Which Vessels Need Boat Registration on Texas Waterways?

If you love riding on the water and decide to buy a boat, you may wonder if your vessel requires a boat registration. At Hermes Insurance Services, we know that Sanger, TX, residents enjoy escaping the city’s heat by taking their boat out on one of our nearby waterways. You’ll need to get a boat registration for the required vessels to protect your boat. Hermes Insurance Solutions will have the necessary answers if you live in the Sanger area and have questions about boat insurance.

Which Vessels Don’t Need Boat Registration? 

In Texas, non-motorized canoes, kayaks, punts, or rowboats are not required to be registered. Rubber rafts and vessels under 14 feet long when poled, paddled, or wind-blown also don’t need to be registered. Military vessels, such as Coast Guard commercial vessels, are used in coastal shipping or vessels over 115 feet long. Owners of these vessels also don’t need a boat registration.

What About Out-of-State Vessels?

If you have an out-of-state boat and want to operate it in Texas, you may not need to register it in Texas. The state law currently allows you to manage a boat in Texas when it is registered in another state. Under these circumstances, you have up to 90 days to use any vessel in Texas waterways without obtaining a Texas boat registration.

Who Should You Call for Boat Insurance Questions?

Boat owners living in the Sanger, TX, area who have any questions about boat registration or boat insurance can contact Hermes Insurance Solutions. We’ve been serving the insurance needs of our area since 1989. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department enforces laws about boats and their registration for the safety of everyone who uses our waterways. 

Why Comprehensive Boat Insurance Is the Smart Choice

At Hermes Insurance Solutions, we’re proud to serve the local Sanger, TX community. If you’re planning to purchase a boat, or it’s been a while since you’ve thoroughly reviewed your current policy, we’re here to help. Our team is here to help you find the right policy to meet all of your boat insurance needs. 

Benefits of Comprehensive Boat Insurance

Boat insurance needs to provide a lot of different types of protection. Of course, you want to protect your craft but also your passengers. And then there are options like coverage for at-sea towing. This is just one reason why many boat owners opt for comprehensive policies. Let’s review a few of the many benefits:

  • Robust Liability Protection – boats are a lot of fun, but they also require a lot of responsibility. If you’re involved in an accident that causes injury, you’ll want to have an adequate amount of liability protection in place. 
  • Full Coverage for Property Damage – property damage can happen, either to your boat or someone else’s boat or property. The right level of coverage for property damage can protect you from personal financial responsibility.
  • Additional Features – if you haul your boat to and from the marina or store it in a dry dock in the off-season you’ll want to ensure that the policy you choose offers protection at those times. There are also repair and towing features that are available through some insurance carriers.

We’re The Team To Call!

If you’re a boat owner in the greater Sanger, TX area, you can count on Hermes Insurance Solutions for all of your boat insurance needs. Give us a call today or stop by the office to learn more about the comprehensive policy options that are currently available.

Safe boating tips

Hermes Insurance Solutions has been serving the Sanger, TX area boatowners with all their insurance needs. We often come across common concerns pertaining to being safe when out on the watercraft. When you’re out on the water, safety is of the utmost importance.

Whether you’re fishing or sailing, it’s important to follow these simple tips for safe boating:

First and foremost, always wear a life jacket when you’re out on the water. This is especially true if there are children onboard. Many accidents occur because people didn’t have their life jackets on when they needed them most, so make sure everyone has their life jackets fastened securely at all times.

Another important tip is to check the weather before you head out. Stormy conditions can be dangerous while out on the water, so it’s important to avoid these conditions whenever possible by keeping an eye on the forecast and avoiding boating during bad weather.

No matter what kind of boating activity you’re engaging in, it’s essential to have the right safety gear on your boat.

Along with life jackets, there are a few other items that should be onboard for emergency situations.

First, having a communication device is essential. Having a VHF (Very High Frequency) marine radio or an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) can help you stay in contact with the Coast Guard or call for help if needed. It’s also important to check the batteries and signal range before each use to ensure everything is working properly.

Finally, another important item that should always be kept on board is a throwable floatation device like a life ring or cushion. This can be used not only for people who may fall overboard but also for someone in need of assistance coming up alongside your boat– helping them climb aboard safely and securely.

Make Sure to Carry Boat Insurance

Following these simple tips will help keep you safe when boating this summer! For more tips and to get coverage for your watercraft, call Hermes Insurance Solutions. We proudly serve the Sanger, TX area.

5 Facts about boat insurance in Sanger TX

Don’t get stranded in The Lone Star State. Boat insurance can help keep you afloat.

More than anything, boat insurance can make cruising the waterways much more enjoyable. Hermes Insurance Solutions knows that these policies are about preparing for the worst. Serving Sanger, TX, the agency wants to grant you some peace of mind.

For this reason, the agency lists the following: 

Five facts about boat insurance

Boat insurance covers any watercraft.

Based on the name alone, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. Boat insurance offers specialized protection for any motorized watercraft. Most policies shield against damage or loss through collision and comprehensive coverage.

But the benefits go even further.

Boat insurance covers so much more. It’s designed mostly for the people on board. You, your guests, and other boaters benefit from boat insurance. Through bodily injury and property damage liability, you and your assets are secure.

Boat insurance isn’t required in Texas.

Although it’s not mandated by law, boat insurance is still a necessity. The advantages of having full coverage far outweigh the risks of going without it.

Home insurance isn’t enough.

Some homeowners incorrectly assume that their boat is already protected. The coverage provided by these policies is typically limited. Only a dedicated boat insurance plan will ensure full coverage.

Boat insurance isn’t seasonal.

Don’t let your policy lapse during the winter. Many mistakenly cancel their boat insurance. While this can seem like a way to save money, problems could still arise even in storage. Accidents, natural disasters, vandalism, and theft could cost even more in the long run.

Contact an agent serving Sanger, TX

Inadequate coverage can sink your fun. Hermes Insurance Solutions wants to throw you a lifeline. Their expert agents can create an individualized boat insurance policy. Set up an appointment today.