If you’re thinking about buying a boat or have recently acquired one, you’ve probably thought about insurance. I’m going to talk about Pennsylvania legislation in this essay. If you live in Pennsylvania or are considering relocating there, you may be wondering, “Does boat insurance have to be purchased in Pennsylvania?”
In Pennsylvania, boat insurance is not needed. Only three states, according to the US Coast Guard, compel boat owners to obtain insurance: Arkansas, Hawaii, and Utah. However, getting yacht insurance is a good idea because some marinas demand it. It also gives you more peace of mind.
Pennsylvania, the 33rd largest (by area) and 6th most populous state in the United States, is like the majority of the other 46 states that do not require boat insurance.
More than any other state, Pennsylvania offers a plethora of deep and scenic rivers, as well as over 325,000 registered boat owners.
How much is insurance on a boat in PA?
Most of the watercraft that we insure in Pennsylvania cost between $100 and $300 to insure. Another important aspect in calculating your insurance price is the size of your boat’s motor. Your policy will be closer to $400 or $500 if your sailboat has a greater horsepower motor.
What do I need to have on my boat in PA?
Motorboats (including those with electric motors) must be registered, and they must be registered in the state where they are used most frequently.
- Boat operators who were born on or after January 1, 1982 who operate boats with more than 25 horsepower must get and possess a Boating Safety Certificate.
Certificate of Safety Education
- All PWC (personal watercraft) operators must have completed and have a Boating Safety Education Certificate in their possession.
- A boat with more than 25 horsepower or a personal watercraft (PWC) may not be operated by anyone under the age of 11.
- Persons aged 1215 years old are not permitted to operate a PWC with passengers aged 15 or younger or to rent a PWC.
Canoes, kayaks, rowboats, stand-up paddleboards, and other unpowered boats can launch at the Commission.
If their boats exhibit the Commission’s launch use permit OR boat registration, OR PA state parks launch permit OR mooring permit, they may launch in lakes, access areas, and properties, as well as in PA state parks and forests. An unpowered boat may have either a registration or a launch permit, although neither is needed. Other states’ launch permits are not recognized by the Commission.
When the air and water temperatures are cooler in late fall and early spring, the chance of a fatal accident is much increased. Cold water episodes accounted for only 8% of boating-related accidents over the last 15 years, but they were responsible for 24% of fatalities. When victims are exposed to cold water and are wearing a life jacket, they may be able to save their lives.
Boats 16 feet and more must have a throwable life jacket in addition to wearing life jackets.
on board device (ring buoy, life ring, or buoyant seat cushion) Canoes and kayaks of any length are exempt from carrying a throwable.
device.
Any conditions on the approved label must be followed when using life jackets.
All life jackets are required.
It must be in good working order and clearly labelled with the USCG approval number. This
indicates that the life jacket must be fully functional and devoid of tears or material problems. Buckles on all sides,
All straps, zippers, and other closures must be able to be opened and closed.
Wearable life jackets are required “Readily accessible” indicates that they are either kept somewhere easily accessible or out in the open, ready to wear. Devices that can be thrown must be “The device must be “immediately available,” which means it cannot be protected and must be within arm’s reach of the operator or passenger while the boat is being operated. A PFD that is still sealed in its original packaging is inaccessible and unavailable right away.
Life
Jackets must have the correct size and fit for the person who will be wearing them.
- When on Commonwealth waters in any boat 20 feet or less in length, children 12 years of age and below must be accompanied by an adult.
All canoes and kayaks are the same length.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes in the Pittsburgh District (only),
Everyone in canoes and kayaks with a length of less than 16 feet.
- A life jacket is compulsory for all water skiers and anyone dragged behind boats, as well as personal watercraft operators and passengers and sailboarders (windsurfers). For certain activities, inflatable life jackets are not permitted.
- During the cold weather months of November 1 through April 30, boaters must wear life jackets on boats less than 16 feet in length, as well as any canoe or kayak.
It’s simple to see if a traditional life jacket fits properly by putting it on. All zippers, straps, ties, and snaps on the jacket should be securely fastened. Raise your arms like you’re signaling a touchdown in a football game with a partner behind you. Lift the jacket by the shoulders with the help of your spouse. The jacket should not extend past your chin. In the water, if your jacket covers your face or comes off, that’s what will happen. Tighten the straps or go for a lower size in this scenario.
A back stream or undertow created by water flowing over a dam can drag a boat into the turbulence and capsize it. A person or a boat can be trapped and held by this hydraulic. Many dams are not well marked and are difficult to notice from upstream.
Many low-head dams in the Commonwealth are required by state law to be designated with signs and, where possible, buoys upstream and downstream of these dangerous structures. The signs explain the dam’s limits on boating, swimming, and wading, as well as the dangers it poses.
Capsizing and swamping: If the boat capsizes or swamps, stay with it and make sure everyone is wearing a life jacket. Maintain your composure. If the boat can be righted, bail out as much water as possible, climb aboard, and paddle to land. To avoid probable head damage and foot entrapment, go into the self-rescue position with your feet directed downstream and near the surface if your boat capsizes or you fall overboard in rushing water like a river.
Falls Overboard: Falls overboard can be quite dangerous. Even when the wind and seas are quiet, people fall overboard. The shock of falling into water, particularly cold water, can be fatal. Wearing a life jacket could be your only way of surviving. The best way to keep alive is to wear a life jacket and stay with the boat.
- Maintain three points of contact when getting into or moving around in a small boat, keeping your weight low and close to the centerline. Don’t put too much weight on your boat.
- Passengers should not be allowed to stand or sit on the foredecks, gunwales, engine boxes, seat backs, or transoms of small boats.
- Make a plan for recovering someone who has fallen overboard. While maneuvering, toss a life jacket over the edge. Time how long it takes to come to a complete stop, turn around, and recover the life jacket.
- Respect the use of the water by paddlers; they are likely to share your enthusiasm for that specific spot.
- Paddlers, like you, help to conservation by purchasing associated equipment and paying an excise tax on fishing and boating equipment.
- Keep an eye out for paddlers and keep in mind that activity may increase as the water level rises.
- Respect the space of other anglers. There is enough water for everyone, so no one has to fish shoulder to shoulder.
- Anglers should travel from one spot to another along the shoreline rather than wading through the stream.
- Prepare to portage through shallow water and avoid dragging your boat across riffles or other obstacles.
- Wading anglers should be treated as natural impediments. Prepare ahead of time by anticipating anglers and devising a strategy to avoid them. If at all feasible, paddlers should steer clear of the angler.
- Allow plenty of space around wading anglers, ideally behind them. Make every effort to avoid floating over a fisherman’s fishing area. If you can’t avoid a fishing hole, tell the angler you meant well, apologize, and move on.
- Keep a safe distance from stream bank fisherman. Avoid colliding with them and causing as little disruption as possible.
- Pass anglers quickly and softly, causing as little disruption as possible, and don’t hang around too long.
- Make sure your equipment is clean. Check, clean, drain, and dry to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
- Please don’t litter. If you pack it in, you must also pack it out. Spend a few minutes picking up trash that others have left behind.
Do I need boat trailer insurance in PA?
If you use your trailer for business, your business insurance coverage may cover it in part. Similarly, your boat insurance policy may provide some coverage for your boat trailer. However, trailer insurance provides additional liability, contents, and comprehensive coverage for damage caused by storms, vandalism, and accidents.
A member agent may talk with you about how you use your trailer and help you choose a policy that will cover the cost of replacing or repairing it, as well as the cost of replacing or repairing your cargo.
Do I Need Pennsylvania Trailer Insurance?
Although trailer insurance is not required by Pennsylvania law, it is a good idea to buy it so that you are not responsible for any complications that develop as a result of your trailer use. The following coverage is available with trailer insurance:
- Liability: This coverage compensates for physical injury or property damage claims resulting from an accident in which your trailer is involved, such as when it fishtails or rolls away from your vehicle. It also covers your legal costs. The level of coverage you choose when you buy your policy determines how much coverage you have.
- Comprehensive trailer coverage protects your trailer from damage caused by storms, vandalism, or theft. In the event of a total loss, trailer insurance usually pays the actual cash value, although you may be able to purchase coverage for the trailer’s replacement cost.
- Contents: This covers the cost of the goods you transport in your trailer. Contents coverage is a good choice if you transport products for business or have valuable property in your trailer.
- Emergency roadside assistance: This coverage is frequently extremely affordable, and it covers flat tires, battery problems, and other issues that can arise while on the road.
There are numerous options to examine because the types of Pennsylvania trailer insurance differ greatly from company to company. A local independent agent can explain the benefits and drawbacks of various trailer plans and assist you in finding the one that best suits your needs and budget.
What About Camping Trailers?
Over the last decade, RV ownership has been increasingly popular. Because Pennsylvania has so many camping opportunities, many residents spend a lot of time in their camping trailers. If you use your camping trailer frequently, you may want to consider purchasing additional coverage. Consider the following example:
- You may want to acquire comprehensive replacement cost coverage if you paid a high sum for your RV trailer. After you pay your deductible, your trailer insurance will cover the cost of replacing your trailer if it is totaled or lost.
- If you spend the majority of the year in your camper trailer, you may require full-timer coverage, which includes liability and property damage coverage equivalent to that of a homeowners policy.
- If you keep your travel trailer in the same place all year, you may need stationary travel trailer insurance.
A member agent can talk to you about how you use your camping trailer and help you discover PA camping trailer insurance that matches your needs.
How Much Does Pennsylvania Trailer Insurance Cost?
Trailer insurance is usually extremely inexpensive. Many motorists buy insurance for less than $75 per year. The cost of your coverage will be determined by a number of criteria, including:
An independent agent can show you a variety of coverage alternatives at various price points so you can select the one that best suits your needs.
Is boat insurance a legal requirement?
Although boat insurance isn’t required by law on all waterways, the high value of boats and the risk of accident make it a risk not to have it. In addition, if you want to use a marina’s facilities, you’ll need at least third-party insurance.
If you plan on transporting your new boat to its mooring position by road, make sure you have boat insurance in place first. Any previous owner’s insurance does not cover you, and while your auto insurance may cover your boat while you’re on the road, there are sometimes limitations based on the length of your boat.
It’s a good idea to get some training if you’re a new boat owner. Reputable insurers prefer you to demonstrate that you’ve attained a specific degree of expertise, either via years of experience or by completing a course, such as one offered by the Royal Yachting Association.
Why is boat insurance so expensive?
Aside from where you live, other factors influence the cost of boat insurance, including:
- Fishing boats, pontoon boats, sailboats, and other personal watercraft all have distinct features that can affect the price of your insurance.
- The horsepower of the boat: Boats with more powerful motors, such as powerboats, have higher rates.
- Insurance costs may be lower for more experienced boaters than for novice boaters with less expertise on the water.
What does a yacht policy cover?
What Is Yacht Insurance and How Does It Work? A sailing vessel’s indemnity liability coverage is provided by a yacht insurance policy. Liability coverage for bodily harm or property damage to others, as well as damage to personal items on the vessel, is included.
What size boat requires a license in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, do you need a boating license? All PWC operators in Pennsylvania are required by law to complete boater education and carry a boater education card. Furthermore, anyone operating a boat with more than 25 horsepower is required by law to complete a boater safety course and have a boater education card.
Can you drink on a boat in Pennsylvania?
No one may operate a boat on Pennsylvania waters while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, according to Pennsylvania’s boating and alcohol statutes. All state parks and most US Army Corps of Engineer projects have alcohol prohibitions on land and water.
Do I need a boat launch permit in PA?
All motorboats must have a current Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission boat registration. The following must be displayed on all non-powered boats launched in state parks or forests: Pennsylvania State Parks offers launching and mooring permits, which are accessible at most state park offices.
Do all trailers have to be registered in PA?
In Pennsylvania, travel trailers, like most vehicles, are required to have proper motor vehicle documents, including a title and registration. Any trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 3,000 pounds must be examined.