| Every year, thousands of boating accidents happen in | | | | boat insurance. Do you own a motorboat, a personal |
| the United States. Out of this, 60 percent results in | | | | watercraft (PWC), a boat without a motor (canoe, |
| some kind of injury. Aside from accidents, boats also | | | | kayak or rowboat)? Consider also circumstances in |
| get stolen. This is why it is very important to get boat | | | | which you plan to use the boat insurance. |
| insurance. With all the dangers, it would be crazy not to | | | | 8. Though boat insurance is designed to protect your |
| get boat insurance. | | | | boat, it is also advisable to take note of the other |
| Here are a few useful tips when shopping for boat | | | | coverage options available. An important boat |
| insurance. | | | | insurance option is the medical payment coverage |
| 1. You should look for an insurance company that is | | | | which can offer medical protection for you and your |
| responsive & always available. It is very critical that | | | | passengers. You can never be so sure of your and |
| your company responds when you really need | | | | your passengers' safety when your out at sea. |
| assistance. Help should always be close by when an | | | | 9. Another option to consider is water liability coverage. |
| accident happens, when you need claims or | | | | There may be instances when you will accidentally |
| emergency service. | | | | injure a person while on the water, a passenger, a |
| 2. You should look for an insurance company with | | | | swimmer or a water skier perhaps. This is where |
| good customer service. It is advisable to choose a | | | | water liability coverage comes in handy. This type of |
| company with a large network of agencies, claim | | | | coverage also protects you if you collide with and |
| centers, and helpful employees that are ready to | | | | damage another boat or if you hit a rock. |
| serve you whenever you need them. In such a case, | | | | 10. The most important option is the physical damage |
| you can be sure that you will be treated fairly and | | | | coverage. This coverage will come in very handy if |
| promptly. | | | | you hit another boat, a submerged object or a dock |
| 3. Choose an insurance company that is financially | | | | and damaged your boat's motor. The physical damage |
| stable. Ideally, one with a long history of service to boat | | | | coverage usually has two components:a. Emergency |
| owners. Companies with a rich history are generally | | | | services protection. This type of coverage provides |
| more stable than new ones. A good way to check the | | | | protection of up to $100. It covers towing and |
| financial stability of an insurance company is to do | | | | mechanical labor if ever your boat breaks down while |
| some research. Check out the financial ratings of A.M. | | | | you're in the water. Also available is an extra |
| Best and Standard & Poor's for insurance companies. | | | | emergency services as an optional coverage for an |
| 4. Get boat insurance from a company with a good | | | | additional premium.b. Physical damage protection for |
| reputation and high standards. | | | | valuable boat equipment. This type of coverage |
| 5. Choose an insurance company with a wide variety | | | | protects your valuable boat equipments such as boat |
| of coverage options. This is very important because | | | | covers, docking fenders, portable gas tanks, life |
| your needs as a boat owner are very unique. The | | | | jackets, anchors and anchor lines, sonar equipment, |
| company's menu of products should accommodate a | | | | water skis, cushions, and your boat engine, compass |
| circle of protection for your needs both today and | | | | and gear. Also available is an extra boat protection at |
| tomorrow. | | | | an added premium. There is also on the road |
| 6. Boat insurances come in different prices ranging | | | | protection for your boat, trailer and equipment. This |
| from the affordable to the ridiculously expensive. It is | | | | also covers protection if ever your boat, motor or |
| important to understand the policy and service | | | | trailer is stolen. |
| promises behind the price of the boat insurance It's | | | | An additional way to keep the cost of the boat |
| better to pay for an expensive but good quality boat | | | | insurance policy is to not grossly underestimate the |
| insurance than a cheap one with limited features. It is | | | | worth of your both. Appraise the boat for what it's |
| not advisable to accept low protection just to get a | | | | worth. No more, no less. You can also get boat |
| lower price. Make sure that you get the protection you | | | | insurance policy if you take a boating lesson so better |
| and your boat require. | | | | asks around. |
| 7. Consider the type of boat you own before getting | | | | |