Frequently Asked Questions

Get A Quote >>

Q. How long have you been in business? A. United Marine Underwriters first started in the insurance business as a boat insurance only agency in April of 1990. return to top

Q. Who services my policy at United Marine Underwriters? A. While United Marine Underwriters is one of the largest boat insurance agencies in the country, we are small enough to handle your individual insurance needs. You will be assigned a primary service person who will look after all your needs. return to top

Q. In what states are you licensed to provide insurance coverage? A. We are licensed in all states except New Mexico. We should be licensed there soon. We provide boat insurance navigation to Canada, the Bahamas and Mexico. return to top

Q. What states require that I have insurance on my boat? A. No state requires boat owners to have insurance on a pleasure boat. If you have a loan using the boat as collateral, the bank will usually require insurance coverage on the boat. They will also require to be listed as a loss payee which protects their interest in the event of loss to the boat. Some marinas will require the boat owner to carry liability insurance and the marina may also require they be named as an additional insured. return to top Q. Is there a minimum required amount of insurance I should buy? A. There is not a minimum required amount of insurance. The standard liability limits are $100,000, $300,000, $500,000 and $1,000,000. Some companies have liability limits. Your marina may have a minimum liability limit. If you have an umbrella policy, that policy will have an underlying liability limit that you are required to carry. return to top

Q. How much does boat insurance cost? A. That is a difficult question to answer. There are many items that affect the cost of boat insurance, the location of the boat, the experience of the operator, the size and type of the boat, and the use of the boat. Use our Quick Quote to determine the cost of boat insurance. You can get a quote in about 90 seconds for most boats or you can call 800-477-7140 for a quote. return to top

Q. Why is price not the most important factor when considering boat insurance? A. There are many differences in boat insurance policies. No two are alike. Please review our detailed boat insurance guide. If you purchase insurance just on price alone you may find you do not have the coverage you expected in the event of a loss. Make sure you get your boat insurance from a knowledgeable boat insurance agent. return to top

Q. What can I do to save money on my boat insurance? A. There are many items that affect your boat insurance premiums, such as where you use the boat. Generally coastal areas cost more than inland areas and areas subject to hurricanes cost more with increased deductibles. Most companies will allow a discount if you complete an approved boating safety course. Having an acceptable driving record can also keep your insurance cost down. The hull deductible you select can lower your premium (see What is a Hull Deductible). Purchase a boat that you have similar experience with, do not purchase a 50' boat as your first boat. Most older boats have higher insurance premiums, as do performance (go fast) boats. Boats using gasoline vs. diesel generally have higher premiums. Staying claim free keeps your insurance cost down. return to top

Q. Do you offer discounts for boating courses? A. Most of the insurance companies we represent have discounts for successfully completing an approved safe boating course. Courses approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), include courses by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Power Squadron and others. return to top

Q. What losses are covered by boat insurance? A. Because no two policies are alike, that is not an easy question to answer. Please review our Boat Insurance Guide for complete answers to this question. All the companies represented by United Marine Underwriters are "All Risk" policies which means everything is covered except what is specifically excluded. So to know what is covered, you review what is excluded. We offer both Agreed Value and Actual Cash Value policies. Review our in depth guide to boat insurance including detailed policy comparison. return to top

Q. Who handles claims at United Marine Underwriters? A. Each of the insurance companies we represent will handle your claim. Claims are handled in two different ways. 1. The insurance company will ask you to obtain a repair estimate and pay based on the estimate. 2. The insurance company will hire a local marine surveyor to work with you and the repair facility of your choice to put the boat back in the water as quickly as possible. United Marine Underwriters offers 24 emergency claims service. return to top

Q. How long does it take to get a quote? A. Boat insurance quotes are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week at www.UnitedMarine.net or by phone at 800-477-7140. Our normal business hours are 8:30am to 5pm Monday through Friday. We also have extended business hours. return to top

Q. How do I purchase coverage? A. There are three easy ways to purchase coverage: 1. Call 800-477-7140 x 190 and provide us with the highlighted information on the application attached to your quote. 2. Complete and return the application by email, fax or mail. 3. You can purchase on-line at www.UnitedMarine.net and follow the link "Review - Purchase Your Saved Quote" on the homepage. return to top

Q. Does United Marine Underwriters offer a payment plan? A. We offer 50% down and the remaining 50% is due 30 days from the policy effective date. We also offer 20% down with 4 monthly payments of 20%. You can pay with check, electronic check or credit card. return to top

Q. Do I have coverage for Mexico?

A. You will need to review the specific navigation allowed on the policy. Some will automatically include Mexico and others do not. If the boat insurance policy does provide Mexico navigation, this would be for physical damage coverage only. Mexican law requires that all boats have liability insurance issued through a Mexican insurance company. We can assist you in obtaining the liability insurance issued by a Mexican insurance company. return to top

Q. I entered all my information; so why can’t I get a quote online?

A. Our web quote system is designed to issue quotes automatically. We do have "automatic quote parameters" that must be met for a quote to be issued automatically. If your information falls outside of these "automatic quote parameters" then the quote will require our review. Items that require our review include, but are not limited to, boats over 25 years of age, boating losses, prior boat ownership, and if the boat's top speed is greater than 60 mph. If your quote requires our review, we normally respond within one hour if the request is received during normal business hours. return to top

Q. My model is not listed on your Boat Lookup quote screen?

A. If your model is not listed, select skip Boat Lookup and you can provide us the information manually. return to top

Q. Do you accept payment online?

A. Yes. We accept both electronic checks and credit card payments online. You can also call to make your payment over the phone. return to top Q. Am I allowed to pay my premium after its cancellation date?

A. The system will allow you to submit a payment request. In some cases we can re-instate your policy and in other cases we will need to write a new policy. Submitting a payment request does not bind coverage until accepted by United Marine Underwriters. return to top Q. Are all United Marine Underwriters' boat insurance policies written for 12 months?

A. Yes. All boat insurance policies are for 12 months. In winter climates we can write the policy using a lay-up at a reduced premium. return to top Q. Do I have to be named on the title to purchase a boat insurance policy?

A. Yes. Only a title owner of the boat can purchase a boat insurance policy. If the boat is not insured in the name of the title owner then no coverage is on the boat. return to top Q. I need an insurance ID card.

A. Unlike automobile insurance, most boat insurance companies do not issue ID cards because states do not require insurance on boats. return to top Q. How is my boat covered when on the trailer and attached to my car?

A. Any physical damage to the boat is covered by the boat insurance policy while on the trailer. If the trailer and/or boat causes bodily injury or property damage to a third party, this damage is covered by the liability on the automobile. Boat insurance policies do not provide liability coverage for the trailer and/or boat when connected to a vehicle. return to top Q. My state requires I register my trailer. What do you provide that I can take to register my trailer?

A. You will need to get an ID card from you automobile insurance agent. Boat insurance policies do cover trailers for physical damage, but the liability while trailering is covered by your auto policy. return to top Q. Is anyone I let drive my boat covered?

A. The general answer is anyone you give permission to use the boat is covered. The exceptions to this are marine professional personnel and if the boat insurance policy has a Named Operator endorsement. With a Named Operator endorsement only operators listed can operate the boat. Named Operator endorsements are common on performance boats. return to top Q. Is my boat covered during the lay-up period?

A. Yes. It is fully covered, but the vessel must be out of commission (winterized), can not be operated and can not be used to live aboard. return to top Q. What if I need to use my boat during the lay-up period?

A. You can request that we endorse your policy for temporary use during the lay-up period. If you use your boat during the lay-up without an endorsement there would be no coverage in the event of a loss. return to top Q. What if my boat is stolen during the lay-up period?

A. If your boat is stolen during lay-up, it is fully covered. return to top Q. Why does United Marine Underwriters not have an A.M. Best rating?

A. A.M Best ratings are assigned to insurance companies. United Marine is an agency, not an insurance company. All of the insurance companies we use are rated "A" or better by A.M Best. Review the companies' A.M Best ratings here. return to top Q. Is my boat covered if it falls off the trailer?

A. Yes. The boat insurance policy provides all physical damage to the boat while on the trailer. The liability would be covered by the automobile policy. return to top Q. Is water sports liability covered?

A. Yes. It is automatically included in our policies. We do have one company that will exclude water sports liability for a reduction in premium. return to top Q. If I have a loss, how long does it take for you to respond?

A. You will be assigned an adjuster who will contact you within 4 hours of your report. return to top Q. Where do I take my boat if it is damaged?

A. You will take the boat to the repair facility of your choice. return to top Q. If I cancel my policy, how long does it take to receive a refund?

A. We process refunds by the 20th of each month. return to top Q. If I pay with an electronic check or a credit card, when does the amount get processed?

A. We will process your request that same day if received during business hours. All other requests are processed the next business day. return to top Q. I paid using my online banking. Why do you still say I have an unpaid balance?

A. Your online banking mails United Marine Underwriters a check; they withdraw the money from your account immediately. It usually takes time for the online payment to arrive. It is faster to pay your bill online using the United Marine Underwriters site at www.UnitedMarine.net/payonline.aspx. return to top Q. How much insurance coverage do I need on my boat?

A. The boat should be insured for the current market value. If it is a new purchase, most insurance companies will require that you use the purchase price as the insured value. return to top Q. How much liability (P&I) coverage do I need?

A. This is a tough question for any insurance agent to answer. We offer standard limits of $100,000, $300,000, $500,000 and $1,000,000. We offer higher limits with some insurance companies. return to top Q. What does uninsured/underinsured boaters cover?

A. This is bodily injury coverage for you resulting from an uninsured, underinsured or hit and run boater. Please review our Boat Insurance Guide for complete answers to this question. return to top Q. Is it Okay to purchase an Actual Cash Value policy?

A. It is okay under certain situations, mainly for older boats or for special policies like performance boats. United Marine recommends agreed value policies when available. Review our Boat Insurance Guide for complete details on Actual Cash Value. return to top Q. I was told I need a marine survey. How often is it required?

A. Boat insurance companies require surveys to determine the boat's condition and value. Each insurance company will require surveys and updated surveys at different times. Most insurance companies require the original survey once the vessel becomes 10 years of age. Some of our insurance companies will go to 15 years for inland boats. We also have one market that will allow a picture survey. The picture survey takes some of your time but no cost. After the original survey, most companies will require an updated survey every 5 to 10 years. return to top Q. What are navigation limits?

A. All boat insurance policies have a navigational territory. You must stay within the navigational territory to remain covered. You can travel outside the navigation territory if you obtain an endorsement providing permission from the insurance company. return to top Q. What is covered under Emergency Service and Towing?

A. Towing provides coverage to the nearest place where repairs can be made. Emergency Services are items such as the delivery of fuel or a jump start. For full details on towing and emergency services please review our Boat Insurance Guide. return to top Q. Can I obtain coverage for my boat if I charter it?

A. Yes. United Marine Underwriters provides insurance coverage for Occasional Charter and Full Charter operations. return to top Q. Am I covered if I transport my boat overland?

A. The answer to this questions changes from company to company. Please review our Boat Insurance Guide to see how the company you are insured with handles overland transit. return to top Q. Is my dinghy or jet ski covered?

A. Most boat insurance companies require you to obtain a separate policy for Personal Watercraft (PWC) and jet skis. Most boat insurance companies do provide coverage for dinghies but how they provide coverage varies from company to company. Please review our Boat Insurance Guide to see how the company you are insured with handles coverage for dinghies. return to top Q. Does my policy have a grace period?

A. No. Boat insurance policies do not have a grace period. return to top Q. How do I re-access my quote?

A. You can review and purchase your quote on line at www.UnitedMarine.net . You will need the quote id number and the mailing zip code used with your quote. return to top Q. What do I include in the purchase price?

A. The purchase price includes the boat, motors and any additional equipment, like electronics. Do not include the trailer or dinghy as these two items will have their own stated value. return to top Q. Why will you not allow the boat to be insured for more than the purchase price?

A. Most boat insurance companies will not allow the boat to be insured for more than your purchase price. Boat insurance companies offer Agreed Value coverage that pays the full amount that the vessel is insured for in the event of a total loss. return to top Q. I use my boat in fishing tournaments. Am I covered under your policy?

A. Yes. All our insurance companies cover fishing in tournaments. The boat must be used for pleasure and can not be used to carry passengers for a fee or any other business activity. Collecting prize money from a fishing tournament is allowed. return to top Q. What happens if I move my boat to another state?

A. Please let us know that you have moved the boat. In most cases we will just change the policy to the new location and no money would be required if you stay within your stated navigation territory. If you move the boat to a new navigation territory, there may be a return or an additional premium based on the new navigation. return to top

Get An Instant Online Quote Already Have A Quote? Retrieve Quote- Edit Quote Purchase Coverage Quote Another Boat Renewal