Call Us 412.341.6550 ☰ ˟
Kasky Insurance
Schedule an Appointment
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Resources
    • Refer a Friend
    • Insurance Glossary
  • About Us
    • About Kasky Insurance & Financial Services, Inc
    • Location Map
    • Customer Testimonials
    • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Join Our Newsletter
Icon Auto Icon Home
Icon Business
Icon Life
Icon Health Icon Disability
Home > Blog > Buying Your First Boat? Take these Critical Steps
TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2019

Buying Your First Boat? Take these Critical Steps

unmanned boat sitting on lakeHas it been a dream of yours to buy a boat with your first salary bonus? If that's your goal, you've probably put a lot of thought into the process. However, even once you sign for the vessel, you still have to take a few other steps. Buying a boat is a lot like buying a car. Here’s what to do to make sure you own and operate it legally.

1. Take Your Boating Safety Course

Pennsylvania law requires certain boaters to carry a boating safety certificate. The certificate verifies that you have the understanding and qualifications to sail safely. Those who must get certificates are:

  • Anyone born after January 1, 1982 who operates boats with motors over 25 horsepower
  • All personal watercraft operators
You can obtain the boating safety certificate by taking a boating education class offered through multiple community resources. Contact the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission for more information.

2. Register the Vessel

Like you register your car, you will also have to title and register your vessel. Most motor-powered vessels have to carry titling and registration. Sailboats and unpowered boats might also have to carry registration, depending on if they have electrical features or how or where you plan to use them.

3. Stock Safety Gear

You must outfit your boat with appropriate safety gear. The right materials will help you avoid accidents and keep you and your passengers safe. Some of these items might include:

  • Life jackets and life preservers
  • First Aid kits
  • Lifelines
  • Emergency flares
  • Auxiliary generators
In some cases, you must carry these items on your boat, by law.

4. Buy Boat Insurance

Pennsylvania law does not require boaters to buy boat insurance. However, you still need it, nonetheless. With boat insurance, you’ll be able to protect yourself and other parties in case accidents occur. Some of the coverage you need includes:

  • Liability coverage: This coverage pays for the damage you cause others if you are at-fault for a boating accident.
  • Collision insurance: If you collide with other objects, this coverage can pay for your repairs.
  • Comprehensive insurance: Boat damage that results from non-accident hazards, like fires, vandalism or severe weather, will have coverage under this protection.
  • Uninsured boater coverage: If another boater doesn't have liability insurance, they might not be able to repay you for your own losses, even if they are at-fault for the damage. This coverage can help you do so instead.
  • Salvage/pollution cleanup coverage: This coverage will help you pay to salvage a sunken boat or clean up fuel spills that result from accidents.

Keep in mind, though the state might not require coverage, other parties, like financial lenders or marina companies might. So, before you hit the water, make sure to have your paperwork in line. Call Kasky Insurance at (412) 341-6550 to learn more about insurance options for your boat.

Also Read: Discounts To Ask For When Bundling Your Insurance

Contact Us

Posted 1:00 PM

Tags: insurance, boat insurance, boating in pennsylvania
Share |


No Comments


Post a Comment
Required
Required (Not Displayed)
Required


All comments are moderated and stripped of HTML.

NOTICE: This blog and website are made available by the publisher for educational and informational purposes only. It is not be used as a substitute for competent insurance, legal, or tax advice from a licensed professional in your state. By using this blog site you understand that there is no broker client relationship between you and the blog and website publisher.
Blog Archive
  • 2019
  • 2018

  • kasky insurance and financial services(8)
  • kasky insurance(7)
  • insurance(5)
  • home insurance(3)
  • car insurance(3)
  • business insurance(3)
  • auto insurance(2)
  • life insurance(2)
  • general liability insurance(2)
  • coverage(2)
  • commercial liability insurance(1)
  • renters insurance(1)
  • debris removal(1)
  • medical payments(1)
  • workers compensation insurance(1)
  • bop(1)
  • bundle(1)
  • bumper damage(1)
  • boating in pennsylvania(1)
  • business owners policy(1)
  • savings(1)
  • protect your bike(1)
  • homeowners(1)
  • term life insurance(1)
  • motorcycle insurance(1)
  • benefits(1)
  • boat insurance(1)
  • religious organizations(1)
  • professional liability insurance(1)
  • commercial auto insurance(1)
  • bops(1)

View Mobile Version
Insure your needs today!
Social Social Social Social Social
Quick Links
Home
Get A Quote
Customer Service
Payment Options
Report a Claim
About Us
Our Carriers
Partners
Blog
Contact Us
Location 493 Thornycroft Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15228

P: 412.341.6550
F: 412.341.6603
Email Us
Powered by Insurance Website Builder