BATEAU
Assurance bateau au Québec
Pontons, bateaux moteur, motomarines, voiliers : couverture adaptée.
Adequately cover your personal watercraft or boat
For boat and personal watercraft owners who are looking forward to the good weather, they can take advantage of the low season to find out about the appropriate insurance for this type of recreational vehicle in order to benefit from appropriate protection.
According to the Quebec Maritime Association, the province has more than 860,000 pleasure boat owners, or one in ten Quebecers who own a boat.
The popularity of such a hobby is not always accompanied by coverage, since insurance remains optional and is not a legal obligation.
And yet, this type of recreational vehicle has a high intrinsic value and is not immune to various incidents such as theft, fire, navigation accidents, damage, vandalism, etc. It is therefore essential to insure such an asset. As for the amount invested in a new boat, it depends on the size of the model and the features it is equipped with. The value of certain vessels can exceed one million Canadian dollars.
How do I insure a boat or personal watercraft?
Several elements are taken into account for the insurance of this type of vehicle, including the type of vessel, its length, its power, and the frequency of its use. It is possible to attach the vessel to home insurance, but only in certain cases, while generally, one should consider taking out specialized protection. To know which option to choose between these two, it is advisable to discuss it with your agent or property and casualty insurance broker.
Check the coverage of the insurance contract
A owner takes great care of his boat or personal watercraft, regularly ensuring its general condition and navigation equipment. He must do the same for the guarantees and clauses that make up his insurance policy, particularly the parts related to limitations and exclusions.
Insurance contracts cover motorization and sails, but it is necessary to check that the policy also insures navigation and communication devices, as well as other on-board materials and equipment. It is also necessary to check whether the coverage is valid both when the boat is afloat and if it is stored on land, without neglecting the conditions associated with this coverage. It is better to check at the same time whether the transport on the route of the boat is provided or not.
The owner of the boat must also find out about the possible options in case of damage to the boat. Indeed, he must ensure that he is entitled to rent another with the same characteristics during the repairs. Similarly, he must find out about compensation for towing or fuel delivery costs in the event of running out of fuel during navigation.
The coverage of the boat is valid during the winter season for the majority of insurance policies, which provide for storage during the disarmament or winterization period between November 30 and April 1.
The storage of the boat depends mainly on the type of boat. It can be done on a trailer in the yard of the owner’s home, in a warehouse, or in a marina when it comes to a large model. The risks to a boat stored in a yard are different from those of a boat wintered in a warehouse. In the first case, the boat may be stolen or exposed to the fall of a branch that could damage it. While in the second case, the boat can be damaged by rodents or fire. Therefore, it is necessary to check the various clauses and guarantees of the insurance policy.
Several elements are taken into account when it comes to coverage, including the destination. The usual places of navigation are inland and coastal waters within 100 nautical miles of Canada and the United States, located between 52° and 40° north latitude. These are the Ottawa River, the lakes and rivers between Quebec and Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, the inland waters of New Brunswick, the inland waters of Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island as far as New York, with the exception of the Hudson River and the harbor. The perimeter also includes the west coast of Canada and the United States, west of 120° west longitude. To navigate outside this area, you have to think about extending the coverage beyond the territorial limits.
On the other hand, Quebec marinas, locks and government wharves require liability insurance to be worth more than two million Canadian dollars. In the event of non-compliance with this requirement, it is possible to be denied access to the facilities. It is essential that the owner decides in advance which infrastructure to use to be sure that it would be possible to use them or not.
Protection for your boat or personal watercraft
The insurance takes into account the prevention against theft. There are certain ways to significantly reduce the risk involved. These include the installation of anti-theft nuts on the engine foot, the installation of a specialized padlock to neutralize the boat’s tow hand, the marking of certain parts of the boat and the installation of a boat tracking system. If the owner does not comply with the requirements imposed by the insurer, this can lead to an increase in the insurance premium or the non-coverage of certain cases of theft.
To conclude, before casting off, it is important to consult the property and casualty insurance agent or insurance broker. This is the opportunity to ask all questions, get a quote and inquire about boat or personal watercraft insurance.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does personal watercraft insurance cost in Quebec?
The price of personal watercraft insurance varies depending on the value, length, engine power and use. Expect to pay between $300 and $2,500 per year. Get a free quote in minutes with Assur360.
What protections are covered by personal watercraft insurance?
Personal watercraft insurance typically covers physical damage (collision, storm, theft), third-party liability, emergency towing, and equipment protection. Endorsements for navigation in the United States or the Caribbean are also available.
Is personal watercraft insurance mandatory in Quebec?
Personal watercraft insurance is not legally mandatory in Quebec, but it is highly recommended. Third-party liability protects you in the event of damage to others, and comprehensive coverage protects your investment against theft, bad weather and accidents.
