Summertime and the boating should be easy

Ah, boating weather! Nothing beats summers spent on Ohio waters. And, if you have a boat or are thinking of getting one, chances are you’re ready to take it out. But, before you make a splash, make sure you’ve got the right insurance coverage to meet your needs.

What does boat insurance cover?

Boat insurance works just like car insurance in that it protects your boat from physical damage, as well as damages caused to others. In the event you have a claim, if the loss is covered, your boat policy will respond.

Some carriers require a stand-alone boat policy while others may have you simply add it to your homeowner’s policy. Your agent will be able to tell you which option works for your carrier.

What a typical boat insurance policy covers:

• Liability – pays for any covered physical damages or injuries caused to others while boating
• Uninsured/Underinsured Boaters – Pays for your injuries if you are hit by a boater with little or no insurance
• Medical Payments – pays for medical expenses yourself or others incurred as a result of a covered accident
• Comprehensive – covers events out of your control like fire, vandalism, theft and certain weather conditions
• Collision – covers damage to your boat if an object collides with it
• Boat Trailer – Most carriers will have you add the boat trailer to the same policy so it will automatically be covered

Should I keep insurance on the boat when it is being stored?

When you’re ready to store the boat, keeping insurance on it is a good idea. If there is comprehensive coverage, you can have protection for theft, vandalism, fire, hail damage and several other covered losses. Plus, you will not have to remember to restore coverage once you’re ready to use the boat again. If you’re storing the boat for the season, most carriers will account for this in their rates. However, some let you adjust coverages throughout the year. Ask your agent what your options are. 

Speak with your agent

Overall, having insurance on your boat will help protect you and others from the unexpected. As always, it is a great idea to speak with your agent about available coverage options or to ask any questions you may have.