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Choosing The Best Boat Insurance Provider

Choosing The Best Boat Insurance Provider
In Florida, boats are a part of our culture, and the water that surrounds us on three sides and permeates inland through rivers, creeks, lakes, ponds, and canals is virtually synonymous with “recreation”.
And buying the best possible boat insurance policy is important all year long, and especially as hurricane season approaches.

But what should you look for in boat insurer? What kinds of policy features should you expect? And what kind of customer service will be offered by the best boat insurance companies?

Policy Features Your Boat Insurer Should Offer
Even the most basic boat insurance policy will cover personal liability, medical payments to injured parties, and some level of protection for the boat itself.

Liability covers you in an accident where you were at fault, against the legal claims of the other party. Medical payments cover injuries on board to at least the boat owner and his/her family – but look for insurers who will also cover all passengers.

For better protection of the boat itself, you may want to take out a comprehensive policy that covers collisions, fires, storm damage, theft, and more. Some policies cover only “named perils”, while others cover just about anything not “excluded”.

Your insurer should give you flexibility to set the amount and type of coverage. You should also be able to choose from coverage bases of actual cash value, agreed upon set cash value, and replacement value.

And be sure you can add salvage coverage, fuel spill liability cover, uninsured boater protection, towing, fuel delivery, hauling, mechanical breakdown, on board equipment and personal property cover, and other options if you so desire.

Look For Ways To Save On Your Boat Insurance
Aside from offering enough quality features, both basic and optional add-ons, your insurer should give you a variety of possible ways to save on the price tag.

First of all, flexibility in setting your policy terms will mean flexibility in determining your premiums. Second, many insurers have special deals with particular boat manufacturers – so if you own that brand of boat, you can save.

Third, you may be able to get set packages that have built-in discounts (the insurance equivalent of “meal deals” at fast food restaurants), or bundling discounts if you buy multiple policies of any kind from the same insurer.

Fourth, see if your insurer offers “diminishing deductibles”, that decrease with each passing year you don’t make a claim.

Fifth and finally, you may be able to lower your premium by passing a boaters safety course.

Find An Insurer With Great Customer Service
Sometimes it’s hard to define great customer service and care, but we all know it when we experience it (and when we don’t).

But here are some factors to look for:

  • Quick, simple processing of claims – with online filing available.
  • 24/7 support. This can mean a phone call or service via a mobile app.
  • Free to use online resources like boating blogs, tips, and guides.
  • Discounts on boating accessories when you join an insurer-affiliated boating association.
  • Free, no obligation, instant quotes online or a quick over the phone quote.

To find out more about what makes a great boat insurance policy and company, contact Flagler County (FL) Insurance Agency today! We can answer all of your boat insurance related questions, give you a free quote, and schedule an appointment if you want to meet with us in-person.