{"id":5732,"date":"2021-07-09T13:55:22","date_gmt":"2021-07-09T20:55:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.costulessdirect.com\/?p=5732"},"modified":"2022-12-24T00:05:53","modified_gmt":"2022-12-24T00:05:53","slug":"california-boat-insurance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.costulessdirect.com\/blog\/california-boat-insurance\/","title":{"rendered":"How Are Boats and Watercrafts Insured in California?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Insurance is complicated enough for car owners, but there\u2019s even more to think about for boat owners. How are boats and watercraft insured in California and what kind of coverage is available? We\u2019ll take a look at what the boat and watercraft insurance requirements are in California, as well as the available insurance options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How your boat or watercraft is insured<\/a> in California depends on the type of boat you have and whether you need to register it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a small boat \u2014 less than 5 tons \u2014 you may need to register your vessel with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)<\/a>. The California DMV defines a vessel as any motor-driven vessel as well as any sailboat that\u2019s over 8 feet long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to California law<\/a>, a \u201cpersonal watercraft\u201d (PWC) is a motor-driven vessel less than 13 feet long and is operated \u201cby a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel, rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside the vessel.\u201d Practically speaking, this includes Jet Skis, WaveRunners, and Sea-Doos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n California exempts very small boats, including rowboats, paddleboats, canoes and kayaks, and sailboats under 8 feet long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like most states, California does not legally require boat and watercraft owners to carry minimum insurance. However, many marinas require you to carry at least some insurance for you to store your boat with them or use their facilities. In addition, if you took out a loan to buy your boat, the financing company may require you to maintain a minimum level of insurance coverage until you pay off the loan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are multiple options to insure your boat or personal watercraft<\/a> in California. Typical coverage includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\nIs Boat and Watercraft Insurance Required in California?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Boats and Personal Watercraft Are Insured in California<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bodily Injury Liability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n