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Families and individuals throughout Smithfield, Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, Virginia Beach, and neighboring areas look forward to summertime and getting their boats out on the water. Just be sure when making that checklist that insurance is at the top of your priorities – as having a boat carries much of the same risk as owning and operating a car. It’s important that you have insurance that adequately covers your property and potential liability for accidents.
Goodrich & Watson offers comprehensive Boat insurance that can help when you are at fault and in certain cases when something or someone else damages your boat. What’s more, we have policies that will insure many classes of boats and many types of boaters. Our clients include bass fishermen and ocean-faring anglers. We cover small sailing vessels, speedboats, pontoons, yachts and more.
U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in almost three-fourths of recreational boating fatalities in 2012, and that 85% of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets. Although there was a 14% decrease in the number of deaths in 2013, 77% of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of these drowning victims, 84% were not wearing a life jacket. That is why all passengers should wear a life jacket.
You’re careful on the water but accidents still can happen, which is why your Boat policy should include proper Liability insurance coverage. Some states and marinas require a minimum level of coverage, but most boat owners and operators should consider higher limits of insurance since accidents can cause expensive damage to other people’s property and sometimes serious injuries. Our insurer partners also offer bodily injury coverage for your passengers.
In the event of an accident and your boat is damaged, the property portion of a Boat insurance policy will respond. Our staff will work with you to obtain the right limits and type of coverage so the value of your boat is insured. You will also want to consider obtaining insurance for the personal property that you bring on the boat, such as high-end fishing equipment. In addition, Comprehensive insurance coverage provides protection if your boat is damaged because of a storm, vandalism or other non-accident incident.
A complete Boat insurance policy will also provide protection in case an uninsured or underinsured boater damages your vessel.
Goodrich & Watson partners with insurance companies that offer haul-out provisions to keep your boat safe during harsh weather, as well as towing and salvage coverage. Some of companies provide protection against the costs of fuel spills, and it is even possible to get insurance for damage that occurs due to unseen wear and tear, such as corrosion of through-hull fittings. You may also be interested in a policy that covers trailering. Our professionals will discuss all your options with you, along with any discounts that may be available.
We look forward to speaking with you about your boat insurance needs. Please give us a call at 757-591-2032 to find out how we can help protect you today and into the future.