If you have your own boat, you’re going to need insurance for it and there is a wealth of companies trying to sell you some. My dad taught me when I was still a girl how important boat insurance was but it’s unfortunate most people don’t get taught how to find a good boat insurance company.

Know this: all boat insurance companies are not the same.

Don’t just go with the first insurance company to come your way and remember that you don’t have to be locked into one offered by the company when you buy your boat. Although, if there is one offered when you buy your boat, you might want to check it out.

Some qualities of a good boat insurance company are:

• Will replace the boat if damaged or destroyed instead of just giving you the value (remember, boats depreciate in value over time)
• Will cover personal possessions on the boat as well
• Will protect people on the boat in the event of an accident

You should feel comfortable with your boat insurance company the same as you would with your health or life insurance company or even an auto insurance company. If you already have these policies with a good company, you might find out if they offer boat insurance first.

Also make sure you shop around. Find out what companies are available to you and what companies your boating friends are using. Then compare this to what you’re looking for in a company. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If a company doesn’t want to answer your questions, you may rethink using them.

If you live in Broward County and you have a great boat insurance company, leave me a comment and let me know who they are and why you like them so much. I’m looking to get my first boat (really feeling like an adult now hehe) and I still need to pick a good company. Word of mouth advertising can go a long way!