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Buying Boat Insurance

Webmaster — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 08:36:46 +0000

Buying Boat Insurance

Where To Buy Boat Insurance?

You have likely purchased car insurance and when buying boat insurance, many of the same rules apply. When you have a claim you find out in a hurry what kind of company you have on your hands. Many have experienced the nightmare of getting an insurance claim paid. Use caution when selecting and insurance company for your boat. Credibility and customer service are important. You can find out about customer service with your first call. Check insurance credit ratings for credibility.

How Much Does Boat Insurance Cost

This is probably the first question every new boat owner has. How much does boat insurance cost ? Again just like auto insurance it will vary form carrier to carrier and the difference can be significant. It is best to shop exhaustively to get the best rate for the coverage you desire. Buy the best you can afford and hope you never need it

Understanding your Coverage

There is nothing worse than filing a claim form your boat insurance company only to find out your policy does not cover this or that . Your insurance agent is obligated to tell you exactly what your policy covers and what it does not. You on the other hand are obligated to ask questions, lot of questions. If it isn’t clear, do not purchase until you understand. Think of a hypothetical situation that may occur and ask your agent, would I be covered for that. Insurance agents don’t like that, but you are the one paying the bill, it is your right.

Boat ownership is fun for everyone. Buying boat insurance can be problematic for many. Make sure you are covered in the event one of your fun days on the water turns into an accident.

Here is the video on Youtube:

Protect Your Boat Against Theft

Be Safe Insure — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:40:17 +0000

Protect Against Theft

Theft of accessories such as outboard motors, life rafts and electronic equipment is a growing problem. Boat theft in the Auckland region and around the country has never been higher according to Insurance Council records.

Insurance can offer financial protection against theft. However boat owners need to take reasonable care and comply with various policy conditions relating to security.

Boat Theft Prevention Tips

When the boat is not in use:

* Secure away electronic systems such as navigational equipment – GPS and portable radar if possible
* Auxiliary motors should be removed and secured in a locked building
* Use an approved locking device for outboard motors
* Use approved boat trailer locks
* Secure the boat in locked building if possible
* Install an electronic engine immobiliser

Helpful Tip:

The Insurance Council recommends that all boat owners take detailed photographs of their boat and its accessories, and record serial numbers. This will assist the Police in identifying the ownership of recovered boats.

It is well known that boat thieves attempt to change the identity of a boat, via repainting etc., therefore it may be worth fixing a hidden identification tag somewhere in the hull of the boat.

source: Insurance Council of New Zealand

Ensure You WEAR Your Life Jacket on Your Boat

Be Safe Insure — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 07:38:04 +0000

Boating season will soon be in full swing, and enthusiasts from across the country are getting ready to hit the water for a season of sun. Before hoisting anchor, however, captain and crew should take a few moments to review boating basics: according to the latest available data from the U.S. Coast Guard, there were almost 5,000 vessels involved in accidents in 2006, resulting in almost 3,500 injuries.

“A fun day on the water can turn unpleasant—even deadly—if caution isn’t used,” said Joan Harnish, who oversees claims for MetLife Auto & Home’s marine unit. “On average, over 700 people die in boating-related accidents every year. Over two-thirds of all boating fatalities involved drowning, and 90 percent of the victims were not wearing life jackets.”

“The goal of National Safe Boating Week, which takes place this week, is to heighten awareness among recreational boaters about the importance of wearing a life jacket,” said Virgil Chambers, executive director, National Safe Boating Council. “It’s not enough to simply carry a life jacket; you actually need to wear one. Accidents on the water usually happen too quickly to reach a stored life jacket.”

The following tips can help boaters stay afloat safely this summer:

–Brush up on the basics. According to the Coast Guard, 80 percent of all boating fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had not completed a boating safety education course.

–Make a habit of buckling up. Wearing a properly secured life jacket is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidental drowning. Check jackets annually for flotation and fit, especially for children. One size doesn’t fit all.

–Make plans public. Inform someone staying on land about the details of a trip—the destination, the participants, and the planned length of time on the water.

–Limit alcohol consumption. Half of all boating fatalities involved alcohol.

–For safety purposes, “water wings” just don’t fly. Never use swimming devices such as water wings in place of life jackets or life preservers on children. These toys are not intended to be personal flotation devices.

– Learn to swim. It’s never too late to learn this potentially lifesaving skill. Swimming classes for adults and children are available in most communities.

To help boaters chart the course to a safer season, MetLife Auto & Home offers a free boating safety guide, endorsed by the U.S. Coast Guard, which highlights the best tips and tools for water safety from 15 Coast Guard publications. Younger sailors can also learn boating safety with a coloring and activity book that features the beloved PEANUTSä gang. Both are available free by calling 1-800-MET-LIFE (1-800-638-5433).