Boat Insurance and Boat Safety Go Together
Boating season is finally here. It is time to take the covers off, attach the trailers, and head to the water. When it comes to owning a boat, there are many responsibilities that you have to take into consideration. Two main responsibilities include boating safety and boat insurance.
Boating Safety
Going through a boating safety course is highly recommended and could help lower your insurance rates. These courses can be taken online and they go over all of the safety precautions when operating a boat or personal watercraft.
Did you know...
- 1,145 accidents occurred involving two or more boats
- 470 accidents occurred involving one boat and fixed objects
- 624 people injured from jet skis
- 1,367 people injured from open motor boats
- all in one year
A well-known story about Jose Fernandez is a prime example of boater safety and knowing your responsibilities as an operator of a watercraft. Fernandez was a pitcher for the Miami Marlins baseball team in the year 2016. Fernandez and some of his friends were out on his boat in Miami. It was night time so it was dark outside. Fernandez was under the influence and was traveling at high speeds. He ended up crashing into rocks along a pier in Miami and everyone on the boat including himself passed away.
When operating a watercraft, you need to be aware of your surroundings, the laws, and the responsibilities you have as an operator. Some basic safety precautions when operating a boat are:
- Follow a Pre-Departure Checklist
- Know the weather forecast for that day
- Know the current watercraft laws
- Operate at safe speeds
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Be aware of any carbon monoxide exposure
- Don’t swim in a high-traffic area
- Stay away from the engine when swimming
These basic safety precautions are important to follow in order to maintain a safe environment for yourself and other riders.
Boat Insurance
Once you are educated about the safety precautions to take when driving a boat, you need to make sure your boat is insured.
The four coverage types for boats:
- Property Coverage
- Personal Liability
- Medical Payments Coverage
- Uninsured Boaters
You are not required by law to have Boat Insurance but it is highly recommended to have. There are an unlimited amount of situations where it is imperative to have. Different situations include:
- An injured person
- Damaging another boat or property
- Weather damages
- Faulty pieces of equipment
- If an uninsured boater damages your boat
- Hitting a tree trunk that fell in the water
Costs vary depending on the type of boat you have and personal history, similar to car insurance.
The following is an example of the insurance price for a 21 foot 2018 Pontoon:
- 12-month policy
- $237.00 total premium
Read more about Boat Insurance available at Troxell Insurance or call us at 217-528-7533.
Sources:
https://www.uscgboating.org/library/accident-statistics/Recreational-Boating-Statistics-2017.pdf
https://www.boaterexam.com/boating-resources/pre-departure-boating-safety-checklist.aspx
This article was written by:
ALEX HAINES
ALEX IS A MARKETING INTERN AT TROXELL INSURANCE. HE ATTENDS SCHOOL AT FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY AND WILL BE GETTING HIS DEGREE IN MARKETING. ALEX ENJOYS PLAYING AND WATCHING SPORTS, BEING AROUND FRIENDS AND FAMILY, AND HE LOVES GOING TO THE BEACH WHEN HE IS IN FLORIDA.
This information is advisory only. The author assumes no responsibility for management or control of loss control activities. Not all exposures are identified in this article. Contact your local TROXELL insurance agent for coverage advice and policy service. Neither TROXELL nor its affiliates or representatives offer legal advice. Consult with your attorney about your specific situation.