Boat Insurance - Safeguarding From Undesirable Eventualities

There are many people who have their own boats and use it for a variety of purposes like fishing, transport and so on. Having invested in this mode of transport, it is also essential to safeguard it. Hence, the need for boat insurance. This form of insurance protects the boats from any untoward natural calamities or events like flood, storm and so on. One need not necessarily have to purchase an expensive boat insurance policy. There are affordable ones available in the market that will offer the same coverage. It is possible to get affordable boat insurance and that too without having to shell out a fortune. The only way to go about this is research and spending some time browsing the internet.

The research should not take into account the quotes provided and the coverage of the policy, but should also be able to guide you on how to apply for these quotes. You may either choose to do all this on your own or take the help of an insurance broker. When you identify a broker, the broker may tend to force you into purchasing a policy from the company that gives him good commission. But if you are clear that you cannot spend much, then you are left with the only option of doing a thorough research all by yourself. Also, when ordering the policy online, you also get the benefit of good discounts or rebates.

Once you have identified insurance websites that offer these policies, you have to fill in the requisite information and submit the details online. By just remaining in the comfort zone of your home, you can purchase the policy and you also save on commuting and other travel expenses. Within minutes, you will also have the boat insurance policy emailed to you.

Just make sure that the insurance provider is a genuine one. Check out reviews posted by the clients about the company. If you have the sole ownership of the boat, then you should not compromise on the coverage. You may also check with friends or relatives if they have purchased a similar policy. There are many types of boat insurance like fishing boat insurance, yachts insurance of boat and racing boats insurance. You may want to check out for specialised insurance of boat policies, so that you are adequately covered.

Yachts insurance and racing boats insurance are different from a normal insurance of boat policy. Find out whether the insurance of boat policy covers your fishing tackle, fishing boat etc. Check out for competitive prices available in the market. Third party liability is also extended by some insurance companies, and in the event of the passengers getting injured or hurt, the insurance policy will provide adequate coverage. Preferably go in for a company that has competitive staff to process the insurance claims and who are well read about claim processing and the process involved in insurance of boat compensation.

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Boat Insurance or Yacht Insurance - What Is The Difference?

If you are lucky enough to have bought a new watercraft then very quickly you are going to have to sort out some kind of insurance so that the boat is covered in the event of theft, an accident or a hijacking.

When you look into the matter you will find that the difference between "Boat Insurance" and "Yacht Insurance" principally comes down to the length of the boat. Boats are normally thought of as being watercraft that are smaller than twenty six feet in length, whilst Yachts are thought of as watercraft that are 27 foot and longer.

The other differences between the two come down to the types of use that the two types of craft are likely to get. Because boats are smaller it is generally considered that the range of their activities will be smaller, and that they will be travelling smaller distances. Of course this is a generalisation, and so if you have a craft that is less than 26 foot in length, but which perhaps you use on different types of waterways (or at least more than the norm). Then you should be certain to read the small print of your boat insurance policy before travelling anywhere, or going anywhere that is potentially unsafe.

Because Yachts tend to travel longer distances (as they are larger boats) it is more common to have wider sea cover included, and also to include such elements as hijacking cover etc if you ask for them, though naturally you will pay extra for this.

As with any kind of insurance, regardless of whether you end up needing boat insurance OR yacht insurance you should be sure to seek out a wide variety of quotes, and read the policy documents very carefully, so that you end up with cover that fits your particular requirements.

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Top Mystery Ghost Ships

There is something about a ship lost at sea which sends shivers down our spines and evokes a sense of mystery and chilling fatefulness. Maybe because the sea can become an endless void which is instinctively unnerving. However, even though thousands of ships have gone missing at sea some have become legendary and their tales timeless.

The U.S.S Cyclops was built in 1910 and was used in World War I to transport coal for the Navy. In 1918 on its way to the U.S from Brazil it completely disappeared without a trace not even a single S.O.S call. The shocking thing about this disaster is over 300 men lost their lives and to this day nobody has found any wreck or evidence of the ship. It remains the single largest loss of life experienced by the United States Navy of a vessel not in combat. According to records it was apparently overloaded with manganese ore, which could have contributed to its unfortunate demise.

The Ourang Medan is allegedly a Dutch merchant ship that sank in Indonesian waters in 1947. According to sources two ships answered an S.O.S call. The City of Baltimore and the Silver Star which were both American vessels. The distress messages exclaimed the rest of the crew were apparently dead. When the Silver Star arrived they found the entire crew dead on board with terrified expressions. As the crew of the Silver Star investigated The Ourang Medan allegedly set on fire and sank. To this day nobody knows exactly what happened on board and caused the fire. However, some believe the ship was carrying nitroglycerin and some kind of nerve chemicals which caused the deaths of the crew and eventual fire.

The Baychimo is a story of a ship that just wouldn't sink. It was abandoned near Alaska in 1931 because it was trapped in ice. After some time the ship broke free naturally and was seen adrift. The amazing thing is it remained adrift for almost 40 years without sinking. Various crew throughout the years tried to salvage the ship without success. Over the years sightings were recorded as recently as 1969.

The Mary Celeste is possibly one of the most famous ships in history. The ship was bound for Italy in 1872 with grain alcohol as its cargo. It was found in December 1872 by the crew of a British ship called the Dei Gratia. They allegedly found The Mary Celeste completely abandoned, but the ship was fully supplied, equipped and sea worthy. After investigation it was found that a life raft was missing but the mystery of the lost crew remained. To this day The Mary Celeste remains one of the great legends of the sea. Captain David Williams is cited as having the most practical solution to its mystery. After 30 years of research he basically concluded the ship set on fire in some way, the crew entered a life raft but forgot to tether it to the ship as a result they were left stranded.

Ghost ships, the Bermuda triangle and incredible mistakes made by crew all contribute to tragic stories which ultimately led to loss of life and the ships themselves.

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Affordable Boat Insurance For Beginners - What Factors Do You Need To Consider With Boat Insurance?

When you are considering buying a new boat, or already have a boat, one of the key considerations that you must address is getting affordable boat insurance that will allow you to rest easy at night and not have to worry about your prized possession.

This is often easier said than done, because the cost of boats is such that, after your house (and possibly your car) it is probably the single biggest investment that you possess.

The size of your boat is definitely a factor in how easily you will be able to find boat insurance at an affordable rate, because you will often find that many boat insurance programs are designed to cover boats up to a certain length. This varies between providers, but make sure that in addition to any cost implications you also check if there are any size limitations.

Normally, a 'boat' will be classified as anything up to 26 feet in length, and above this level your boat would be officially classified as a yacht, and so you would have to get yacht insurance instead.

When you get a boat insurance quote you should check exactly what it covers you for, and tailor the cover to match your requirements. For example, if you do a lot of sailing in a region that is known to have pirates (more prevalent today than you might think), then you may well find that such areas are actually excluded from the policy. Hence it is important to check the policy documents so that you don't find yourself left out in the cold in the event of some unforeseen circumstances.

As with anything in the financial arena the best way to get started is to get some boat insurance quotes so that you can compare rates and exactly what is available.

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All About Dinghy Insurance For Your Precious Dinghy

If you love boating and you want to own your very own boat which does not burn a huge hole in your pocket then you should consider buying a dinghy. A Dinghy is nothing but a small boat; traditionally these were carried on board big sea vessels and were used to travel upstream and other places where bigger vessels could not be maneuvered easily. However the turn of century saw an amazing invention - the inflatable rubber dinghy. This has made boating more fun and more safe compared to the traditional wooden boats. If you are a person who likes to face challenges then you can get a dinghy which can be used for sailing. This is perfect for beginners who love to sail but are not yet quite ready to handle a full sized sloop.

Irrespective of the dinghy you own, you need to consider purchasing insurance for it. The reasons as to why you need to purchase dinghy insurance are:

• As a beginner there is a high risk that you might involve your vessel in some sort of accident. If you do not have an insurance covering the vessel then you will have to pay for the damages from your pocket. • In case of a fire accident the boat may sustain a lot of damage and if you are not covered your investment will go up in flames without any compensation.

• Since dinghy is a small boat the chances of someone stealing your boat is very high, if you have not purchased theft insurance then your entire investment will be gone without any trace.

• If you plan to charter your dinghy for other people and due to ill-fated luck if they sustain any injury to your dinghy they may ask for compensation room, so if you have not purchased liability insurance then you will be forced to pay from your own pocket.

There are many more reasons as to why you should buy dinghy insurance as soon as you own your very own small boat. As with any insurance policy the dinghy policy also comes with a slightly higher premium, but fear not here are some steps on how you can get a low quote on your insurance policy.

• Always do some basic research before calling any insurance broker. With the availability of internet information it's just a click away. All you need to do is to go to an insurance website and click on the various dinghy policies offered by insurance companies. Once you are armed with some basic data you are ready to face any insurance broker.

• Always, compare the various policies online. The reason behind this is very simple. It is a cumbersome process to get all the data needed and compare the various policies yourself, however on the online websites all you need to do is click the compare button and without any effort you will be given all the comparison data of various policies. This will help you to get the cheapest quote that is available in the market.

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Ski Boat Insurance

Along with man, all that he has created are being continuously evolving. This includes the houses, the tool, the vehicles so on and so forth. For example the Noah arks, which was the most ancient water craft mentioned in Bible has evolved into small personal boats. Along with the continuous evolution of man and his creation the level of danger has also risen. this is the very reason why man in modern day should take all precaution to protect himself and his property. One of the best way to do it is to purchase a good insurance policy. This way at least if any thing is damaged the insurance company will provide financial coverage towards the repair. In this article I will be talking about one such policy - the ski boat insurance policy.

Ski boats are basically high horse powered boats which are used to tow one or more water skiers across any water body. The boat is built in such a way that it can achieve high speeds within matter of time. These boats can also be used for personal use without have to tow skiers. Investing in such a boat is truly rewarding. If you plan to buy such a boat then you need to consider purchasing ski boat insurance.

There are many companies providing ski boat insurance. However it is important that you select a policy which is cheaper but still offers maximum coverage. The simplest policy available is the physical damage policy. This policy provides coverage if the boat is damaged due to accident or acts of vandalism. The second type of policy provides coverage if the damage is caused due to fire accidents. The third type of policy available is the third party liability policy, which protects the boat owner from being liable if the boat is involved in damaging third person property or injuring third person.

Once you have decided the type of policy which you need, it is time to go searching for a place where they offer cheaper quotes on ski boat insurance. The best place to start is the internet. There are a number of websites which provide a complete information on various ski boat insurance. Most of the websites also offer discounts and offering on various policies if they are purchased form there websites. The first thing to do is to log on those sites and then provide some basic information regarding the water craft and then they can start selecting the policy which suits their needs.

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Why Boats Are A Pleasure... But You Still Need Boat Insurance

One of the greatest pleasures that a man can have is owning his own boat. It goes back to the days of adventure on the high seas when a man was absolute monarch of his realm as a captain of his ship.

Today there are very few places that the average man can be master and commander of his own destiny. But owning a boat is not without risk or expense. At one time cannons and carronades protected the owner and captain from loss today it is boat insurance that protects a man from loss.

It might seem like a small thing but boat insurance is essential to protecting an asset that you might have worked your entire life to own.

The greatest joy in boating is that you are responsible for your own fate. That means responsible and in some sense autonomous from the rest of the world. What boat owner hasn't dreamed of sailing to the Sea of Cortez?

All alone with just the deep blue quiet all around you and the vault of stars above to light your way; what could be better? Listening to the plaintive whale song off the coast of Hawaii while your family sits in happy companionship, that is the way to spend your leisure.

But you need to have the assets to enjoy that leisure. Also even in the most peaceful of times boating entails some risk, that is why boating insurance is an absolute necessity.

Owning a boat is the goal of many retirees. Owning and operating a boat correctly requires the skill, desire, and time to care for her correctly. It also requires the wherewithal, assets and boat insurance to protect what you have. Your retirement is far too precious to risk.

It makes no sense to gain your heart's desire and then to lose it in a storm or to bad navigation. Even if you survive without harm losing your boat can be devastating so protect what you have. And if you have the right vessel and the desire why not have a nice shiny brass carronade to salute the sunsets?

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Marine Insurance Basics For Beginners

Marine insurance reimburses financial losses due to damage to a ship and any accompanying properties, including the cargo, from port of departure to port of destination. Available specialty marine insurance policies include those for marine cargo insurance, marine business insurance, and personal watercraft insurance.

One type of marine insurance is individual watercraft insurance which is aimed to target insurance of non-commercial usage watercraft. Individual watercraft insurance is similar to that of automobiles. Similar to automobile insurance, individual watercraft insurance policies might not only cover property losses but also offer individual protection and watercraft liability coverage.

The liability coverage may cover bodily injury to watercraft occupants, along with others who are involved in any accident. Further medical coverage is generally available in a separate policy rider. Uninsured boater coverage is available as well to cover any damage incurred from hit-and-run vessels, or from vessels which lack insurance coverage.

There is also the option of towing and salvage insurance. It can help with smaller incidents such as an engine failure, mechanical breakdowns, or even having fuel delivered to a stranded ship. Towing and salvage insurance can also help to offset the high costs associated with a vessel that has sustained much damage.

Agreed Value or Actual Cash Value forms are what's generally offered for hull coverage on a standard vessel. Because for insurance, it depends on the cash value policies to determine whether when the vessel ages if it will depreciate in value. Some insurance companies continue to pay the full amount without the depending on the depreciation value.

Similarly, marine insurance can cover any and all risks, or just risks and perils specified in the policy. No matter the policy type, it is very important to fully understand all of the stipulations which may render the policy null and void. For example, many policies specify navigational limits which render the policy void if exceeded. Depending on the area, accidentally exceeding navigational limits can be very easy on the water where boundaries are not well marked.

Personal watercraft insurance is available for virtually all watercraft, from small pleasure boats and fishing boats, to large yachts and houseboats. Specialty coverage can include coverage for watercraft rentals, fishing excursions, and other charter boat trips. With a wide selection of insurance companies and options available, finding the right coverage for your craft and situation simply takes a little research.

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Are Your Toys Ready for Spring?

Your heart's racing, you're sweating profusely and you know all eyes are on you. First day on a new job? That recurring dream where you're standing in front the school in just your underwear? Nah, you're just riding high on your motorcycle, boat or watercraft.

You've waited all winter to feel this exhilaration, and now spring has finally sprung. But, before you back that trailer down the ramp or take your bike out of storage, you'll want to ask yourself one thing. Are your "toys" ready for spring?

Know Your Motorcycle

Whether you still ride with a death grip or have so many bikes in your garage there's no room for a car, you should know what to look for before twisting that throttle. Before you even step outdoors, you'll want to make sure you are covered with quality New Jersey motorcycle insurance. Of course you don't plan on having an accident or getting it stolen, but if bad luck comes your way, you'll be thankful you have the right bike insurance plan. Coverage of everything from Collision, Comprehensive, Medical Payments, Property Damage, Bodily Injury Liability, Pedestrian PIP/ Guest Liability and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury will go miles for you when you encounter unlucky situations.

Once you have your insurance squared away, it's time to think about your bike on the open road. Motorcycles, if winterized and stored properly, are relatively easy to get ready for the upcoming riding season. Here are a few quick-and-easy tips to get the most out of your motorcycle this season:

•Check battery terminals (clean, if necessary, with baking soda and water).

•Dry or apply an after-wash product, then dry.

•Check oil and other lubricants.

•Check cables and lubricate with applicable lubricants.

•Check tire pressure and wear.

•Check, charge or install the battery (positive/red lead first).

•Check all lights and signals to confirm operational and not cracked or broken.

•Check brake fluid level and brake pads/shoes for wear.

•Wash or apply a pre-wash and then thoroughly "bathe" your ride.

•Apply leather treatment to leather components.

•Check drive belt, chain or shaft.

•Polish and wax all chrome and painted parts.

•Add "octane" booster (if desired) to fuel according to directions.

•Clean inside of helmet with mild soap and let dry. Shine outside of helmet.

•Write down beginning mileage.

•Review any notes written before putting your motorcycle in winter storage.

BRACE YOUR BOATS

Whether you like it warm or cold, fresh or salty, the water is calling you and you boat. Are you someone that lives for the power you feel as you throttle up your twin outboards? Or do you enjoy harnessing the wind in your sailboat?

No matter your boating preference, before you jump in this spring, you'll want to be sure you have the right boat insurance policy to suit your needs. Accidents happen, so you'll want to insure yourself and your boat against liability and damage. New Jersey boat insurance agency Sharer & Associates can help you navigate the options for affordable boat insurance. Many policies provide coverage for Damage to other boats or docks, Bodily Injury or Death, and Medical Payments.

If you winterized your boat, you saved yourself some spring boat prep time and headaches. And that means the road between your boat and the water is shorter. What things should go on your to-do list and the shopping list? Here are a few general steps to take before you take the plunge:

•Do a general cleaning of hull, deck and topsides using a mild detergent.

•Make sure drains and scuppers are clear.

•Put on a good coat of wax.

•Clean and polish metal with a good metal polish.

•Clean teak and oil.

•Clean windows and hatches.

•Clean canvas, bimini and dodger.

•Clean interior including bilges.

•Check spare parts and tools, and replace as necessary.

•Inspect the deck making sure your lifelines, pulpits and stanchions are good.

•Make sure your life raft and dinghy are in working order.

•Check and replace wiper blades if necessary.

•Make sure registration is current and onboard.

WARM UP YOUR WATERCRAFT

Part boat, part motorcycle, all fun! Whether it's a jet ski, WaveRunner or Sea-Doo, your personal watercraft lets you keep cool and feel cooler as you glide across the water getting soaked by the spray. While these sporty water rides can make you feel like you own the waves, you won't want to get thrown off by an accident that leaves you and your toy landlocked.

Before you hit the ramp this spring, do yourself a favor and get covered with a watercraft insurance policy. New Jersey jet ski insurance helps insure you and your watercraft against accidents, vandalism and liability. Whether you operate it yourself or loan it to a friend, you can be covered for situations including Damage to other crafts or docks, Bodily Injury or Death, and towing assistance.

The warm weather and use of personal watercraft are supposed to be all about fun. But as any jet ski owner knows, things don't always as planned. Put the odds in your favor this season by following these simple steps:

· Check and maintain your battery. Beware of sulfation, which decreases the battery's ability to hold a charge.

· If buying a new battery, consider newer alternatives like gel and AGM (absorbed glass mat).

· Check for corrosion, dirt or moisture built up on the terminals, which drain power.

· Clean the terminals with a solution of baking soda and water, and rinse with fresh water. Once dry, apply a light coat of waterproof grease to protect the terminals.

· Flush your engine.

· Check your engine, check your oil and make sure all your clamps are tight.

· Wash and wax.

· Use a quality vinyl protectant to condition the vinyl seat.

· Don't forget your trailer. Check tire pressure, check bolts and nuts to make sure things are tight, inspect bunk boards and trailer lights.

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Insurance Options For Your Boat

Anyone who owns a boat needs to make sure it is adequately insured.

In order to find the best boat insurance policy you need to determine the type of boat you own and what you plan on using it for. The type of boat and its age will all affect the cost.

Insurance for your boat is similar to that for your car. There is not only cover for the boat, but also for passengers, damage to other boats and damage to property.

Policy Types

Third Party Liability covers boat owners for any damage they are not liable for, such as other vessels or property. It will also cover injuries to others including loss of life.

Comprehensive Cover usually covers all accidental damage, fire, theft and vandalism but is subject to policy conditions.

New-for-Old Cover means that any item damaged will be replaced with a new one. However, it's likely that there will be an age limit clause where the broker will instead pay out the market value of the item.

Racing Risks Cover is for those wishing to enter their boat in races. In competitions, boats traveling at higher speeds means a greater risk of damage.

Laid Up Period refers to the policies where it is established that a vessel is laid up ashore at certain times of the year.

Home owner's Policy

It's possible to have a boat insured under your home insurance policy, but this will rarely cover specific risks such as running aground or wreck removal.

Commercial Cover

If you intend to use the boat for commercial purposes, for charter or even informal client entertainment, most insurance companies will class this as commercial use and the cover will probably be more expensive. Always check with your broker to make sure that you are covered.

Going Abroad

It is important to check the territorial limits of any boat cover before undertaking a trip abroad. Many European countries will ask for evidence of insurance cover and may require a translation which your insurer should be able to provide.

Which Insurance Company to Choose

You should always choose a familiar and reputable insurance company which specifically caters for boat insurance. Many regular high street insurers are able to offer boat insurance, but may not have the expertise to offer the best advice. If you're in the UK, it is always best to choose a firm based in the UK so that access to UK Law and competition is available if a problem should occur.

Making a Claim

Submit your claim as soon as possible after an accident. Any incidences of theft or criminal damage should be reported to the police. For your claim form you'll also need the Crime Reference Number.

You will be required to provide at least one estimate for the repairs or a written quote for the replacement items if a repair is not possible. Before allowing repairs or a replacement, your insurance company might send an inspector or loss adjuster to make an assessment of the damages.

Surveys

Most insurance companies will require a survey for any boat aged 20 years old or more, and again after every five years. Some boats may require a survey earlier than this if they have sustained serious damage, if they are wooden or if they have been self-built.

Legal Protection

For an additional premium, some insurance policies can be extended to include legal representation if your boat is involved in accident resulting in you suffering financial loss or injury.

None of us can predict when or where an accident may occur. However careful or experienced you may be it's vital to insure your boat. Speak to fellow sailors and do plenty of research on the web. The right boat insurance gives you peace of mind which is invaluable.

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Insuring Your Boat

There are many issues to consider when insuring a recreational boat. Many people view boating as a fun sport and don't consider there to be enough risks associated with boating to make insuring the boat very important.

First of all, do you need to be reminded that we live in a litigious world? Even though a friend or 'guest' on board your boat for the day may be very chummy, that would likely change if they or their child were to be injured while on a boating voyage on your boat. Wherever you go, accidents can happen and boating is certainly no exception. And, when faced with enormous medical bills, it is normal for people to seek recovery from others, even though they may not have been 'at fault'. You simply should not have a recreational boat without, at a minimum, a basic liability policy.

Most banks and marine finance companies require that boats covered under their financing are adequately insured. Likewise, you need to have this coverage for the protection of your other assets. If you are found to be at fault for a drowning or loss of a limb, your entire financial future, and that of your family, can be ruined. It is simply not worth the risk.

Insurance on a boat is similar to insurance on an automobile. There is coverage for your boat, coverage for the liability you have for persons in your boat as well as others who light be damaged by your boat or your actions regarding your boat. And, just like your car, the premiums are dependent on the dollar value of the coverage limits that you select.

Consider how you plan to use your boat. Will you be trailering it from lake to lake to enjoy a variety of voyages? If so, you will also need to consider coverage while the boat is in tow. You need to check out this coverage in light of your auto insurance and what is covered by that policy in the event of an auto accident while towing the boat.

If you will be storing the boat in your garage or at your dock, there are other considerations. For example, if you only use the boat during the summer season, many insurers allow you to declare a 'storage only' coverage for that time of the year when the boat is not being used. You would need to notify the insurance company at the start of the season and then again at the end of the season. This will have a direct effect on your premiums and it will ensure that you are not paying premiums for liability coverages while there is virtually no risk involved.

While your boat may very well be covered under your homeowner's policy while stored in your garage, you may have to declare it on a supplemental schedule to cover it. If you store your boat in a marina or other commercial boat storage facility, they will normally require you to demonstrate proof of insurance prior to storing your boat. The marina's insurance will cover any negligence or damage to your boat that results from the marina's liability, but it very likely will not cover your boat in the event of a flood, fire, hurricane, tornado or other act of God. You must have insurance coverage for this sort of exposure. There were many thousands of boats damaged or destroyed by hurricanes Katrina and Rita on the Gulf Coat in 2005. A large number of the boatowners were shocked to learn that their boats were not covered by the marina's insurance policy. Those that had their boats in storage without coverage for storage suffered a complete loss!

In 10 years in the marina business, I have unfortunately seen several drownings, swimmers run over by a boater's propeller, broken limbs and backs and 50 or so sunken boats. Most of this was a result of somebody's negligence. Many of these boaters failed to have insurance coverage! Unfortunately, there is no legal requirement to do so. The risks can be huge.

Boat insurance can be obtained from several sources. Many people choose to add their boat onto their homeowner's policy and the umbrella insurance provided thereon. That is certainly better than not having insurance. Marine insurance may, in fact, prove to be a better buy. It certainly pays to do your homework. When there are problems, the marine insurers are considerably more conversant in the marine issues than the adjusters of the standard property & casualty commercial insurer.

It is surely advisable to take one of the safe boating courses offered by the U. S. Coast Guard or the U. S. Power Squadron. I would encourage your whole family to take the course and think about the safety issues when around your boat. Also be certain hat you have the proper number and type of Personal Floatation Devices (PFD's) for the crew of your boat as well as the other safety equipment that's appropriate and required by law. Just like in your car, be sure you have a designated driver along if you intend to consume alcohol while on your voyage! The sun and spray tend to exacerbate the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream and many states now enforce a "BUI" Boating Under the Influence law.

Do your homework before buying your boat insurance, but be certain that you get it. This is true even for the smallest of boats, especially personal watercraft (PWC's).

Have a safe and fun time on the water this year!

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Marine Boat Insurance Quotes

If you are looking for marine boat insurance, the best move that you can do is to go to the specialist insurance brokers that can provide you with what you need at a cost that allows you to maximize your money.

It is made available to boat owners who meet the requirements that are set by the insurance providers. In return, the insurance providers offer them insurance that allow them to maximize the plan that they opt for.

They should check whether the claims and policies are dealt within the insurance provider. Another factor that determines how good an insurance provider is in providing services is when the staff is knowledgeable of the product.

That is not to say that you shouldn't know as much as you can on marine boat insurance. Before you take a look at what is available out there for you, we suggest that you read up on the requirements and the policies involved.

There are sites that require you to fill up the online insurance quotes for you to get one. You should make the most out of this opportunity. A quotation will then be emailed to you to provide you with information that you need including the details that are important for you so you know which is covered and which isn't.

As a client, you need to be advised as much as possible. If the insurance providers have details of what you need to know available online then this only shows that the firms care about their potential clients.

Here are some general features that are included. Take note of all of these. These should be included in your plan. First of all, there must be a 24-Hour Immediate Dispatch.

Experts claim that the staff must be there to help the clients 24 hours a day and seven days a week. The incidences of sinking, fuel spill containment, salvage, and pollution clean up are handled. It is interesting to note also that the medical payments for clients cover their family members as well.

Now only selected marine boat insurance plans have this feature and it is more expensive than the ones that only cover the insurance holder. That is why we advise you to compare the plans that cover both options. If you can afford the marine boat insurance that can cover the costs of your family members with just a little difference, then we suggest that you go for that plan already.

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The Cost of Sailboat Insurance for Cruising

This was one hot topic for us over the last couple of weeks. What does it cost to have proper insurance for your sailboat? Since we are planning to do extended off-shore cruising, the perfect insurance for our boat should not only be a general liability insurance but we also wanted a full comprehensive yacht insurance that would cover any damage on our boat, no matter what would happen. Tough task.

From my experience with my previous 37 foot sailboat, which I sailed for one year in Florida I know that there are a lot of variables to look at when it comes to get insurance for your boat. Such as hurricane season, region and or country you are sailing, ocean passages, single handing, charter business and so forth.

One thing was very obvious from the very beginning: We wouldn't go for the cheapest boat insurance and neither did we like to sign some sort of online boat insurance with a broker or company that we wouldn't know. A lot of research showed that this isn't working out for most of the cruisers out there. Pretty cool to pay less if nothing happens, but if the worst comes to the worst you are most likely lost with one of the budget insurers.

Well, what does it actually cost to get the perfect insurance for your sailboat? The following quotes that I have received are tailor-made for our particular boat.

The first company I was looking at was the one the previous owner had her insured with. The cost for one year with general liability insurance and a full comprehensive coverage was EUR 1,500. Not bad I thought. The covered area was Northern Europe including the UK and down to France. They were asking the same amount for anything south of France including the Western Med and off-shore to Madeira, the Azores and Canary Islands. This was a large insurance company specialized in yacht insurance.

My internet search on topics like boat insurance, yacht insurance quotes, average cost of boat insurance or boat insurance companies returned a lot of search results and I spent the better half of a day on the phone to get even more quotes. I turned those down, who wouldn't give me a price indication over the phone straight away. I have spoken to boat insurance companies in the US, the UK, France, Germany and the Netherlands. Prices for a combined package with general liability (+/- EUR 2 Mill coverage for the liability part) and full comprehensive coverage brought back offers in the region of EUR 1,200 up to EUR 1,900 for the European region.

Funny enough these so called specialized boat insurance companies were the most expensive ones with the most exceptions on the part of the comprehensive coverage.

Now comes the fun part. Over the last couple of weeks I was also trying to remember the name of the yacht insurance broker that I had for my boat back in Florida. I remember them as a small German-based company with global reach, which tailor their boat insurance offers to the specific needs of long-term cruisers.

Last week I finally remembered the name and called that lady straight away. Guess what? She remembered me. I found this very impressive as our last contact was like 6 years ago. Within an hour I had a comprehensive offer in my inbox, which covered everything I wanted for the price of EUR 960. A week later I signed the papers.

The best part is their reputation among the cruisers. Something happens in a remote place? No problem, you call them, drop them an email and they immediately take over with no worries left over for you. Those examples have been reported more than once by fellow cruisers all over the world.

I don't want to drop names here and I am not related to this company at all... but if you are interested in a contact, please let me know and I would be happy to give you more details.

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Tips on What to Look For When Purchasing Insurance For Your Boat

Owning a boat means that you are required to own boat insurance and have correct licensing to operate on the open water. Finding insurance that will provide the needed coverage for your boat and remain affordable is easy through a local insurance agency. Knowing some tips on what to look for when purchasing insurance for your boat is helpful in selecting the right coverage.

Selecting the Right Company

Insurance companies that are available at all times to answer your questions are the main thing to look for when buying boat insurance. A responsive company ensures that they are readily available during times of emergency or accidents. Finding an insurance company that has a reputation for consistent customer service is needed when purchasing insurance for your boat. Try testing a company to see if their employees are able to answer your questions. Having a knowledgeable company and good service saves time and headache in the event of a claim.

Financially stable insurance companies that have a length of time serving the boat industry speak volumes about how well the company knows the business. Checking the ratings in finances for different insurance companies through A.M. Best & Standard and Poor is a good way to tell the company's financial stability.

Variety of coverage for boat insurance is recommended when checking out the insurance companies. If they offer house and auto insurance in addition to insurance for your watercraft, you may be able to combine policies for the best reduction in rates.

Pricing

Pricing and affordability range and using a local insurance agency can provide many quotes from different companies at once. Reading the policy descriptions will provide information about what each cover and which offers the best deal. Having a lot of coverage for an affordable amount may save money later.

Add-On Options

Consider all of the options for add-ons with the insurance policies and what these cost. Many policies only cover a limited amount of options and extra policies may be needed to ensure adequate protection to the watercraft. There are essentially three main areas of coverage including liability, collision, and physical damage. Asking your local insurance agent can provide the listing of what the multiple insurance companies cover.

Liability covers people on the boat that may have an accident or become hurt somehow. Collision protects the boat from this type of boat insurance when colliding with another boat or structure. Physical damage covers any acts of nature or people but may have limits. Keeping this in mind when you visit with your local insurance agency can provide you with questions that you may have regarding coverage amounts.

When looking for boat insurance, try checking online through your local agency. They may have online forms that are easy to fill out and receive a quote in just a few minutes. Typing in your information through the forms is quick and easy. Contacting the local agent for your area provides the background information you may need when selecting an insurance company to work through. Insurance agencies provide many quotes from different carriers at one time.

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Coverage For Your Vessel With Boat Insurance

If you are a boat owner you obviously know the importance of keeping your vessel safe and operational, this why so many people today are looking into boat insurance. This type of policy is specifically designed to protect your water craft and allow you fun on the waters without hassle. While there are different types of boats on the waters, each one will need to have a policy to ensure that it is safe and protected from possible mishaps.

Anything can happen where a boat is concerned. You can have a collision with another boat, or you can have a collision with a dock. There is also the possibility of fire, theft, or damage.

Worth The Minimal Cost

One of the benefits about boat insurance is that it is actually quite cheap to purchase. A policy for someone that is a seasonal boater can be very inexpensive. While it may be a little more costly for someone that lives in a warm region year round, the cost to secure this boat is still quite reasonable.

One of the most important things to keep in mind with this type of insurance is that due to the chances being low of collisions opposed to cars the cost to keep a policy for your boat is low. It is not impossible to have a collision with another boat, yet the chances are minimal. This is what keeps the cost of boat insurance so low. The demand for this insurance is much lower than that of automobiles and the accident rate is considerably lower.

Variable Policy Terms

The interesting thing about boat insurance much like motorcycle or other sport craft is that the terms can be flexible. This is because many people live in regions that have seasonal change. It is not practical to operate your boat in cold snowy conditions of northern regions. For this purpose the insurance brokers offer shorter terms for polices. This makes managing the policy very simple and you will not have to worry about paying out through the entire year.

For those that live in the warmer areas, you can usually find great rates to offset the fact that you have a yearly policy. This keeps things on the cheap side and you can still appreciate your boat without worrying about not having coverage.

Most Major Carriers

When you are looking for a good boat insurance policy, you will not have to search very heard. The fact is most of the larger insurance carriers will cover boat insurance, along with their usual suspects like homeowner, and auto insurance. Take some time to browse the website of some of the companies and see what they are offering in terms and rates for what you need.

This will give you an idea as to who you would like to deal with. You can do a side by side comparison on the web, which will make short work of trying to figure out the best option for your specific needs.

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