Boat Season Is Coming — Don't Launch Without This

Spring is here, the water's warming up, and you're itching to get the boat out. Whether you're running the Ohio River, hitting Stonewall Jackson Lake, or trailering to Summersville, boat season is about to kick off.

But here's the question nobody asks until it's too late: is your boat actually insured?

This catches people every year. Your auto policy extends liability while you're towing the trailer down the road — but that's it. There's no physical damage coverage for the boat or trailer itself during the drive. If you jackknife the trailer or back it into your garage door, the damage to your boat comes out of your pocket unless you have a separate watercraft policy.

And once you're on the water, your auto policy does nothing at all. If you hit a submerged log, crash into a dock, or someone gets hurt on your boat, everything — the damage, the injuries, the legal bills — is on you.

A good watercraft policy covers more than most people expect:

• Physical damage to the boat, motor, and trailer
• Liability if you injure someone or damage their property
• Medical payments for passengers on your boat
• Fuel spill liability — yes, this is a real thing, and cleanup costs are brutal
• On-water towing if you break down
• Personal property — fishing gear, electronics, tubes, skis

Some homeowners policies include limited watercraft liability — usually for smaller boats under a certain horsepower. But "limited" is the key word. The coverage is minimal, and it doesn't cover physical damage to the boat itself.

If your boat has a motor, a trailer, and any real value, it needs its own policy.

• Check if you have a current watercraft policy — not just last year's, make sure it's active
• Review your coverage limits — is the boat's value up to date?
• Make sure your trailer is included
• Ask about agreed value vs. actual cash value — it matters when you file a claim

Getting the boat ready this spring? Give us a call at our Point Pleasant office before you hit the water. A boat policy is usually more affordable than people expect — and a lot cheaper than replacing a boat out of pocket.

*This is general information, not specific advice for your situation. Every policy is different.*