Finding a boat to buy in Florida is very easy. This is because there are so many boat owners here, and at any one given time, someone is looking for a buyer to buy their boat. While buying a used boat is the best way to avoid the high cost of buying a boat, you have to think about insurance before committing to a boat. This is because when buying a really old boat, you will pay high premiums in yacht insurance Cape Coral trusts. So, before you settle for a boat, you need to know how much it will cost you to insure it. An experienced marine surveyor in Cape Coral will be able to help with this.
Working with a boat surveyor to inspect a used boat will help you know how much the boat is worth. Some of these surveyors work with insurance companies. They will be happy to let you know how much coverage you will be able to get. This information can help you avoid vessels that will cost you a lot to insure. Additionally, to enjoy good premiums on yacht insurance Cape Coral recommends, you must avoid operating your boat under the influence.
According to data from the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in 2019, alcohol was the leading cause of fatal boat accidents in the United States. It is against federal law to boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The U.S. Coast Guard is tasked with enforcing this law.
The penalties for operating a boat under the influence vary depending on the state and jurisdiction of the waters you are operating on. Common penalties include the following:
- Jail time
- Revocation or suspension of your boat operator privileges
- Revocation or suspension of your driver’s license
- Large fines
In addition to facing federal and state penalties, you might get severe consequences from your insurance provider. For example, if you are involved in an accident while operating your boat under the influence, your insurer might pay out a liability claim only against you. This means they will not cover damages to your boat. It is also possible for your insurer to cancel your boat insurance coverage.
If you are convicted of boating under the influence but with no accident, your insurance company can raise your insurance rates drastically or cancel your coverage. Although you might find other insurers after your cover is canceled, you will pay high rates on future boat insurance policies.