If you live in Tennessee and are fortunate enough to own a boat, the quick answer is no, boat insurance is not required. Despite the fact that Tennessee law does not require
Does Tennessee require insurance on boats?
Although boat insurance is not required by Tennessee law, it is a good idea to get it anyhow. For example, collision coverage, property damage liability, bodily injury liability, and protection against vandalism, theft, and non-crash damages can all be included in a boat insurance policy.
Is it illegal to not have boat insurance?
Are you ready to have a good time in the sun? Make sure you’re not breaking any local boating laws before you take your new boat, jet ski, or personal watercraft (PWC) out on the water. While some laws are self-evident, there are also very specific requirements for PWCs and boats.
Is it necessary to have boat insurance if I’m only riding a jet ski? Is there a distinction between that and insurance for jet skis?
First and foremost, check to determine if you’ll need to register your boat. California mandates that your PWC or boat be registered at the DMV if it is greater than 8 feet in length. There are a few exceptions:
- Sailboats with a length of 8 feet that are not propelled (most jet skis, wave runners)
- Currently registered vessels in another state (if used primarily outside California)
Although you are not required to have boat insurance or a boater’s license in California, there is a minimum age requirement to drive certain water vehicles, akin to driving a car.
- If you have an adult on board who is at least 18 years old, you can operate any motorboat with more than 15 horsepower or sailboats over 30 feet if you are between the ages of 12 and 15.
- All children under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket when on board a boat or watercraft that is 26 feet or less in length, including PWCs, according to California state law.
- A life jacket is required for anyone riding a jet ski, wave runner, or other personal watercraft (PWC) that is being towed behind a vessel.
- Make sure you have enough life jackets for everyone on board a boat, and that they’re easily accessible.
While boat or jet ski insurance is not needed by law, it is highly recommended because they carry a certain amount of risk. Jet ski insurance (also known as PWC insurance) provides coverage equivalent to that of a car in the event of a collision or damage to the vehicle, yourself, or others:
All PWCs must be fitted with a lanyard cutoff switch that is connected/attached to the person operating the vehicle, according to one PWC-specific regulatory requirement. The laws governing PWC and boat operation are primarily concerned with passenger safety, as well as the safety of bystanders:
- It is prohibited to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
- If you’re within 100 feet of a swimmer or 200 feet of a coastline, swimming float, diving platform, or landing, slow down to 5 mph.
You won’t have to worry about speed limits on your PWC or boat for the most part. However, in locations where speed limits are posted, be sure to follow all signs. There may be county or city-specific laws in addition to state laws, so be sure to familiarize yourself with them.
To operate a boat, jet ski, or other personal watercraft (PWC), what equipment do I need?
If you’ll be operating a PWC or will be transporting passengers, it’s a good idea to look into getting boat or jet ski insurance estimates. In the event of an accident, the coverage may help protect you from liability issues.
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 injury 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.
What states require boat insurance?
Only two states have boat insurance laws at the moment: Arkansas and Utah. All motorboats with engines above 50 horsepower, as well as all personal watercraft (PWC), must be protected by a liability insurance policy in Arkansas. It is illegal to operate a PWC without the required insurance, which must give at least $50,000 in liability coverage.
When operating in Utah waters, all motorboats and personal watercraft must have owner’s or operator’s liability insurance. Airboats and motorboats with engines less than 50 horsepower are excluded. It is illegal to use a PWC without the necessary insurance on Utah waterways.
The following minimum coverage limits per occurrence are required by Utah’s boat insurance policy:
Check with your state marine board or alternative regulatory organization to determine if you are affected. Some states require insurance for boats used in state parks or kept in state-operated marinas.
Do you have to register a boat trailer in Tennessee?
The County Clerk will be in charge of collecting Tennessee State Sales Tax. For sales tax fees, call the office at 615-862-6266. The boat owner must mail form APPLICATION FOR BOAT CERTIFICATION NUMBER to the following address with the appropriate registration fees as noted on the form: Boat Registration P. O. Box 41729 Nashville, Tennessee 37204-1729 after paying the sales tax and the $7.00 certification fee to the Davidson County Clerk.
REGISTRATION AND LICENSE PLATE FOR BOAT TRAILER
Although the state of Tennessee does not require boat trailer owners to register or license their trailers, other states may. If the boat trailer will be going outside of Tennessee, it is strongly advised that all boat trailers be titled and registered due to the differences in rules from state to state. Due to theft issues, it is also strongly advised that all boat trailers be titled and registered. If a boat trailer is titled and registered, it is much easier to track it down.
BOAT REGISTRATION BY DEALERS OR MANUFACTURERS
Dealers and manufacturers can apply for a registration that can be transferred from one vessel to the next. The application for a dealer or manufacturer number must be accompanied by a copy of the business license and sales tax number. Such vessels are only to be used for demonstration reasons, and no more than one vessel with the same number of passengers may be operated at the same time. Furthermore, the Certificate of Number must be present on board, and the registration number must be displayed accurately. However, such vessels can display the number by affixing it to removable signs that can be affixed to the vessel temporarily but firmly.
BOAT TRAILER PURCHASED FROM AN INDIVIDUAL THAT HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY TITLED
Please submit the title signed on the back by the prior owner to the Davidson County Clerk in order to title and register a boat trailer purchased from someone who has already been titled. In addition, the new boat trailer owner must pay Tennessee State Sales Tax and a fee ranging from $25.25 to $93.25. (depending on the length).
What is required to drive a boat in Tennessee?
- Those under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a supervisor who is at least 18 years old and capable of taking immediate control of the vessel. If the supervisor was born after January 1, 1989, he or she must additionally have a TWRA Boater Education Certificate.
- Anyone operating alone who is 12 years old or older must have a TWRA-issued Boater Education Certificate.
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 unique features that can affect the price of your insurance.
- The horsepower of the boat: Boats with more powerful engines, such as powerboats, have higher rates.
- Insurance rates may be lower for more experienced boaters than for newer boaters with less experience on the water.
How much is boat insurance on average?
The average cost of boat insurance is $200 to $500 per year, while insurance for a very large or costly boat (such as a yacht or sailboat) might cost 15% of the boat’s worth. For example, a $100,000 boat might cost around $2,500 per year to insure.
Boat insurance costs vary depending on you and your boat, just like other insurance rates.
What is every vessel operator required to do?
Collisions can easily be avoided if each vessel operator meets three key obligations.
Every boat or personal watercraft (PWC) operator is responsible for taking all necessary precautions to avoid a collision, taking into account the weather, vessel traffic, and other boats’ limits. To avoid a collision, such activity should be conducted in advance and at a safe distance from other vessels.
The most common cause of crashes is failure to keep a watchful lookout. Every operator must maintain a proper lookout at all times, employing both sight and hearing. Other vessels, radio communications, navigational dangers, and anyone engaging in maritime operations should all be kept in mind.
Safe speed is the speed at which you will have enough time to avoid a collision and will be able to stop safely. Wind, water conditions, navigational hazards, visibility, neighboring vessel traffic density, and the maneuverability of your boat or PWC will all influence your safe speed. At night or when visibility is limited, reduce speed and navigate with utmost caution.
Does boat insurance include towing?
When towing your boat to the water, it’s critical to know what your boat insurance covers and what it doesn’t. Physical damage to your boat trailer is covered by boat insurance, but liability coverage is not.
“Boat insurance never covers the liability of pulling a trailer,” explains Mike Pellerin, vice president of underwriting at BoatU.S. “This is always covered by car insurance. As a result, if you rear-end another vehicle or damage someone else’s property, your liability is usually tied to your vehicle.”
Before attempting to transport a boat on the road, Pellerin advises boaters to double-check that their auto insurance covers towing a trailer. It is possible that additional coverage will be necessary.