Boat & Watercraft Insurance Agency

Serving Northern NJ

Many boaters find out too late that their boat isn’t covered under their homeowner’s policy. You don’t have to be one of them. At John Hawk Agency we offer coverage that can help protect you, your boat, and your passengers.

While purchasing your boat or watercraft policy, here are a few things to keep in mind:

What You Need to Know

Coverage Options

Safety Tips

Discounts & Savings

To learn more information about boat insurance please call 973-635-9494 or submit a free boat insurance quote request through our website.

Providing quality, affordable boat and watercraft insurance to the residents of Chatham, Madison, Summit, Livingston, Florham Park, Springfield, Short Hills, Morristown, Berkeley Heights, Millburn and all of Northern NJ.

What You Need to Know

In determining whether or not you need Boat or Watercraft Insurance some questions you need to ask yourself include:

How much can I afford to pay if my boat or personal watercraft is in an accident, damaged or stolen?
Who will cover the medical costs if I am injured in an accident?
Who will cover the medical costs of my passengers if they are injured in an accident?
What happens if I have an accident and gas or oil leaks into the water? Can I afford to cover oil spills?
Is my boat or watercraft covered for use year-round?
Am I protected if an accident occurs while my boat is on land?

Don’t wait to find out if you’re protected. Call 973-635-9494 or submit a free quote request through our website.

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Coverage Options

You’ve got more than just your boat to worry about. There’s the motor, anchor, trailer, and all the other equipment required to operate and manage your boat. At John Hawk Agency we offer the following coverage options:

Physical Property Damage - this coverage typically protects your boat, motor, and trailer all the time, whether you’re storing it, hauling it, or out on the water. If your boat or watercraft is stolen, vandalized, or damaged by wind, hail, lightning, fire, or explosion, this coverage can help, too.
Watercraft Liability – this protection provides coverage if you or your boat causes damage to another boat, person, or dock.
Fuel/Oil Liability - be sure your liability coverage is high enough tohandle any kind of fuel or oil leak.
Remember your Personal Umbrella Policy (also known as Excess Liability) will not extend to the fuel/oil liabilty on the boat policy.
Medical Payments Coverage - this coverage helps to take care of the medical expenses that follow if you or someone in your household gets injured on a boat. It also covers you and your passengers while you're on your boat (including water-skiers and swimmers near your boat).
Uninsured Watercraft - this optional coverage protects you if you're involved with an uninsured boater or in a hit-and-run.
Boat Equipment – helps protect your boat accessories such as anchors, navigation gear, and life jackets.
Up to $1,000 in Emergency Services – provides additional coverage for towing or emergency services on your boat or trailer.

Leave your worries behind. Call us today to learn more about our coverage options or submit a free quote request online.

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Safety Tips

Every experienced boater knows following basic boat safety rules can be a lifesaver. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind so you can enjoy the water even more.

When You’re Out On the Water:

Know where you're at and where you're going.
Watch out for changing weather, and give yourself enough time to get to safety in needed.
Scan the horizon to keep from getting tunnel vision, which could keep you from seeing another boat.
However slow you need to go to avoid colliding with another boat, stick to that speed.
Get comfortable with federal and state regulations, and follow them. (That includes paying attening to waterway markers.)
Keep in mind that if you're driving a jet ski, you might be less visible to other boaters.

Safe Boating in Rough Weather:

Have everyone on board put on their PFDs and sit in the bottom of the boat near the centerline.
Slow the boat down, but don't stop completely.
Keep the bilge pumps running.
Turn on the boat's running lights.
Point the bow of boat into the waves at a 45-degree angle.
If there's a safe shore nearby, head for it.
If the boat's engine dies, trail the anchor from the bow so the boat will keep heading into the waves.
If you need to, anchor the boat completely.

Before You Raise Anchor:

Give your boat a full check-up from bow to stern. Test the radio, lights, steering, gauges, fuel level, bilge pump, and anchor.
Make sure you've got the right safety equipment on board, that it's in good shape, and that you know how to use it.
File a float plan with a relative or friend.
Know your boat. Get familiar with its controls and how it handles, so you won't be surprised when you're out.
Check the weather forecast.
Make sure you have enough PFDs for all your passengers, and check that they fit right.

Don’t stop here. Learn even more safety tips from reliable sources such as U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

You can even receive a discount for certain courses!

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Boat Insurance Discounts & Savings:

Here are some other discounts you might be eligible for:

Multi-Policy Discount (Boat + Auto)
New Boat Discount
Boat Education Discount
Diesel Engine Discount

Protect your boat. Call 973-635-9494 today to learn more about Boat and Watercraft Insurance or submit a free quote request through our website.

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