It is that time of year again! With warm weather and abundant waterways, Alabama draws residents and visitors to set sail, jet ski, or canoe on the waterways. In the summer months, there are boats a-plenty all across the water with people enjoying sun and fun. However, with this many people on the water, it is no surprise of the number of boating accidents across the state. Boating accidents happen all too often and when they do, you may be surprised to find that perhaps there is NO boat insurance to protect those injured or property damaged. If you are a boat/watercraft owner, do you have the right type of boat insurance or will you be left hung out to dry should an accident happen?
Did you know that Alabama had 25 boating deaths in 2019? This is a scary statistic, but nonetheless, one that should open your eyes to the dangers of boating and the extreme need for having the right boating insurance. Some other statistics you should know before setting sail include the following:
- Property damage from Alabama boating accidents exceeded $700,000 in 2019
- Collision with a fixed object is the most common type of boating accident in Alabama
- Alcohol is the leading contributing factor for fatalities due to boating/watercraft accidents in the U.S.
- Other contributing causes include speeding, inattention, inexperience, improper lookout, and machinery malfunction
- As many as 20% of boat owners fail to carry any type of watercraft insurance
While there are boating laws in place, accidents can and do still happen which is why having Alabama boating insurance is vital. Not only for you and your watercraft, but also for the protection of others and other property.
A Typical Alabama Watercraft/Boating Insurance Policy Options Include, but Not Limited to:
General Liability (Bodily Injury and Property Damage)- The BI coverage is designed to cover bodily injury expenses/medical costs associated with anyone who is injured as a result of your negligence. The property damage (PD) portion is designed to cover damages to other property that is damaged as a result of your negligence such as another boat, dock, or other equipment.
Physical Damage- This coverage option includes Collision and Comprehensive Coverage and pertains to your boat/trailer. Collision coverage includes damages to your boat/trailer as a result of colliding with another object, such as a boat or dock. Comprehensive applies to damages to your boat/trailer as a result of fire, lightning, theft, or vandalism.
Other available coverage options include (but not limited to) Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM), Medical Payments, Equipment Coverage, Towing Coverage, and Fuel Spill/Wreckage Clean up. *For all other available coverage options, please contact your local Alabama independent insurance agent.
Boat Insurance for Your Peace of Mind
Our staff at Burkett & Associates Insurance Agency realizes there are many different types of boats as well as boaters, so we want to help you get the boating protection you require while only paying for the coverage you need. We offer insurance on racing boats, yachts, sailboats, Jet Skis, fishing boats, sport boats, and more. As a boat lover, you know being on the water is exhilarating; however, accidents do happen and when they do you need to have the right type of Alabama boat insurance that fits your specific boating needs. Remember that having the boat insurance you need is a small price to pay for your peace of mind. Call us TODAY at 256-704-7400.
