Your consideration of boat safety should include considering boat insurance, among other things. There are some good companies out there to provide you with the coverage you need. What kinds of questions might you ask of these companies?
Important questions to ask
Is boat insurance going to cost a lot? The price will depend on a variety of factors including but not limited to where your boat is kept, its size, and its intended use. Should the worst occur, you will have to make a claim. Is your company going to be easy to deal with? How will they handle the situation? Are they available at all times?
Is there a way to save on the boat insurance policy? How can you find the policy that will best suit you? Should the price be the most important thing to consider when purchasing a policy? Well, probably not. We are talking about boat safety here, which means you need proper coverage. When thinking about which company to go with, yes you should consider price, but also consider what is going to be covered. After all, boat safety (and wallet safety) is the whole point. “What types of events are going to be covered?” as well as “How much money will I get back if something happens?” are some important considerations. Ask also what kind of assistance is provided in the case of an emergency. What kind of service can you expect? Will it be sufficient to provide you with a sense of security? Or will you be left with a mess and unexpected expenses?
Some of the emergencies you might encounter include grounding, sinking, or even a fuel spill. Does the insurance company provide an emergency hotline? Your safety often depends on how fast you can get assistance or advice. Many companies offer a 24 hour hotline, and we recommend placing your business with one of these.
Choose coverage wisely
Make sure you are covered where you most need to be covered, for example, if you are traveling a long distance to go boating you may want to make sure your coverage includes towing. If you own a houseboat or other boat that you frequently carry expensive belongings in, it’s a good idea to obtain coverage for the property within your boat as well as for the boat itself.
Take advantage of discounts
Find out about any discounts that may apply. Some companies offer a discount to those who have completed a boat safety class. Other companies offer discounts on boat insurance if you already have an account with them (like automobile or homeowners’ insurance). Check whether any of the insurance companies you have accounts with offer boat insurance.
Are you wondering if boat insurance is required by law? It is not, but it is extremely wise to have it, and you could regret it if you don’t. Boat insurance provides not only coverage for your boat, but coverage in the event of injury and coverage for damage done to other property by your boat. Since boat insurance isn’t a legal requirement, you can choose for yourself exactly which types of coverage you’d like to have. Get quotes at places such as BoatUS at www.boatus.com, Progressive at watercraft.progressive.com, NBOA (National Boat Owners Association) at www.nboat.com, or check out www.4freequotes.com for instant quotes online. There are lots of insurance companies to choose from. Look around and ask the important questions before you purchase a policy. You know what is best for you, but boat safety is best for everyone.
By Laura N. Hogg