Making a budget and cutting back on expenses may help you get back on your feet financially after a season of spending a lot of money. Indeed, it is easy to spend more due to family vacations, celebrations, and the holiday season. This may even ring truer for those who own or have purchased boats and have the necessary insurance coverage they need to pay.
Now, the start of a new year is typically accompanied by a dose of realism. Read on to discover some money-saving tips you need to cover your boat insurance expenses.
Tip #1: Remove Any Unnecessary Coverage
Examine the terms of your insurance policy or seek advice from an expert. The worst kind of bill is one for something you no longer need. It’s possible you’ve changed your policy.
It’s likely you purchased the policy with the intention of operating the boat all year. During the months of April, Summer, and September, you are mostly able to use the watercraft. Make a price reduction request for winter layups.
Consider your present position and how you use your vehicle to determine whether you need to modify your insurance coverage.
Tip #2: Make a Discount Request
In addition to the option of storing the boat for the winter, insurance discounts may be available. Today, discounts are available for recreational boat insurance. Common examples include:
a. Safety Courses
If you successfully finish a boating safety course, you should see a reduction in the cost of your boat insurance.
b. Accident-Free Driving Record
Your boat insurance costs may be reduced if you have no moving offenses on your driving record.
c. Passable Waterways
Boat insurance prices may be lower in places with a greater number of inland waterways. This discount is only accessible to individuals who insure their recreational boats with a national provider.
d. Non-Winter Usage
Your boat insurance premiums may be reduced if you store your boat during the winter months. Ensure your boat is properly shielded from the elements while being stored or transported. Going without insurance for even a brief amount of time during the year is unwise.
e. Multi-Craft
You will save money if you cover much watercraft under one insurance. If you insure both your boat and your personal watercraft (PWC) with your current insurer, you should be eligible for a multi-vessel discount.
Tip #3: Safety First
Any claim, no matter how slight or substantial, raises the cost of boat insurance. By practicing safe navigation, insurance premiums might be minimized.
If the damage is minor, you may want to consider paying for it yourself rather than filing a claim. Multiple claims may result in a large increase in rates.
To prevent getting into a situation like this, always observe the standards for safe sailing. There will be fewer injuries and claims. Attend a boating safety instruction program. This course will educate you on how to operate a boat safely and may result in a discount on your boat insurance.
Tip #4: Purchase a Low-Cost and Insurable Boat
The price for your boat insurance will be adjusted differently based on the type of watercraft you own. The cost of insuring expensive, fast vessels is higher than the cost of insuring secure, modestly priced vessels.
Tip #5: Adjust and Raise Your Deductible
Raising your deductible may wind up saving you money on your insurance costs in the long run. The deductible is the amount of damage to your boat that you are responsible for paying out of pocket. The remaining, up to the policy limits, is the insurer’s obligation.
Conclusion
Thankfully, it is never too late to plan ahead of time, minimize costs, and improve your current financial situation, regardless of whether you have previously overspent. With these tips applied to your current financial journey, you will no longer have to deal with the difficulty of making your boat insurance payments.
Are you looking for a boat insurance agency? Bassine Insurance Agency is here to assist you with a wide range of insurance products. Contact us today to learn more!
