Insuring Your Boat in the Off-Season

While many boat owners understand that it is just asowner wishes to take the boat out for any reason
important to insure your boat as it is a car or truck,during the off-season, he or she may be held liable
some people may be tempted to insure their boatfor any damages that may occur in the event of an
for only part of the year. Much of this temptationaccidents or collisions. In many cases, the amount the
arises from the fact that many people only use theirperson must pay to cover the damage caused in an
boats at certain times when the weather is pleasant,accident far outpaces the amount they would have
like the spring and summer months.paid to keep insurance coverage year-round.
During the winter and fall, many recreational boatersIn addition, insurance coverage can protect your
choose to store their vehicles in dry-docks, garages,investment in the event of theft or damage while
and parking lots, while snows and cold weather keepthe boat is being stored. Statistics show that claims
them off the lakes and rivers. Because they do notof boat theft rise in the winter-time, when thieves
intend to take the boat out on the water, somecan count on fewer traffic in and around marinas and
boat owners make the decision to cancel theirdocks. Boat owners may also return to find that their
insurance coverage for the off-season and renew itboat has been damaged while in storage, possibly by
again when prime season begins.the employees of the storage area or other owners
Some people choose to take such actions becausewho may be there to store or remove their boats.
they believe they may save money by removingMost insurance companies attempt to keep their
their insurance payments for part of the year.insurance policies low for year-round coverage of
Unfortunately, this may be a mistake, becauseboats and other recreational vehicles. By keeping
accidents can still occur even if the owner believesyour boat insured year-round, you can have the
the boat is safely stored. If a person suffers injurypeace of mind that comes with knowing that your
near a stored boat, the owner may still be held liableproperty is protected against theft and accidents. If
for injuries and expenses as a result.you would like to know more about insuring a boat
If a person suffers injury while walking by a storedor recreational vehicle, visit the website of the
boat, falls from the boat, or is crushed by a boatChicago insurance professionals of Insure on the
falling from height in storage, the boat owner maySpot.
face liability lawsuits as a result. In addition if the