“With this year’s boating season well under way, there are plenty of simple things boaters can do to protect themselves, their passengers and their property,” says local insurance agent Andrew J. McCabe. “From following basic safety measures to re-evaluating their insurance coverage, boaters can enjoy a memorable and fun season while making it safe for everyone.”
Safety first
Boating safety starts with one of the easiest measures – simply wearing a life jacket, a practice McCabe Agency has endorsed for years.
Although the law requires boaters to carry Coast Guard approved life jackets on board their vessels, 90 percent of all boaters who drowned in 2006 were not wearing life jackets.
In addition to wearing of life jackets , McCabe recommends the following steps:
• Take a boating education course
• Don’t mix drinking and boating
• Know the weather and water conditions
• File a boat plan, and give the information to a friend or relative who can call for help if your don’t return as scheduled
• Observe the nautical rules-of-the-road, including speed limits
• Get a courtesy vessel safety check
• Report emergencies via channel 16 on a marine VHF-FM radio
• Don’t discharge oil, trash or sewage in to the water
• Properly insure your boat and make sure it has sufficient coverage
Protect yourself with the right insurance
Although laws don’t require insurance for boats the same way they do for cars, the numbers make a compelling case for boat insurance.
“Boat insurance can help protect you from unexpected expenses that could reach well into the thousands,” Andrew McCabe said. “We offer a variety of options that provide security and peace of mind.”
Boat insurance should cover physical damage to your boat, motor or trailer; offer medical payment coverage in case someone is injured; and provide liability protection in case someone gets hurt or injured while boating.
With a long track record of providing comprehensive and affordable boat insurance, we have the experience, knowledge and options to customize your coverage and help keep costs down. For starters, in some states, take an approved boating safety course and you’ll save 5 percent off your insurance. And if you have other insurance products with us, your premiums can come down even more.
With our insurance coverage, you don’t need exotic riders if you take your boat on a trip – we provide coverage across the U.S. up to 100 nautical miles of the United States and Canada. And while some companies exclude accidents that occur in tournaments or competitions, our policies can provide coverage of boats in fishing tournaments.
Our coverage includes wreck removal coverage that helps cover the cost of removing your boat after an accident, and emergency services coverage for those instances when you breakdown and need a tow.
Other options include:
• An “agreed value” option that provides non-depreciated coverage
• Uninsured watercraft coverage that protects you if you’re hit by someone without insurance
• Personal effects coverage that includes things like expensive fishing equipment, water skis and other recreational and personal items
If you have questions or want additional information on what type of boat insurance coverage is right for you, please call McCabe Agency at 414-326-9337.
Filed Under: Boating, Safety, Summer