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Personal insurance questions
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Why you may need special coverage for
your boat, snowmobile and other "toys"
Planning to buy a boat, snowmobile or other off-road vehicle and wondering what
protection your homeowners policy offers? Your best bet is to check with your independent
insurance agent for detailed information pertaining to your situation, but here are a few
things to consider:
Does it need "tags?"
If your snowmobile, dirt bike or, yes, garden tractor is subject to motor vehicle
registration, it’s not covered for damage under your basic homeowners policy.
You’ll need a special endorsement or, more often, special coverage under your auto
policy.
Where are you using it?
Where you use the vehicle is a key factor in determining whether or not you have
liability coverage under your homeowners policy. For example, if you’re using your
own golf cart on the course, you’re covered, but not if you take it out on the nearby
interstate. Similarly, you have liability protection for a snowmobile you use on your
premises, but not beyond your property lines.
How big is your boat and where do you keep it?
Your homeowners policy provides limited coverage (usually up to $1,000) for damage to a
watercraft you own and keep at home. Also, damage from wind or hail is only covered while
it is in an enclosed area, such as a garage. Certainly, if you own a mid- or large-size
watercraft and keep it docked off premises, this is not sufficient coverage. Further, once
your craft "hits the water," you have no liability coverage for injury or
damage you cause.
Renting vehicles is a whole different story.
Your liability coverage related to operating recreational vehicles is actually greater
when the vehicle is not yours. For instance, if you’re on vacation and you rent a
waverunner, ATV or moped, you have liability coverage no matter where you go. If you
borrow a friend’s snowmobile (with permission of course), the same holds true.
Bottom line: If you own these type of vehicles, call your insurance agent, discuss your
situation in detail, and work together to assure you’re fully protected for property
damage and, more importantly, your personal liability.
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