The insurance industry calls Jet Ski, Wave Runner, and Sea-Doo “personal watercraft,” or “PWC,” and classifies them into two types: stand-up PWCs used by a single rider who stands or kneels while operating and sit-down PWCs used by one or more riders who sit while operating. Most insurance companies that offer boat insurance also offer PWC policies.
PWC insurance requirements vary by state but, required or not, it’s a smart choice considering the risky nature of personal watercraft. A variety of PWC coverage options exist including liability, collision, comprehensive, medical, total loss replacement, as well as on-water towing and labor. Policy types will determine rates as will other factors like the PWC make and model, horsepower, engine specifications, storage location, as well as owner credit and accident history.
A personal watercraft policy covers you or someone who you've allowed to operate your craft for incidents that result in:
- Bodily injury: If another person is injured by you or someone operating your craft.
- You can also get Bodily Injury in the event you are injured by an uninsured watercraft operator.
- Liability: This helps with the financial costs associated with being sued by someone else due to an accident.
- Property damage: If you or someone operating your craft causes property damage to another watercraft, dock, boat, etc.
A personal watercraft policy may also cover:
- Theft of the personal watercraft.
- Towing, if the watercraft is in an accident.
Additional coverage can be purchased for trailers and other accessories.
Each watercraft needs it's own policy, but some insurance companies offer multi-craft discounts
