close

Responsible boating requires responsible insurance coverage

3 min read

Notice: Undefined variable: article_ad_placement3 in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/single.php on line 128

Boat insurance, like car insurance, provides protection for you if you or another operator of your boat causes damage or injury to someone.

This liability protection can be purchased in different amounts. Your decision should be based on the assets you own and want to protect. Boat insurance also can provide medical protection for you and your passengers.

Boat insurance can reimburse you for damage to your boat or if your boat is stolen, and it can cover all personal items in your boat.

When purchasing boat insurance, ask whether the policy will provide replacement cost or actual cash value.

Boating season in Western Pennsylvania is short. If you are like me, when the sun shines, you want to be on the water. Purchase rental coverage. If your boat is being repaired, renting another boat may save your summer.

How you use your boat also will determine what coverages you may want. Will you entertain clients? Will you rent it to others? Will you enter fishing tournaments? How about commercial fishing?

Tell your agent how you plan to use your boat. Do not assume because you have boat insurance, everything is covered.

Not every boater is responsible. Uninsured and underinsured liability protection is also available. It provides protection for you and your family if someone with little or no insurance causes an injury.

Most Western Pennsylvania owners have a trailer for their boat. When trailering your boat, the liability insurance from the vehicle towing the boat extends to the boat and trailer. This means if your trailer or boat causes damage to someone else while being towed, it is covered.

It does not mean the boat or trailer is covered. When buying boat insurance, ask about coverage on the trailer. Personal watercraft are boats. They need the same insurance.

Do not make the mistake of canceling your boat insurance in the winter. In the past 10 years, I have paid for a boat because snow caused the dry stack it was stored in to collapse. I’ve had a house fire destroy a boat and have had a boat stolen from the back yard of a customer.

Where you plan to use your boat is also important. Does your insurance company provide coverage outside of Pennsylvania? Does it provide coverage on the Great Lakes and in Canada?

When purchasing boat insurance, ask not only what it covers, but what it does not cover. I have seen policies that exclude hitting submerged objects.

Ask about discounts for boater safety courses and take them.

Responsible boating requires responsible insurance. Protect your boat and protect your family.

Bob Hollick is a State Farm Insurance agent based in Washington.

To submit columns on financial planning or investing, email Rick Shrum at rshrum@observer-reporter.com.

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at $3.75/week.

Subscribe Today