Independent Boat Rental Company or Online Broker

So we get this question a lot, should we rent from an Independent Boat Rental Company or Online Broker like GetmyBoat or Boatsetter.

Independent boat company’s are mainly Family Owned and they will have there own fleet of watercraft to pick from. The Online Brokers are private persons listing boats for rent.

Who has the Correct Insurance Coverage?

First here is the down side to renting from Online Brokers, these companies only have an umbrella insurance policy which is a dollar amount for all the boats listed on there website and when that money is used up there is no more coverage for the year.
Secondly that private rental person only has that insurance, as there private boat insurance will not cover any damages, injuries or losses. You might also note that if that person has a loan on the boat that will void any insurance coverage too. Also remember if they show you a Geico, Allstate, Farmers, etc insurance card you are not covered, as this is only private insurance for them.

So 99% of the Independent Rentals companies will have a commercial insurance policy to cover a major loss and injuries while using there equipment. Its always good to ask if they commercial insurance before renting with them.

We have run into private people trying to act like an independent company. Here’s how to tell if they are fake.

No security or damage deposit or only take cash for it.
Meets you at a launching location, dock or inside a private park to launch.
No name on there vehicle or boat.
No Rental or contract with no business name on it.
Takes your payment over the phone, through venom or some kind of cash app or on there website through a booking system with no physical address.
Uses there home address or storage location address.
Doesn’t question you on your experience.
Doesn’t make sure you can handle the watercraft.
Shows you a private insurance company card for there insurance.
Says he or she can drive the boat for you or only lets you rent the boat with them driving.
Does not have a captains license.

A legitimate Boat rental company will have:

Security Deposit (verified amount on a credit or debit card).
Requires a Drivers License.
Has an actual business location to meet at with there name on it.
Has a company truck and boat with there name on it.
Payment through online booking system with the companies commercial address on it.
Sends you a confirmation email with receipt
Has commercial insurance
Ask you about your boating experience
Makes sure you can handle the watercraft
Does a walk around the watercraft
Does watercraft safety instruction.
Makes sure you have a map of the waterway or lake.
Makes sure everyone onboard will have a life jacket.
Follows the Coast Guard Rules for Boat rentals
Bare Bones Rentals with a max of 12 people allowed.
Can not have a captain unless they are a charter company

These are just some of the differences you will find between these types of boat rentals. Always check the address and see where its located. No address No boat rental.