Is Boat Insurance Required in Missouri?
Last Updated on October 16, 2022
No, boat insurance is not required in Missouri. However, if you finance your boat, your lender will likely require you to have insurance. And even if you don’t finance your boat, it’s a good idea to insure it.
Why? Because boats are expensive and accidents happen. If you cause an accident with your boat, you could be sued for damages.
Boat insurance can help protect you financially if you’re sued or if your boat is damaged or stolen.
Do I need Boat Insurance?
If you’re a Missouri resident and you own a boat, you’re probably wondering if you need to insure it. The answer is maybe. While there’s no law in Missouri that requires boat owners to have insurance, if you finance your boat, the lender will most likely require you to have it.
Even if you don’t finance your boat, there are several good reasons to get insurance.
For one, boats are expensive and can be damaged easily. If your boat is hit by another vessel or by bad weather, repairs can cost a lot of money.
Insurance can help cover those costs so that you don’t have to pay for them out of pocket.
Another reason to get insurance is for liability purposes. If someone is injured while on your boat, or if your boat damages another person’s property, you could be held liable.
Boat insurance can help cover those costs so that you’re not left financially responsible for them.
So, whileboat insurance isn’t required in Missouri, it’s something worth considering if you own a vessel.
New Boating Laws in Missouri
As of January 1, 2020, all boats operating on Missouri waterways must comply with new boating laws. The most notable change is the requirement for all boats to have at least one working carbon monoxide detector on board. This is a lifesaving measure that will help protect boaters from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Other changes include the following:
-All boats must display a registration decal in a visible location.
-All boat operators must have a valid driver’s license or boater’s license.
-All boats must have proper safety equipment onboard, including life jackets and fire extinguishers.
-Operators of personal watercraft (PWC) must complete a safety course approved by the Missouri State Highway Patrol before operating their craft on state waterways.
Missouri Boating Requirements
If you’re planning on spending some time boating in Missouri, there are a few things you need to know. First and foremost, all boats must be registered with the state. You can do this through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Once your boat is registered, you’ll need to obtain a boater education card if you plan on operating a vessel with an engine of 10 horsepower or more. You can take an online course to earn your card.
In addition to registering your boat and obtaining a boater education card, there are also a few safety requirements you’ll need to follow while out on the water.
All boats must have at least one USCG-approved life jacket for each person on board. You should also have a throwable flotation device onboard in case someone falls overboard. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit and fire extinguisher onboard as well.
By following these simple requirements, you can ensure that you and your fellow boaters stay safe while enjoying Missouri’s waterways.
Missouri Boating Test
If you’re planning on spending any time boating in Missouri, it’s important to be aware of the state’s boating laws and regulations. One of the requirements for operating a vessel in Missouri is that the operator must have successfully completed a boating safety course approved by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
The good news is that there are a number of ways to fulfill this requirement.
You can take an online course, attend a classroom course, or even just take the test without taking a course at all. The best way to prepare for the test is to take a boating safety course from an accredited provider.
The test itself consists of 25 questions covering topics such as boat handling, navigation, emergency procedures, and Missouri-specific boating laws.
You’ll need to answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. Once you’ve passed the test, you’ll be issued a Boater Safety Education Card which is valid for life.
So if you’re looking to get out on the water this summer, be sure to brush up on your boating safety knowledge and make sure you have your Boater Safety Education Card handy!
Missouri Boating Handbook Pdf
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to boating in Missouri, look no further than the Missouri Boating Handbook. This handy PDF covers everything from boater safety and education to vessel registration and titling. You’ll also find information on where to find public boat ramps and docks, as well as helpful tips on enjoying your time on the water.
Boating License Missouri
In the state of Missouri, anyone born after January 1, 1984 must have a valid Boater Education Card to operate a vessel powered by 10.5 horsepower or more. The card is obtained by taking an approved boater safety course and passing a written exam.
There are many ways to take an approved boating safety course.
You can take the course online, through a self-study guide, or even in person. Once you’ve completed the course, you’ll need to pass a written exam in order to get your Boater Education Card.
Once you have your Boater Education Card, you’re good to go!
You can now operate any vessel powered by 10.5 horsepower or more in the state of Missouri. Just be sure to always practice safe boating and follow all regulations while out on the water.
Is It a Legal Requirement to Have Boat Insurance?
There is no federal law in the United States that requires boat owners to have insurance. However, most lenders will require borrowers to insure their boats if the vessel is used as collateral for a loan. In addition, many states have laws that mandate boat insurance for certain types of vessels or if the boat is used for commercial purposes.
What is Required to Have on a Boat in Missouri?
Missouri law requires that all boats must have certain safety equipment on board at all times. This includes items such as:
-A life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on board
-A throwable flotation device, such as a buoyant cushion or ring
-Anchor and line
-Bailer or bilge pump
-Fire extinguisher
Additionally, Missouri law requires boats to display certain lights at night and during periods of reduced visibility. These include a white light that is visible for at least two miles in all directions; a red, green, or amber light visible for at least one mile; and a sternlight.
What Happens If You Dont Have Boat Insurance?
If you don’t have boat insurance, you are responsible for any damages or injuries that occur while you are operating your vessel. This means that if you cause an accident, you could be sued for the other party’s medical expenses and property damage. If you are found to be at fault in an accident, your boat could be seized and sold to cover the costs of the damages.
Do You Need Insurance for a Small Boat?
No, you don’t need insurance for a small boat. However, it is recommended. Insurance will protect you financially if your boat is damaged or stolen.
It will also cover you if you cause damage to another vessel or property.
Conclusion
No, boat insurance is not required in Missouri. However, it is highly recommended. uninsured boats are a risk to both the owner and other boaters on the water.
If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured boat, you may be held liable for damages.