Are you ready to sail away?
There are a few weeks left in summer. As you pack up your family to go sailing on the lake, do you know if you are ready? Are you covered?
Watercraft insurance coverage goes beyond the scope of a standard home or auto policy to include Roadside Assistance, which covers towing of your boat or personal watercraft for free, as long as your trailer is covered; On-Water Towing, in case you're stranded on the water; and Uninsured Boaters coverage. Many carriers have additional coverage like Fuel Spill Liability and Wreckage Removal, even Pet injury. Without watercraft insurance coverage, you may end up getting stuck with the bill for cleanups and removals. Personal Effects and Fishing Equipment coverage are also available. They do not come as basic coverage on all watercraft policies, so make sure you talk to your agent about your coverage. When you file a claim is NOT the best time to find out you were not covered when you thought you were!
Most carriers have several available discounts also, similar to auto policies. If you are a homeowner, have good driving history (no tickets/accidents), if you are the original owner, if you pay in full, if you have taken a safety course. Each carrier is different so be sure to talk with your agent about what you may qualify for.
Summer is a great time to have fun out on the lake. Make sure you are protected through your insurance policy. But also make sure you are following boating safety processes also. Did you know someone is injured or killed in a boating accident every 2 1/2 hours? The chance of drowning while wearing a life jacket is 1 in 66. The chance of drowning while not wearing a life jacket is 1 in 11. These statistics, along with great boating safety advice can be found through the US Coast Guard's Boating Safety Resource Center.
Have a great, but safe summer!
If you need answers or a quote on your insurance, please contact Brockman Premier Insurance.
We love to Keep You Insured!
We are not all in the same boat!
Boating season is upon us. Whether you are an experienced boat owner, or a potential buyer, you need to evaluate your Insurance. Boats are unique. Their insurance needs to be unique also. Some Homeowners policies will cover small boats (usually without motors). But if you have a motor boat of any kind, you need a policy with specialized coverage tailored for boat owners.
What makes a Boat policy different from a Home or Auto policy?
Boat policies are a mixture of Home and Auto policies.
Similar to Home insurance, a boat policy will cover liability if someone is injured on your boat and it gives you the choice of Replacement cost coverage (you want this!) or Actual Cash Value coverage (this is less coverage).
Like auto insurance, boat coverage typically includes coverage for bodily injury that your boat inflicts on others, property damage your boat inflicts on docks and other boats, and physical damage to your boat should you hit something or run aground. You can also add comprehensive coverage for theft, vandalism, fire and flood, personal property coverage for your fishing gear, uninsured boater insurance and even roadside assistance in case you need a tow (on land or water!).
Some policies will allow you to "suspend" coverage during non-boating seasons, thus saving you a little money.
Many carriers, like Progressive, Safeco and Travelers offer additional coverage that is specifically designed for boats.
* Fuel spill liability coverage the cost of damage caused by an unintentional spill for which you are liable.
*Wreckage removal will pay the cost of any attempted or actual removal of the wreckage of a covered boat if you are liable.
* Personal effects replacement cost pays for our personal items while they are on board the boat.
*Fishing equipment replacement cost pays for your tackle, rods and reels. (There is usually a set limit)
*Total Loss Replacement replaces your boat with a brand new one of similar make and model.
*Pet Injury covers the cost of Vet bills (usually up to $1,000) if your dog or cat is injured in an accident while on your boat.
Being out on the lake with family and friends is one of the best ways to spend a summer day. Make sure your boat and those you have on board are properly covered!
Questions? Call the Brockman Agency and let us take care of you! toll free 877-987-8683
