Q: Is there Boat Rental Insurance available?

A: Yes. Extra insurance can be purchased by the boat renter through Peer-to-Peer Boat Rental Policy.

Q: I own a Marina, can I use my Marina's insurance to rent boats?

A: Contact your Marine Operators Liability insurance company or your broker. Inform them you will be renting boats and ask them to add "Owned Watercraft" to your policy.

Q: Is it required that I purchase insurance?

A: No – No US state laws require a boat owner to carry boat rental insurance.

Q: Is boat rental insurance expensive?

A: No -Boat Rental Insurance is very reasonable. In fact, in most cases it is less expensive than private boat owner insurance.

Q: Why is boat rental insurance inexpensive?

A: "Limitation of Liability Act" of 1851. Insurance Carrier's Ace in the Hole.

Q: What is Limitation of Liability Act?

A: The Limitation Act limits a boat owner liability from accidents that result in personal injuries and other losses that occur on navigable waters. 46 U.S.C. App. §188

Q: Are all boat owners covered and protected by the limitation of Liability Act?

A: Yes, The Limitation Act applies to all "seagoing vessels and also to all vessels used on lakes or rivers or in inland navigation, including canal boats, barges, and lighters." 46 U.S.C. App. §186. The term vessel has recently been enlarged by the U.S. Supreme Court in Stewart v. Dutra Const. Co., 543 U.S. 481, 125 S.Ct. 1118 (2005) to owners of pleasure craft, including jet skis and house boats, are permitted to limit liability. (Boat Owners are ONLY responsible or liable up to the value of their boat AFTER said incident) Keys Jet Ski, Inc. v. Kays, 893 F.2d 1225 (11th Cir. 1990); Warnken v. Moody, 22 F.2d 960, 962 (5th Cir.1927); In re Guglielmo, 704 F.Supp. 352 (E.D.N.Y.1989) (twentyone foot motor boat).

Have more questions? Feel free to contact RentABoat.com!