With summer right around the corner you’re probably eager to get your boat into the water. Before you do, you may want to review your current boating insurance policy.
While boating is a great way to spend a summer day, it can also be dangerous if the necessary precautions are not taken. It is recommended that all boat owners take a safety course each year. As the captain of your boat, you are responsible for the passengers on your boat.
Unfortunately, boating accidents happen and sometimes people get injured or killed. According to the U.S. Coast Guard in 2013 there was just over 2800 “reported” boating accidents caused by one of the following types of incidents:
- Collision with another boat
- Collision with an object
- Flooding/capsizing
- Water Skiing
- Grounding
Of those 2800 reported boating accidents (that are listed above) 195 people lost their lives and another 1876 people were injured.
In addition, as a result of a boating incident, 457 people drowned (379 of those people were not wearing a life jacket), trauma caused another 103 deaths, cardiac arrest claimed 29 lives, and hypothermia was responsible for 11 deaths.
Why Boating Insurance is so Important
Aside from the reasons listed above and the potential loss or life and injury of a passenger on your boat, who is going to pay for the damage to another boat if you are at fault for a boating accident especially one that injures or kills someone – You are!
Without the proper type or right amount of insurance, you will end up bankrupt from paying medical bills and repairing or replacing someone’s boat.
What if someone steals your boat? Does your current policy cover replacement? What about the extras you may have on your boat such as radar, a boat cover, PWC covers, or a Bimini top are these covered on your current boat insurance policy?
When you own a boat, these are all things you need to think about when you get boat insurance.
For more information about boat insurance in California please contact Lou Aggetta Insurance, located in Pleasant Hill and get a quote today!