Expect More Than a Three Hour Tour: Boat Insurance Could Bail You Out
According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, Florida is home to over 900,000 registered boats, awarding it the top spot for state registered vessels in the United States. However, the reputation for being the boating capital of the U.S. brings with it a level of responsibility among watercraft owners as well as a propensity for problematic waterways. In addition to common safety procedures of which every boat owner should be apprised, there are a slew of prudent practices that are often times overlooked, causing malfunction and in some cases peril on the pond. As boating season ramps up, we offer suggestions on how to protect your recreational investment and limit your liability in the case of unforeseen events.
Spring Safety Checklist
One of the most important tasks to help ensure safe boating is to have annual inspections of the engine, hull, and other marine systems. This should be done prior to the season in which your vessel usage peaks. Critical components to check include: seacocks with hoses below or near the waterline, deteriorated zincs, power steering and power trim oil levels, control cables, fuel hoses and filters, bilge pumps, flares, and fire extinguishers. For more information regarding specific maintenance tasks, visit the Boat Owners Association of The United States.
Insure Your Vessel
Boat insurance policies not only provide coverage for personal property and the cost of repair, but equally important, you can receive protection from the liability that often arises out of boating accidents. Many boat owners pride themselves on the prestige of their watercraft, taking extraordinary care through meticulous upkeep. Damages to one’s valued assets can not only be devastating, but quite costly to repair. Boat Insurance can protect your prized watercraft in the case of any unwarranted or unexpected misfortune.
Insurance options are also available for folks who captain a cruise-worthy rig that may be far removed from the showroom floor. Are you thinking that boat insurance isn’t right for you because the value of your watercraft doesn’t yield high enough resale figures? Well figuring in the liability of owning and operating a watercraft may very well lead you to reconsider. The US Coast Guard reports over 4000 boat related accidents per year, many of which involve serious injuries. Considering the relatively low cost, which in most cases is about $100 in premium per year, liability insurance could prevent a catastrophic financial situation.
Specialized insurance coverage, such as On-Water Towing, Total Loss Replacement, and even Trailer Protection are available to interested boat owners as well. Specialized boat insurance coverage is offered by a wide range of carriers and available through your independent insurance agent. Guarantee that you are ready for the unexpected by maintaining adequate records, taking preventative maintenance precautions and properly insuring your watercraft in case of the unforeseen. By taking the appropriate precautions, you can ensure you’re not navigating your vessel up a creek without a paddle.
Moore Resources is an Independent Insurance Agency located in St. Petersburg, FL and offering Homeowners Insurance, Auto Insurance, Personal Insurance and Business Insurance. Our reach extends beyond the Tampa Bay area to the entire state of Florida. Moore Resources has regionally been dedicated to serving the local residents of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco, Manatee and Sarasota counties; including St. Pete, Tampa, Clearwater, Bradenton, Brandon, Dunedin, Gulfport, Lakeland, Largo, Lutz, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Park, Riverview, Ruskin, Seffner, Seminole, Temple Terrace, Tierra Verde, Town n Country, and the Gulf Coast Beaches.
Please remember that the purpose of this blog is to present general information only. It does not interpret specific policies or coverage. In order to obtain detailed information regarding your insurance, contact a licensed insurance agent.
