Here is a true story of a dream gone badly. Owning the Ranger Z22 Comanche Bass boat was a long cherished dream for them. They saved and envisioned the day they would be the proud owners of it. Finally after many years, that day came. They bought the boat of their dreams, all 22 feet, 300 horsepower of happiness. They were anxious to go to Lake Sinclair in Georgia to christen their new boat, but they knew the needed to take care of a very important matter first, boat insurance. They wanted to protect this dream and themselves from harm.

Their local boat insurance agent stated they needed guest passenger liability, property damage, bodily injury, theft, medical payment coverage along with coverage for physical loss. Now he is the boat insurance expert so no need to question, right? Well turns out they should not have been in such a hurry to enjoy their new boat and taken some extra time out to protect it.

Taking solace in the fact their life long dream was protected from damage or accidents, they proceeded to enjoy the dream that had turned into a reality. A rude awakening was about to happen. They lived near the ocean in Georgia. Severe storms are not common in the early summer months, but the ones that do occur are very severe and damaging. They found themselves hit by a powerful hurricane. Their dreamboat, the cover, trailer, and other equipment were all destroyed. They called their boat insurance agent and their world turned upside down. They found out after many unanswered phone calls and a visit that they did not have the coverage that they needed to replace their lost dream.

Now after experiencing the fury of a hurricane and the loss of a boat, they came face to face with the reality that a dream was lost and no hope of immediate recovery or for that matter recovery in the near future. Their boat insurance provider did not advise them about an option of ‘natural disaster coverage’. This coverage was not standard with the company they chose. Then to top it off, they found out that nothing else was covered. The trailer, cover, fishing equipment, and other articles in the boat were also lost for good. This was also an optional coverage, and again was not mentioned or suggested.

The reason that we bring this story to your attention is to point out the importance of researching boat insurance policies and brokers. Even after you chose a broker, you need to discuss all the details of a policy to assure that your dream does not become a nightmare. By taking the necessary steps and finding a top boat insurance agent, you could possibly save money. Some will offer discounts for taking safe boating courses, if it has, a diesel engine could be some savings as well.

A few things that are essential, to completely protect your prized boat. You want to have a boat insurance coverage that will provide wreck and emergency removal services. Be sure it covers your equipment, motor, trailer, and of course the boat. Also, be sure of natural disaster coverage no matter where you live. All areas of the country have natural disasters like floods, fire, hail, tornados, lightening and windstorms. You also want to be sure you are covered for acts of vandalism or explosions

You have a great insurance company already for your home and automobile policies, so why not just go with them for your boat insurance policy? If you are looking for the best deals and coverage for your investment, it sometimes pays to look to the specialty boat insurance companies. If you are considering purchasing a boat and are concerned about the additional cost of boat insurance on top of your boat payments, then figure it in to the monthly payment before purchasing and be sure you can still afford it.

Think about the frustration should your boat become damaged and becomes unusable while still making payments or even worse if due to negligent operation you damage another boat. Skipping on the boat insurance is not a good place to save money. While writing the check to the boat insurance company can be painful since you are not buying something, it will be the best money spent should something bad happen to your boat and you have to file a claim.

A boat insurance policy covers claims that a regular home and auto insurance policy does not cover. It is similar to combining a house and auto policy into one. If someone accidentally trips in your boat hurts themselves, your boat insurance policy would cover any claims.

A good boat insurance policy will give you great replacement coverage. If you purchase the boat new, and you are the original owner, and your boat is totaled in the first five years, most policies provide a brand new boat of the same quality to replace your old boat. After the first 5 years, you will be given what you paid for the boat brand new. If you buy a used boat you will be given the purchase price towards the cost of another boat.

Most specialty boat insurance companies will cover property damage to your boat should it get vandalized or struck by lightening. Another important coverage through most specialty boat insurers is uninsured coverage should you or your passengers are harmed by another boater who is not insured. If you want peace of mind and to protect your investment, boat insurance is a necessary purchase and it may end up saving you money and hassle over the long run.