BOATERS BLOG
Whether it is the Loch Ness Monster or a 30-foot Great White hungrily searching for surfers, our waters are steeped in myth. However, most people today don’t believe this folklore, so why do many boaters believe boat insurance myths?
After surveying more than 1,000 boaters nationwide, here are a few examples of myths we have uncovered in the today’s boating community.
The Florida Hurricane Myth:
Myth: Boat insurance rates are higher nationally due to the destructive hurricanes of the past few years.
Reality: Even though this is widely believed to be true (74 percent of respondents), it is inaccurate. Boat insurers generally price policies based on claims in each state. The more hurricanes in the state, the more losses in that state, which results in higher priced policies (sorry Florida.) But this does not affect the national boating community. For example, customers in Michigan will not pay higher insurance premiums because of hurricanes in Florida.
The Global Yachtsman Myth:
Myth: Boat insurance covers me everywhere I boat.
Reality: Even though 76 percent of boaters believe this myth, the reality is your navigational limit depends widely on your insurer. Some insurers may limit coverage to 100 nautical miles from your home port, while others have limits based on regions of the country. It is best to check with your insurance carrier so you’re clear where you can (and cannot) boat. NBOA can provide coverage nearly everywhere you decide to go in the continental U.S., including the Bahamas and other regions.
The Multi-Policy Myth:
Myth: I’ll get a better boat insurance rate if I buy from the same company that insures my car or home.
Reality: Although some companies do offer multi-policy discounts, buying more than one policy from the same insurance company doesn’t mean you get the best rate for both – even though 45 percent of respondents thought so. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best rate is by shopping around and combining specialized policies from different companies. By representing several A-rated carriers, NBOA Marine Insurance can provide one-stop shopping to make sure you get the best rate possible. You’ll receive better coverage based on your specific needs, and save money.
“In today’s market, it’s important to understand your options” said Jeffrey Berndt, Vice President of NBOA. “You want to shop for the best coverage, but you also want to be properly protected in case your boat is stolen, you get into an accident or contents are damaged. Our market expertise allows us to give the customer the best of both worlds – broad coverage and low premiums.”
For more information about boat insurance, contact an experienced marine specialist at NBOA Marine Insurance at 1-800-248-3512 or complete our free online boat insurance quote form.