Big Bend Wisconsin Insurance - Smith Insurance & Financial Services

W230S8735 Clark St.
Big Bend, WI 53103
Phone: 262-662-4327
Facebooklinkedinyoutube
  • Home
  • Staff
    • Mike Smith
    • Kevin Smith
    • Joe Meyer
  • Reviews
  • Service
    • Insurance Companies
  • Blog
  • Personal
    • Auto Insurance
    • Home Insurance
    • Renters Insurance
    • ATVs, RVs, & Trailers
    • Motorcycle Insurance
    • Watercraft Insurance
    • Umbrella Coverage
  • Business
  • Life & Health
  • Contact

Properly Insuring Your Boat Before You Need It

July 28, 2015 By Kevin Smith

Outboard Motor Boat Prop

You bought a small speed boat that you plan to use recreationally a few times a year. Since it will be on a trailer in your garage most of the year, you assume you don’t need boat insurance. After all, what could go wrong when you average just a few hours of leisurely cruising on your boat per year?

Well, perhaps you haven’t considered what you would do if an uninsured boater ran into the side of your boat while trying to dock in a strong wind. What about the possibility that your boat motor and expensive ski gear could be stolen from your watercraft while your boat is docked for the evening or sitting on your trailer. If your answer to either of these questions was to turn it in to your homeowners insurance, think again. In many, if not most cases, your homeowners insurance won’t help you. Fortunately though, there is a way to protect yourself from losses, whether you are at fault or not. Continue reading to learn more about who needs a boat policy, and how you can be covered properly without breaking the bank.

Have a Question? Give Us a Call!

What is Boat Insurance?

Boat insurance is very different from your homeowners and auto insurance coverage. As pointed out by Bankrate.com, it resembles a combination of the two coverage types – except exclusively for your boat and related belongings. Like auto and home coverage, liability protection is a primary component of boat insurance. This is the coverage that protects you if you cause property damage or injury to other people while boating. When you purchase the policy, you will have the choice of insuring your boat for its actual cash value or replacement value in the event of a total loss.

In addition, boat insurance can include additional types of coverage, such as protection against uninsured or underinsured boaters who cause damage to your boat, or injury to you or your passengers. You can also purchase comprehensive protection that extends to fishing gear and other belongings, protecting your boat and its contents against theft, fire, vandalism and other non-collision related events. Roadside assistance and wreck removal can also be included to foot the bill when you need a tow.

Do I Need Boat Insurance Year-Round?

It may seem counterintuitive to keep boat insurance year-round – especially if you only plan to use the vessel recreationally between Memorial Day and Labor Day. However, it is not unusual for boat claims to occur during the ‘offseason’, when most boats are stored safely away for winter.

A fire could break out where your boat is stored, or a neighborhood child could become injured while playing on it in your yard. And contrary to what some people might tell you, Homeowners insurance doesn’t always provide coverage, as most policies are limited to small, non-motorized vessels and boats with motors that are 25-HP or less. Whether it is vandalism, theft or some other unforeseen circumstance, boat insurance gives you the year-round protection you need both in and out of the water.

Get the Boat Insurance Coverage You Need Today

Don’t put off getting the coverage you actually need. Contrary to what you might think, you don’t have to wait for your renewal or the off-season to get the right coverage. Whether you are new to boat ownership, or have owned your watercraft for many years, our agents are happy to help you find insurance that fits your lifestyle and needs. Call us today or complete the simple form on our website to request your free, no-obligation quote. We look forward to serving you soon!

Request a Free, No-Obligation Quote!

Filed Under: Boatowners

About Kevin Smith

Kevin Smith is an agent at Smith Insurance and Financial, Inc. in Big Bend Wisconsin. Kevin can be reached at kevin@smithinsurancewi.com

Get a Quote!
Refer a Friend!

Free Newsletter

Reviews

Everyone at Smith Insurance has been very helpful with every question I have had. They have all been there for me. Honest and trustworthy!! Thank you
David Zilinsky
We have been insured with Mike Smith for decades. We even kept him when we moved up north. His agency is very attentive to changes and claims are handled fast and very fair. Highly recommended!!!!!!!!
Jeff Reed
Have had Smith Insurance for over 15 years now, both personal and Business. If we had any problems Mike was always there weekdays or weekends. Leave a message, he always called right back. When my husband became ill and we had to scale back our policy, he was so helpful. I wouldn’t have any other insurance ever.
Patti Shaffer Oitzinger
Kevin at Smith Insurance keeps the process of getting insurance very smooth. The rates are low and you get the benefit of working with real people who care at Smith Insurance.
Dylan Keller
I’ve been with Smith Insurance for over 20 years. Service has been great.
Joshua Wertz

Smith Insurance has provided insurance coverage for both my personal and business needs for more than 10-years. The detail work has proven to be unmatched. The response time for policy changes is spot on and immediate in nature. Mike has always been very accessible to address my needs. On the few occasions claims had to be submitted, Mike has always been very involved and detail oriented.

Timothy SchuetzPresidentAutomotive Parts & Equipment Corp.Oconomowoc-Pewaukee-Waukesha
We have had Smith Insurance for at least 15 years and they have always had great service. I have looked at other insurance companies, but none of them could beat their price. We look forward to many more years of great service from some true professionals.
Robert Hoff
Very smooth, Kevin was a great help and provided immediate service!
L Kutz

Mike has been our agent for 24+ years. I have sent my parents to him and tell everyone I can as well. Always handles everything with just a phone call. Would recommend to him very highly.

Jena Jones Cernicka
We have been with Mike for many years and have insured motorcycles, cars and houses. Mike has been there during working hours, after hours, weekends and holidays, I could not ask for more! He is very attentive to our needs and will work with our best interests in mind after learning what we need. Smith insurance is the embodiment of customer service and has earned my loyalty and business. Even though you see advertisements for other insurance companies, Smith insurance offers what the other comp…
Dan Rieder

Contact Info

W230 S8735 Clark St.
P.O. Box 7
Big Bend, WI 53103
262-662-4327

Our Hours

Monday - Friday 9:00 - 5:00
Saturday & Sunday Closed
Most anytime by Appointment
Smith Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. BBB Business Review

Copyright © 2019 · Smith Insurance and Financial Services, Inc. Legal - Privacy Policy - Sitemap