Maine PWC Insurance
Find the right pwc insurance policy for you.
Written by
Ann Herro has been writing about insurance and employee benefits for over 15 years. She has covered topics as easy as insuring a car, and as difficult as transparency in healthcare costs.
Personal watercraft (PWCs), such as Jet Skis and WaveRunners, are very popular in Maine with its gorgeous lakes and miles of shoreline. PWCs are fast, powerful, nimble and fun, and they are popular with families and thrill seekers alike. Before you take your PWC out on the water in Maine, make sure that you find PWC insurance quotes for coverage that is appropriate to your needs. Whether you are riding the waves at Moosehead or Sebago lakes, or cruising the shoreline at Kennebunkport, Maine, make sure you insure your on-the-water adventure against accidents and injuries.
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Important Safety and Statute Reminders
- In the state of Maine, no one under the age of 16 may operate a personal watercraft. Those between the age of 16 and 17 can operate a PWC under either of two conditions:
- They have successfully completed a boating-safety education course, and they carry proof of age and completion of course on board at all times.
- An adult 18 or older accompanies the child.
- If a person under 18 is operating a PWC, the parents are responsible for the person's actions while the person is operating the vessel.
- It is also illegal to operate a PWC between sunset and sunrise.
You must follow the federal guidelines and requirements along with the ME state regulations.
Do You Need PWC Insurance in Maine?
PWC insurance isn't legally required in Maine – but then again, neither is life insurance. Your personal watercraft represents a significant investment, so it makes sense to protect it and those riding it.
Should an accident occur while you or someone else is operating your PWC, you will be liable for any damage or injuries resulting from the crash. PWC insurance will protect you against such events.
What Does PWC Insurance Protect You From?
Depending on the type of PWC coverage you choose, Maine insurance providers offer policies to protect you in a variety of events:
- Actual cash value or total loss replacement
- Emergency towing and labor
- Fuel spill liability
- Wreckage removal coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured boaters coverage
- Roadside assistance
What Kind of Coverage Should You Buy?
As with most types of insurance, it's a good idea to consider these optional coverage options:
- Uninsured boater - in case you're in an accident caused by a boater who doesn't have coverage, this insurance will pay for your damages or bodily injuries
- Medical payments - if someone is injured on your PWC, including yourself or a passenger, this coverage can help you pay for medical bills for injury treatment
- Comprehensive and collision options - these options cover damage to your PWC for collision or other-than-collision damages, like severe weather or hail
These standard options will cover you for others' injuries and property damage, help with your own medical payments, protect you against losses due to theft, fire and other damage and even provide for replacement of your PWC in case of a total loss.
When you customize your quotes, consider the many other coverage options Maine insurance representatives offer to make sure you have total protection.
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How Much Will it Cost?
Generally, PWC insurance is very affordable, with basic coverage costing as little as $100 a year. Individual rates depend on the type of watercraft you want to insure, its intended use and many other less obvious factors, including personal details like your age and marital status.
The type of PWC you have chosen to enjoy Maine's lakes and coastal beaches will determine how much an insurance policy will cost. The riskier the model, the more expensive it will be to insure.
These common factors will also influence your unique rate:
- Your driving record
- Your experience with PWCs
- The watercraft’s horsepower
- The type and amount of coverage you choose
- Whether you include coverage for a trailer, equipment or towing services
- The deductible you choose
You can mitigate the cost to insure your PWC by keeping a clean driving record, obtaining more experience with your watercraft and choosing a safer model.
What Types of PWCs Can You Insure?
PWCs come in all shapes and sizes – stand-up, sit-down, submersible, multiple-person. No matter which style you have chosen to enjoy Maine's beautiful waterways, it is important to insure yourself and your vehicle. The following are well-known PWC brands:
- Aqua Scooter
- Flyboard
- Wetbike
- Superjet
- Wave Blaster
- Jet Ski
There are several types of personal watercraft and they differ in performance, stability and the amount of skill necessary to operate them. Some have the capacity for one person while others can carry up to four people. You can operate them while sitting, standing or kneeling, depending on the type.
A stand–up PWC allows for one rider who either stands or kneels on the watercraft, as opposed to sits. Leading brands of stand-up PWCs include Kawasaki and Yamaha.
Sit–downs, which allow the rider to sit or stand, can usually carry 2 to 4 people and often have the ability to tow skiers and wake boarders. Sea-Doos and WaveRunners are popular brands of sit–down PWCs (trademarked by Bombardier and Yamaha, respectively).
Protect Yourself on Maine's Beautiful Waters
Getting quotes from one of Maine's authorized insurance providers for PWC coverage takes just minutes. Contact a Trusted Choice® independent insurance agent to find out how to get coverage, so you can ride the waves with peace of mind.