, emergency services, and even personal medical evacuation in more severe cases.

When considering jet ski insurance, it is important to carefully review the policy to ensure that medical emergencies are covered. Some policies may have exclusions or limitations on the extent of medical coverage provided. Additionally, the coverage limits and deductibles can vary, so it is essential to choose a plan that offers sufficient protection.

In the event of a medical emergency, having jet ski insurance can provide peace of mind and financial relief. It ensures that you can focus on your recovery without worrying about the financial burden of medical bills.

Furthermore, some insurance companies offer additional benefits, such as discounts for completing boating safety courses or bundling policies with other types of insurance. It is worth exploring different insurance providers to find the best coverage for your needs at a competitive price.

Frequently asked questions