What Every California Boater Should Know About Insurance

Every summer, thousands of Southern California boaters untie their dock lines and head for open water — chasing tuna, exploring Catalina, or simply cruising the coast. But there’s one detail many overlook before firing up the engines: understanding if their boat is truly protected should something go wrong. Contrary to popular belief, a standard homeowner’s insurance policy doesn’t fully cover vessels, especially when it comes to fishing gear, on-water accidents, or damage sustained far from the dock. Hayden Insurance image Boat insurance is a specialized product, and for anglers, cruisers, and sportfishing operators alike, understanding the details can save headaches — and money — down the line. The most fundamental choice starts with how a policy values your boat. Agreed Value policies lock in the vessel’s worth at the time of purchase, so if there’s a total loss, owners receive that full amount with no depreciation deducted. Actual Cash Value policies, by contrast, factor in depreciation, which means payouts can fall significantly short of the boat’s original value. For those with older boats, it’s an important distinction that directly affects the bottom line. Beyond how the boat itself is valued, policyholders must weigh coverage options. Liability insurance protects against...