Watercraft Insurance with Link: Boat Insurance in Alberta
With a short boating season, Albertans don’t have time to think about property damage, liability and storage options. When it comes to choosing the best insurance policy, we have you covered. There are mishaps that can happen in and out of the water, so it’s important to have the proper coverage so you’re not caught off guard after a loss.
Your primary property insurance can include your boat as an insured item. But protection is limited, given the often-hefty price tag of a yacht or cabin cruiser. In some situations, it pays to go “on board” for full coverage.
Boat Insurance
Boat insurance policies, often called marine or watercraft insurance, include standard coverage, meaning you’re covered for basic liability.
Keep in mind your insurance rates for watercraft will vary widely based on a number of factors, including the age and type of boat, material of hull (wood, fiberglass), where the boat is used, who’s using it, and any boat safety courses taken.
Standard Boat Insurance Options
Liability: when you’ve caused physical damage to your boat on someone else’s property or your passengers get hurt, liability insurance will help cover the costs.
Physical Damage Coverage: a combined insurance policy or a solo boat policy both involve calculating the value of your boat, motors(s), equipment and trailer after a loss. But, how is it calculated?
- Replacement Cost: in the event of a covered loss, the insurer will pay the replacement cost of the watercraft.
- Agreed Cash Value: the insurer agrees to honor the predetermined value of the boat.
Boat Insurance Protection
There are many options for additional boat coverage in Alberta that is not covered in a standard or basic boat insurance policy.
7 Optional Coverages:
Loss of use: you’re in a bind because you’re on vacation and your boat needs to be repaired or replaced. When you need an alternative boat to water ski or take your friends on a boat tour, the loss of use protection has you covered – if it was an insured loss that caused the repair or replacement.
Additional Living Expenses: this coverage includes any extra expenses that are required (pre-determined in your policy) after an insured loss.
Increased Contents: you can add coverage for your personal belongings, such as sports equipment.
Navigational Extensions: navigational limits are set out as the usage areas of your boat. If you sail or tow your boat beyond these limits, it’s an extra cost.
Roadside Assistance: you have an accident and must leave your boat on the water, or you have an accident towing your cabin cruiser on the way to the lake, you can use roadside assistance as an add-on. It will likely cost more to leave your boat out in the open rather than pay for a tow, which runs upwards of $200, if you don’t have the endorsement set up ahead of time.
Personal Property: includes fishing and water sports equipment. Also includes personal items on board of a yacht, cabin cruiser, or sailboat.
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We help you navigate your policy options and add-ons, so you can enjoy life on and off the water.
Boat Insurance Benefits
Personalized Policies
Whether you need an accessories policy or no distance limits add-on, we have you covered. Every boat is different, so we provide you with customized policy options that suit your needs.
Peace of Mind
Rest easy at night on land or on the open water with personalized policy options, access to expert brokers, and insurance tools at your fingertips.
24/7 Help
Our insurance partners are available 24/7 to help you navigate the choppy waters of your insurance policy.
Find a Link Broker
We help you when it’s convenient for you. Get in touch with one of our mobile brokers, or visit us at one of our 9 locations in Alberta.
Contact Us
Our Insurance Providers
We treat you like family. Since 1983, Link Insurance has partnered with multiple insurance companies to give you first-hand access to competitive rates and great customer service. Our skilled brokers will walk you through your insurance policy documents and translate the often-complicated insurance lingo.
Common Exclusions
There are several risks and exclusions that are omitted from a boat insurance policy. Here are six of the most common exclusions:
- Ice, freezing, and other damage
- Diminished value of boat after a certain age
- Theft for unsecured items
- Lay-up restrictions
- Racing use
- Driving under the influence
Get Your Boat License
Like a drivers license, you require a license to operate a boat in Alberta. You can purchase a Pleasure Craft Operator Card in Alberta for a small fee. You can be charged with driving without insurance.