WaveRunner Insurance
(Your guide on finding the right PWC coverage)
Written by
Jessica Huneck is an insurance writer from TrustedChoice.com. She began her writing career in 2011 and has since earned herself a bachelor's degree in English writing.
In 1986, Yamaha introduced the WaveRunner as an alternative ride for personal watercraft enthusiasts. It received a positive reception as customers found it to be very stable and easy to ride. Made to mimic the feeling of riding a motorcycle on the water, this type of watercraft soon began to dominate the PWC market.
WaveRunner owners might wonder if purchasing insurance is necessary. An agent in our network can help you assess your coverage needs and explain your options.
Because these independent agents work with several different insurance companies, your local agent can provide you with various WaveRunner policies at competitive rates.
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Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.
Learn About WaveRunner Use Today
Insurance companies use a variety of data about the use, cost, and risks associated with PWCs. You might want to educate yourself on some of this information as you begin shopping for a policy that fits your needs:
- New WaveRunners cost between $7,000 and $14,000
- On calm waters, these vehicles can exceed speeds of 60 miles per hour
- Approximately 90% of all PWC accidents are caused by operator error
Perhaps you use your WaveRunner on a busy lake, or your teenage children love to use it on summer afternoons. In order for you to protect your investment and the family members you love most, consider finding a PWC insurance policy that will give you peace of mind.
Purchasing WaveRunner Insurance is a Smart Decision
Insurance for PWCs, including WaveRunners, is not required in the United States; however, if you have financed your purchase, your lender may require you to carry comprehensive coverage until your loan is paid off.
You have made a significant investment in your purchase of a WaveRunner – be sure that an accident does not result in a large financial loss if your watercraft is damaged or totaled.
Additionally, many PWC accidents result in third-party injuries. You may be held liable for bodily injuries, which could be very expensive. It's a good idea to have adequate liability insurance to protect you from the financial burden of a lawsuit.
In some cases, you can add your WaveRunner to your homeowners insurance policy, but note that the coverage will be limited. For that reason, you may find that the best option is to get full coverage with a separate WaveRunner policy.
Know What Your WaveRunner Insurance Covers
The coverage offered by personal watercraft policies can vary depending on the insurance company and the options you select. Your policy may cover the following:
- Roadside assistance and towing of your WaveRunner to a service facility
- The trailer used to transport your watercraft
- Wreckage removal and fuel-spill clean-up
- Uninsured boaters insurance
- Personal property replacement-costs
Bodily injury and property damage liability coverage is also commonly an option for you to purchase, as is collision and "other-than-collision," or comprehensive, coverage.
WaveRunner insurance will not usually provide coverage for personal items or upgrades to your watercraft; nor will it cover damages caused by normal wear and tear. Also, if you plan to use your watercraft in foreign waters, make sure that your policy will provide coverage while out of the country.
Research WaveRunner Insurance Costs
WaveRunner insurance costs can vary depending on the provider you use, the coverage options you select and your watercraft’s model, horsepower and speed potential. Complete coverage may be available for as little as $1 a day.
Be Safe Operating Your WaveRunner
Most states require personal watercraft operators to get safety course certification before they can take their crafts into the water. Even if you are not required by law to take safety courses, doing so is a good idea and may even result in discounts on your insurance premium. In many cases, you can take safety courses for free.
As a WaveRunner operator, be sure to adhere to the following safety tips to protect both yourself and others in the water:
- Be aware of and follow the posted rules and regulations where you are riding.
- Wear protective clothing including eye protection and a personal floatation device.
- Securely attach the engine shut-off cord to your wrist and wear it at all times.
- Always be aware of the location of other people and watercrafts around you.
- Refrain from speeding and making aggressive maneuvers.
- Do not ride at night or at times when visibility is limited.
- Avoid the intake grate as hair and clothing can easily get caught, resulting in injury or drowning.
- Do not apply the throttle when anyone is behind the WaveRunner – water and debris from the jet-thrust nozzle can cause injuries.
Save on Personal Watercraft Insurance
Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.
Let an Agent Assist You
Comparing the different options and rates offered by various companies can help find the best carrier for your WaveRunner insurance policy. An independent agent in our network will be able to save you time by helping you review various policies and quotes.
You will be able to make an informed decision because your agent can answer questions and make recommendations based on your unique coverage and budgetary needs.
Additionally, in the event that you should ever need to file a claim, your local agent will assist you throughout the claims process. Find an agent near you and receive an obligation-free quote for WaveRunner insurance.