Is a drivers license required to obtain boat insurance in us

[sunrise18]

I was told by boat us ,now geico, as well as a couple other companies a drivers license was required by underwriters to obtain even liability insurance. Being that most marinas require at minimum liability insurance i pose this question.

[ohdrinkboy]

Geico can require it if they want. Likely proof of who they are dealing with. Did you ask if a passport will do? How about an international driver's license?

[Cheechako]

I wonder if it is a carry over from car insurance and part of their 'evaluation of risk'?

I know when I sailed for years and had no car, I dropped my insurance. When I returned to the real world my car insurance was very expensive. Why? Because having been uninsured for a couple years put me in their same category as a 16 year old or a DUI risk.

[valhalla360]

Originally Posted by ohdrinkboy

Did you ask if a passport will do? How about an international driver's license?

There is no such thing as an International Drivers License.

I suspect, you are thinking of an International Driving PERMIT...which is simply a official translation of your drivers license into multiple languages. You can't get one without the associated drivers license.

Asking if they are simply looking for ID as proof of who you are, might be the reason. Or they may be hesitant to insure someone with no experience handling a large machinery...who knows, maybe they found that people without a drivers license are involved in more claims.

Of course, there may no rhyme nor reason.

[guyrj33]

Would a state non-driver ID be considered a substitute for a drivers license?

[Stewie12]

It is probably just an ID to see that there is a real person.

[DEAN2140]

A driver's license would allow the insurer to check your record for tickets and accidents, which is probably a reliable indicator of how you might perform on the water.

[S/V Illusion]

Originally Posted by sunrise18

I was told by boat us ,now geico, as well as a couple other companies a drivers license was required by underwriters to obtain even liability insurance. Being that most marinas require at minimum liability insurance i pose this question.

I like guessing games sometimes but this one isn’t very good.

What question? Are you asking us to validate what the insurance company told you? If so, why? And if not, what are you asking?

[Kd9truck]

Can I ask why you don’t have a drivers license?
It a very easy thing to get IF you have the skills, if you don’t you should get schooled. Also I would not want some one who does not know the common sense that comes with driving routinely behind the wheel of a boat of any size close to my vessel. The Col-Regs are very similar to “rules of the road” British empire other side of the road countries aside. There should be a license required, I know many states are moving that way because of accidents with jet skis and small power vessels, and there are more accidents with them just because there are more of them.

[ItDepends]

Originally Posted by DEAN2140

A driver's license would allow the insurer to check your record for tickets and accidents, which is probably a reliable indicator of how you might perform on the water.

^^^^ THIS. ^^^^^ Exactly.

Try getting boat insurance if you have a history of DUI…

Insurance companies deal in averages. If the average Pedro’s on does NOT have a dirver’s license, there is PROBABLY a good reason. Not always, but they don’t deal in special cases…

[StuM]

Originally Posted by S/V Illusion

What question? Are you asking us to validate what the insurance company told you? If so, why? And if not, what are you asking?

I assume it's the question in the thread title:
" Is a drivers license required to obtain boat insurance in us "

[paralog]

Originally Posted by Kd9truck

Can I ask why you don’t have a drivers license?
It a very easy thing to get IF you have the skills, if you don’t you should get schooled. Also I would not want some one who does not know the common sense that comes with driving routinely behind the wheel of a boat of any size close to my vessel. The Col-Regs are very similar to “rules of the road” British empire other side of the road countries aside. There should be a license required, I know many states are moving that way because of accidents with jet skis and small power vessels, and there are more accidents with them just because there are more of them.

there are many folks in big cities in Europe that do not have drivers licences and never get one all their lives.

[Popcorn]

Originally Posted by sunrise18

I was told by boat us ,now geico, as well as a couple other companies a drivers license was required by underwriters to obtain even liability insurance. Being that most marinas require at minimum liability insurance i pose this question.

Boat insurance:
Previously worked for an insurance company. Remember that you will get or not, insurance even if you don't have a drivers license. The only requirement is that you identify yourself, and the only positive item is your Passport.
Insurance companies can ask for anything, and still do a complete Background ID. and additionally run a credit check, personal work or wage and claims filed before application date, denied claims and a host of other items your background is identified with. If you have negative marks you may be paying more for the coverage. If their underwriters want special requirements or information, you can give it but if you don't have a drivers license, you can't be discriminated against or forced to acquire such id. Take for example, people who are disabled and unable to drive, and because of a host of other aliments causing non driving status. Understand this is only the beginning of insurance, and collecting claims in the future, whether at fault or not in the past, can influence getting insurance and making you uninsurable.
You might consider contacting an insurance broker, and get their recommendations. Apply and see what occurs. Be honest and state always the truth. If in the future, if you have given false information on your application, any claim made by you, even if you were not at fault, can be denied.

[Pandor]

Originally Posted by Popcorn

Take for example, people who are disabled and unable to drive, and because of a host of other aliments causing non driving status. Understand this is only the beginning of insurance, and collecting claims in the future, whether at fault or not in the past, can influence getting insurance and making you uninsurable.

Well, if someone is unable to drive, what makes them a good risk to insure as a boat operator? I would be afraid the same “ailments causing non driving status” might affect boating status, as well.

I am not an insurance expert in any form.

[Popcorn]

Hi Panda, I agree, it certainly will affect the decision of most insurance companies. I was mostly addressing requirements of identity.
Status of an unacceptable background is cause for concern.

It took me several months of supplying backgrounds, for my crew including myself, to sail to Hawaii, and Lloyds quoted me over $4.4K over my existing annual insurance. They were the only insurance company insuring beyond 300 miles from the US. Survey was included and proven seaworthy type of boat was also considered. I had my boat insurance over a period of 6 years at 2005 when I sailed.
Today is another story, so a drivers license is just the beginning or end, whichever comes first.