Got a Boat? Better Get Insurance!

April showers may bring May flowers, but they alsohave no insurance at all.
bring the reminder that warm days are approaching;A spokesperson for Progressive, Dominic Mediate
days that are meant to be spent on the water, insaid, "A great experience with your boat can quickly
what is for many their prized possession: a boat.turn bad if you're not properly insured. Things like 24
While most adults are paying close attention to rising7 claims service and specialized coverages such as
costs of their daily trips to and from work, orEmergency Towing and Labor and Total Loss
watching the housing market to be certain theyReplacement are designed to help get boaters back
aren't losing value in their homes, boat aficionadoson the water fast in the event of a loss."
have other concerns. In fact, according to a surveySince 20% of boaters say they would never sell their
of over a thousand boat owners that was conductedboats under any circumstances, and 6% said it would
by Progressive Insurance Company, almost half oftake the threat of physical harm to give up their
them bought their boats before they purchased carsweekend cruising, boat insurance is obviously
or houses.something they all need to consider.
While that's great for the boaters, and most boatMost major insurers sell boat insurance, either through
owners say that their biggest concern is finding timean off shoot of their auto coverage division, or as
to sail, there is a bigger issue looming on the horizon.part of a special line that may also include insurance
You see, most boaters purchased their vesselsfor ATVs, snowmobiles, and other recreational
before they finished college (19%), married (28%) orvehicles, but boaters should shop around, because -
had children (30%), and in those carefree days ofjust as with car insurance - different companies offer
sailing off into the sunset with a bottle of Chablis anddifferent packages and different premiums.
a group of laughing friends, the last thing on theirIf you own a boat and you don't have insurance on
minds was insurance. In fact, according to that sameit, contact your insurance agent or start your online
Progressive survey, while most boaters (70%) areshopping today. You wouldn't leave shore without a
aware they need insurance, even when their boatslife preserver; why would you launch without financial
are in dry-dock, almost a third - 29% - said theyprotection?