|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
Boaters may need extra insurance to stay afloat Dear Paul C.: I recently bought a small motorboat with a 15-horsepower outboard motor for my cottage. Will my cottage insurance automatically cover this? Also, I have two children, ages 10 and 13. Are there any restrictions on who is allowed to operate the boat? Dear Captain: When it comes to navigating the winding waterways of insurance, you need to chart the safest course. Although both your homeowners (or tenants) and your cottage insurance provide coverage for boats and motors under the property and personal liability sections of your policy, that may not be enough. For example, damage to the boat or motor is usually covered only up to a total of $1,000, and is limited to the perils (causes of loss) outlined on the policy. That does not normally include waterborne mishaps, such as collision, stranding, sinking, propeller loss, etc. Coverage for personal liability is also limited, depending on the size of the boat and the power and type of motor. But don’t worry – your insurer can toss you a lifeline. For a small additional premium, an “Outboard Boat and Motor Floater” will give you the extra protection you need. This insurance will cover the boat and any accessories and equipment permanently attached; the motor, including fuel tanks, battery, and electric starting equipment; the trailer; and miscellaneous accessories, like boat covers, flares, and life preservers – again, up to a specific, but higher, limit. You can get this coverage as a standalone policy or as an addition to your home or cottage policy. But it does have some exclusions, so be sure to ask your insurance representative what ISN’T covered. To answer your second question, yes, there are restrictions on who can operate a boat. Effective April 1, 1999, new Canada-wide boating safety regulations came into effect under the Canada Shipping Act. Children under 12 years old are not permitted to operate pleasure craft above 10 horsepower, UNLESS accompanied, and directly supervised, by a person of 16 years of age or older who is in the boat with them. So don’t let your 10-year-old drive the boat without appropriate supervision. The same restrictions apply to youths from 12-15 years old regarding pleasure craft above 40 horsepower. In addition, operators of pleasure craft fitted with a motor – and that includes jet-skis – used for recreational purposes are required to have “proof of competency” on board at all times, if the operator was born in 1983 or earlier. That means either proof of having taken a boating safety course (prior to April 1, 1999), or a pleasure craft operator card from a Canadian Coast Guard accredited course provider. For a list of providers, call the Boating Safety Infoline at 1-800-267-6687, or visit the Canadian Coast Guard Web site at http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca. Without the proper insurance and credentials, you will be up the proverbial creek without a paddle! |
|
Instar Insurance Brokers |