Summer Boating Season: Is Your Insurance Ready?

The boat is out of storage, the trailer is hitched, and the water is calling. Before you head out for the first trip of the season, take a few minutes to look at your boat insurance. Coverage that made sense last year may not reflect what you have today, and gaps in financial protection can surface at the worst possible time.

Why Review Your Boat Insurance Before Summer?

A lot can change between seasons. You may have added new equipment, upgraded electronics or taken on a loan that requires a lender to be listed on the policy. If you purchased a new vessel over the winter, your old policy almost certainly does not cover it.

Consider a few real-world situations where coverage gaps create problems:

• A passenger slips and is injured on your boat. Without liability coverage, medical costs could come out of pocket.
• A storm causes your boat to sink at the marina. If your policy only covers navigation losses, you may not be reimbursed.
• You trailer your boat to a lake in another state. Not all policies extend coverage across state lines, and requirements vary by location.

Reviewing your policy now, before a claim happens, puts you in a far better position.

Tips for a Safe and Insured Boating Season

Read your declarations page and confirm your coverage limits reflect the current value of your vessel. Ask your agent about agreed value versus actual cash value, as those terms can significantly affect a payout. Check that your liability limits meet any lender or marina requirements applicable to your situation. If you store your boat at a marina or loan it to friends, ask how those situations are handled under your current policy.

Contact Our Team

A quick policy review now can save you significant stress later in the season. Contact Auto Pilot Insurance today to help review your current boat insurance and make sure your coverage reflects how you use your vessel. We proudly serve boaters in and around Dallas, TX.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.