Some think that boat insurance is only needed when a boat is in the water; however, this is not an adequate way to protect from all the risks to a boat. A boat is more likely to be stolen or vandalized when it is in non-secure storage and just as likely to be damaged when being transported as the vehicle towing it.
Be sure to consult with your agent at Strack Insurance Services, serving Arlington, TX and the nearby area, to keep your boat insured properly.
Accidents with Boats on Land
The U.S. Coast Guard report on boat accidents shows that during 2015, 4,158 recreational boat accidents caused around $24 million in damages. There were 2,613 injuries and 626 fatalities. The number of deaths was 5.3 per 100,000 registered recreational boats.
The National Safety Council reports that during 2016 there were about 6 million auto accidents. In that year, there were 4.5 million serious injuries and 40,237 fatalities. The number of registered vehicles is around 269 million. The number of deaths was about 15 per 100,000 registered automobiles.
There is about three times the chance of dying in an auto crash than on a boat. If you tow your boat, think about how much time it takes to transport your boat on the roads to get to the nearest water. You need to be sure to have adequate insurance coverage to protect from this risk.
Boats Damaged in Storage
Inclement weather is getting worse due to climate change. It is not unusual for bad weather, with high winds and heavy rain, to uproot trees. Take a look at where you park your boat. Perhaps it is covered and placed outside or perhaps it is in a garage. Then, look at the nearby trees. Imagine what happens if they fall and smash your boat, even if it is inside the garage.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you are convinced why it is very important to have adequate insurance for your boat when it is both in and out of water. Call 817-557-0100 to speak with your agent at Strack Insurance Services in Arlington, TX to have a review of your boat insurance and get a quote.