Boat/Watercraft Insurance in Arizona

Let's face it; boat insurance is not the first thing on most people's minds when they catch the boating bug. This is doubly true in states like Arizona where the law does not require boat owners to insure their boats or watercraft. But by no means does that mean it's a good idea to take to our beautiful lakes and rivers without insurance because here at Giles & Iten Insurance, we've seen how in the blink of an eye, a fun day in the Arizona sun can turn into a financial tsunami of trouble without insurance. This is especially true if the person at the helm is unaware of the state's boating laws.

Registration

Arizona requires boat and watercraft owners to register their boats with the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). This applies to gas-powered as well as vessels powered by electric motors of any size or type. Once your boat is registered, you are required to paint the Arizona registration number on both sides of the front of the vessel and affix the renewal decal. Also, you must keep the certificate of number on the boat whenever it is in the water.

As for cold weather lovers taking advantage of our wonderful winters in Surprise, AZ, you are exempt if you will be operating your boat for less than 90 days each year. However, you must keep your home state registration up to date and display it, so that adheres to the state's numbering system or that of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Operator Age

Arizona boating laws forbid anyone under the age of 12 from operating a boat or watercraft powered by a motor of 8 horsepower or more unless.

• the minor's parent or legal guardian is on board
• another person 18 or older is aboard
• there is an emergency

Recommendations on Boat Insurance

Giles and Iten Insurance highly recommend that all boat owners purchase, at the very least, liability insurance, collision, comprehensive coverage, and medical payments coverage. It is also prudent to consider policies that will pay for towing and wreckage removal and pollution cleanup coverage. We're conveniently located in Surprise, AZ in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, so if you need advice about the best type of coverage for your boat, come on in - the water's fine.