Ayrton Oneill
If your boat's engine has blown, you may be wondering if your insurance will cover the cost of repairs or a replacement. The answer depends on a few factors, including the cause of the damage and the type of insurance policy you have. In general, boat insurance does not cover blown engines that are a result of wear and tear or negligence. However, if the engine is damaged due to a covered incident, such as severe weather or a collision, then your policy's comprehensive or collision coverage may pay for the repairs or replacement.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wear and tear | Not covered |
| Collision with an object | Covered |
| Collision with another boat | Covered |
| Severe weather | Covered |
| Vandalism | Covered |
| Theft | Covered |
| Fire | Covered |
| Comprehensive coverage | Covered |
| Collision coverage | Covered |
| Negligence | Not covered |
| Oil changes | Not covered |
| Regular maintenance | Not covered |
| Winterizing a boat | Not covered |
What You'll Learn
Comprehensive coverage
It is important to note that comprehensive coverage does not extend to situations where the blown engine is a result of the owner's negligence or failure to maintain the vessel properly. For instance, if the engine blowout is due to a lack of regular maintenance, such as oil changes or winterization, the insurance company will likely deny the claim. In such cases, the responsibility for repairing or replacing the engine falls on the boat owner.
Additionally, comprehensive coverage can provide peace of mind in the event of other unforeseen issues. For example, if your boat sustains damage due to a fire, comprehensive coverage can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement. This type of coverage also typically includes protection against theft, so if your boat is stolen or vandalized, you can receive compensation for the losses incurred.
When considering comprehensive coverage for your boat insurance, it is essential to carefully review the specific terms and conditions of the policy. Different insurance providers may have varying levels of coverage, and it is crucial to understand what is included and excluded in your particular plan. By taking the time to understand the details of your comprehensive coverage, you can ensure that you are adequately protected in the event of unexpected engine issues or other covered incidents.
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Collision coverage
If you have collision coverage, your insurer will pay to repair or replace your boat, up to your policy's limits and after you pay your deductible. This means that if your boat is damaged beyond repair, your insurer will pay to replace it, saving you from depreciation costs.
When deciding whether to add collision coverage to your boat insurance policy, consider the actual cash value of your boat, your personal preferences, and your financial situation. If your boat has a low cash value, collision coverage may not be worth the cost. However, if you cannot afford to repair or replace your boat out of pocket, then this coverage may be valuable.
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Wear and tear exclusions
A wear-and-tear exclusion is a provision in an insurance policy that states that the normal deterioration of the insured object is not covered by the insurance policy. Boat insurance policies typically exclude coverage for damage caused by regular wear and tear. If a boat sustains damage from regular use, insurance may not cover the repair costs.
Boat insurance policies do not cover machinery or parts that need repair or replacement due to deterioration, lack of maintenance, improper use, or mechanical and production defects. However, insurance may still cover machinery if it is damaged by a covered peril, like a collision or storm. For example, if a boat's engine is damaged due to a covered incident, such as severe weather or a collision with an object, then the policy's comprehensive or collision coverage may pay to repair or replace it.
In the case of Miele v. Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s of London, an insured’s 32-foot boat sank, and the insured filed a claim under their insurance policy. The insurer denied coverage, stating that the policy excluded coverage for losses and/or damages arising from "the cost of repairs or replacing any part of Your Boat by reason of wear and tear, gradual deterioration, osmosis, wet or dry rot, corrosion, weathering, marring, scratching, denting, vermin, pets or marine life, or electrolytic or galvanic action." The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the wear and tear exclusion applied to all losses and damage arising directly or indirectly from the need to replace the air conditioning hose.
To avoid wear and tear exclusions, boat owners can perform regular maintenance and keep their boat in good condition. Saltwater corrosion, for instance, is a typical boat deterioration that is usually not covered by boat insurance. By regularly removing minerals, boat owners can protect their vessel from corrosion and rust.
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Policy limitations
Boat insurance policies typically do not cover normal wear and tear, improper maintenance, or negligence. This includes failing to perform regular maintenance, such as oil changes, or not properly winterizing the boat, which can lead to engine damage due to freezing temperatures.
Additionally, damage caused by mold, insects, zebra mussels, or small animals is generally excluded from coverage. Defective machinery or machinery damage is also often excluded.
It is important to note that insurance policies for larger boats may have navigational limits, restricting where the vessel can be operated. Operating outside of the agreed-upon territory may result in a loss of coverage.
Furthermore, if the boat is taken out of storage before the agreed-upon layup period ends, any damage incurred during that time may not be covered.
Another important consideration is the age and condition of the boat. Older boats may require an inspection by a marine surveyor to determine their seaworthiness, condition, and market value, which can impact the coverage offered.
Lastly, the type of insurance policy and the cause of the damage will determine whether a blown engine is covered. Comprehensive coverage may cover events outside of the owner's control, such as severe weather, theft, or vandalism, while collision coverage applies to damage resulting from a collision with another boat or object.
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Claim considerations
When considering whether to file a claim for a blown boat engine, it is important to keep in mind the factors surrounding the incident. Here are some key considerations:
Type of Damage and Cause
The cause of the blown engine will be a critical factor in determining whether your insurance policy will cover it. Normal wear and tear, improper maintenance, and negligence are typically excluded from coverage. If the blowout is due to any covered incidents, such as a collision with another object or severe weather, your claim is more likely to be approved.
Appraisal and Deductible
Before filing a claim, it is advisable to have the damage appraised to determine whether it is more cost-effective to pay for repairs out of pocket. If the repair costs are less than your deductible, you may want to avoid filing a claim, as it could result in increased insurance rates.
Policy Details and Coverage Type
The specific details of your boat insurance policy and the type of coverage you have will play a significant role in whether a blown engine is covered. Comprehensive and collision coverage are typically required for this type of claim. Review your policy guidelines to understand the limitations and exclusions of your coverage.
Age and Condition of the Boat
The age of your boat and its engine can impact whether a blown engine is covered. Older boats may require a marine survey to determine their condition and market value, which can affect your coverage. Additionally, the age of the motor will be a factor in determining reimbursement, as depreciation may be applied.
Navigational Parameters
For larger boats, insurance policies often have navigational limits that outline where you can operate your vessel. Operating outside the agreed-upon territory may result in a lack of coverage for any incidents, including engine damage. Broader navigational parameters typically come with higher insurance policy costs.
Layup Period
If you store your boat out of the water during cold weather, your insurance company may offer a layup period with a credit since the vessel is not in use. However, if you take your boat out on the water before this period ends, any damage incurred, including engine issues, may not be covered.
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Frequently asked questions
Boat insurance generally doesn't cover a blown engine if it's due to wear and tear or negligence. However, if the engine is damaged due to a covered incident, such as severe weather or a collision, then your policy's comprehensive or collision coverage may pay to repair or replace it.
Comprehensive coverage provides compensation for damage due to lightning, windstorms, theft, vandalism and more.
Collision coverage provides compensation if your boat is damaged due to a collision, either with a boat or another object.
Before filing an insurance claim, it's best to have the damage appraised to see if the cost of repairs is more or less than the cost of your deductible. If it costs less to repair the damages out of pocket, you may want to avoid filing a claim as it is likely to raise your insurance rates.
