Marine Insurance Claims

As a Pennsylvanian, do I need marine insurance? Is it required or is it only recommended? These are common questions for boat owners in the state of Pennsylvania. In Pennsylvania, marine insurance is highly recommended. It is often referred to as boating insurance by insurance companies. Once you obtain insurance, the objective is to have coverage for damage or accidents.

We at Freundlich & Littman, LLC are your marine insurance claim attorneys. We are here to help you through the process. Pennsylvania and New Jersey are home to many great fishing spots. If you carry insurance on your boat, you should receive full compensation for any damage. If not, contact us today. We are here to fight for you.

PA Marine Rules

In the state of Pennsylvania, you need to register any motorized water vessel. This includes yachts, fishing boats, and jet skis. You must register it with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Be careful. You need to make sure you also register any non-motorized fishing boat if used at a state park lake or a body of water owned by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission requires that any operator of a boat carry a Boating Safety Education Certificate. The Commission issues the certificates to those that pass their class. While operating a watercraft, boaters must carry the Certificate. The certificate is good for life. You should carry the certificate on hand while operating a motorized water vessel.

Even though Pennsylvania does not require you to have boating insurance, it might be a requirement if you owe money to a bank for your boat. Likewise, certain marinas or docks may need you to carry insurance before you receive permission to dock your boat there.

Making A Claim To Your Insurance Company

The insurance claim process for a boat is relatively simple. Whether by phone or online, you file the claim with your marine insurance company. All insurance companies have fraud detection policies in place. Boats and other aquatic vessels are susceptible to fraud; therefore, boating insurance claims may need to pass through stricter guidelines.

The best policy is to be as honest as possible. If you are unsure of how to proceed, contact your marine insurance claims attorney before speaking to them. After speaking with them, you should hear back after a reasonable time. Insurance companies may not unreasonably delay your marine insurance claim. Keep in mind that a natural disaster may cause some delays.