Michigan Boat Insurance

For the spring and summer months, there is nothing quite like boating in Michigan. NBOA Marine Insurance, the US's leading boat insurance company, wants to remind you that when purchasing or insuring your boat in Michigan, remember that Michigan insurance is different from insurance in other states for many reasons, like higher risk of freezing and ice damage, hidden submerged objects in the spring and summer, muskrat and varmint damage, and more.

Here are some features to Michigan boat insurance to keep in mind:

• You may be required to move your boat in an indoor storage facility during the winter months.
• Companies may limit the length and value of the boat they are willing to insure to protect against shock losses.
• Canadian waters may be included, or covered at an additional cost.
• Sailboat owners receive credit because sailboats are not as hazardous as speed boats.
• Some carriers put an age minimum on insuring a boat, which is usually 20 years old. Older vessels may require an out-of-water survey.
• A credit may apply for boats with a longer lay-up period (when the boat is stored for the winter).
• A separate deductible may be required for a sailboat mast, especially if the mast is carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is lighter and stronger, but in the case of an accident it usually must be replaced completely.
• Some carriers will not insure catamarans because if they capsize, they cannot be easily righted, like a sailboat.
• An auxiliary motor in case of emergencies may be required or given a credit when rating sailboats.
• Damage resulting from muskrats or other varmints may be excluded while the boat is winterized.
• Freezing or ice damage may also be excluded if there is evidence of improper winterization.
• Navigation limits may be confined to inland lakes and rivers, excluding the Great Lakes.
• For ski boats, be sure waterskiing is not an excluded coverage on your policy.
• Bass boats should also have customized coverages due to high value fishing equipment, chartering, navigation, and speed.

Boating is one of the best parts to living in Michigan, so insure your boat today and protect your investment for the future. These features are not representative of every carrier, so please contact us with any personal concerns. For more information about boat insurance, contact an experienced agent at NBOA Marine insurance at 1-800-248-3512 or complete a free boat insurance quote online.