South Carolina PWC Insurance
Find the right pwc insurance policy for you.
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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.
South Carolina has more than 180 miles of coastline, 12 major lakes, and a mild climate, so it is little wonder that many residents enjoy water-based activities. No matter where you live in this state, there is a body of water within driving distance. PWCs, or personal watercrafts, provide a fun way to enjoy time on the water, but if handled incorrectly, can prove quite hazardous. South Carolina PWC insurance is not required by law but it is a good way to protect your finances from the costs of property damage and bodily injuries.
An independent insurance agent in our network can help you assess your coverage needs and determine which options are right for you. These agents work with several different insurance providers, so they can find you a variety of policies that meet your coverage and budgetary needs. Contact a member agent near you to learn more and you can start comparing South Carolina PWC insurance quotes today.
South Carolina PWC Laws
- All passengers must wear a personal floatation device, or life jacket, at all times
- You may not operate your PWC between sunset and sunrise
- All PWCs must have an engine cutoff switch that is attached to the driver at all times
- Wake jumping is not permitted within 200 feet of another vessel
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What Types of Watercraft Does PWC Insurance Cover?
Most people are familiar with PWC brand names such as Jet Ski, Sea-Doo and WaveRunner. These popular brands make up some of the many different types of watercraft covered by PWC insurance. A South Carolina PWC insurance policy will provide coverage for:
- Stand-up models: The first kind of PWC on the market, these were designed to allow an operator to stand on the craft. Stand-up PWCs are the most challenging to operate due to an increased risk of tipping over.
- Sit-down models: An operator sits down on this type of PWC, and many models allow for a passenger to ride behind the driver. Sit-down PWCs are less likely to tip over than the stand-up models.
- Multi-person models: These are designed to accommodate three or four people at a time, and are designed to be very stable, even when fully loaded. Four-person PWCs are popular with families.
- Submersible models: These PWCs dive under the water and appear to leap like a dolphin out of it when they re-emerge.
What Are the Risks Associated with PWC Use?
Of course, there are collision risks when operating any watercraft at high speeds. Many PWC accidents occur because operators do not follow posted rules regarding underaged operators, alcohol use, and maintaining a safe distance from other watercraft. When a PWC operator is involved in a collision, the ensuing costs can be rather high. Many PWCs are very expensive and they can be lost or damaged outside of a collision as well. Owners face risks when they store their watercrafts or tow them to and from the water. PWCs and their trailers can be costly investments, but proper insurance coverage can shield you from financial losses if they are damaged outside of the water.
What Coverage Does South Carolina PWC Insurance Provide?
A basic South Carolina PWC insurance policy will provide you with liability coverage if you cause property damage or bodily injuries to a third-party while operating your PWC. Liability coverage includes compensation for any related court costs and legal fees. Beyond that, most policies offer several policy options, some of which may be included with standard coverage by some providers. Coverage options include:
- Collision coverage: This provides coverage if your vehicle is damaged in an accident, regardless of fault.
- Uninsured and underinsured boater coverage: This will help pay for your injuries and damages if another boater is at fault for a collision and lacks adequate insurance to cover your costs.
- Medical payments coverage: If you or any of your passengers are injured in a collision, this will provide coverage for medical treatment, regardless of fault.
- Towing and assistance coverage: If your PWC becomes disabled in the water, this coverage reimburses you for any necessary assistance or towing costs.
- Wreckage removal: If you are responsible for an accident while operating your PWC, you will be required to pay for any necessary wreckage remove and fuel-spill clean-up costs. Depending on the nature of the accident, these costs can be quite high. This insurance coverage will cover these costs.
- Comprehensive coverage: This provides reimbursement if your PWC is lost or damaged due to severe weather events, falling objects, fire, theft or vandalism.
- Accessory coverage: This addendum to comprehensive coverage provides added protection for your accessories such as floatation devices, upgrades, and other PWC gear.
An agent in our network can provide you with more information about each coverage option and can advise you about the costs associated with adding them to your policy.
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Compare South Carolina PWC Insurance Quotes
A homeowners insurance policy may offer a bit of coverage for your PWC, but it is usually very limited. Only a South Carolina PWC insurance policy can fully protect you and your watercraft from the hazards you may face. An agent in our network can help you review what coverage you already have and can advise you about how you can get full coverage at a reasonable cost. Find an agent in your area today to get South Caroline PWC insurance quotes that meet your needs and budget. These independent agents can shop for custom-tailored policies from many different insurers and can then help you compare the coverage before you make a selection.
Contact a local agent today to learn more about South Carolina PWC insurance and to see how much time and money working with a member agent can save you.