| Boats, jet skis, ATVs and recreational vehicles are exciting modes
of transportation. They provide a great means of escape on weekends
and vacations, but ownership of these thrill-seeking vehicles creates
the need for special insurance to protect you, your passengers and
others.
While all recreational-type vehicles can be protected by the same
basic coverages, each one has its own special requirements and restrictions.
This brochure offers some basic information about insuring the vehicles
you use for sports and recreation.
Basic Coverages
At a minimum, boats, jet skis, ATVs and recreational vehicles need "liability" and "comprehensive" insurance
coverage. Liability protects you if your vehicle injures someone
or damages someone else's property, and comprehensive insurance protects
your property in case of vandalism, damage or destruction caused
by theft or fire. Depending on the age and value of your investment,
you may want to purchase collision insurance, which provides coverage
for damage you cause to your own property.
Boats
The amount you pay for your boat insurance will depend on many factors
including the boat's value and the value of your boating equipment,
the engine's horsepower and whether it's in-board or out-board, and
the length of the boat.
You may purchase additional coverages for such things as such as
Fuel and Other Spillage Liability, your boat trailer, medical payments,
personal effects and liability to protect you from an uninsured boater.
You may be eligible to receive lower rates if you hold a captain's
license or have completed safety courses provided by the U.S. Coast
Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadron Courses. You may also receive discounts
for having safety equipment on board or providing protective storage
for your boat during non-use or off-season.
Jet Skis
The price of insuring a jet ski varies depending on its engine power
and value. Your insurance costs will typically be higher for a jet
ski with more than 500 cc. You also may obtain insurance to protect
your trailer or to pay you for medical payments if you're in an accident.
Recreational Vehicles
You may want to purchase an automobile policy to cover this type
of vehicle. This policy will provide you with liability, medical
payments and physical damage coverage for your motor-home and can
be endorsed to include coverage for rental to others. Other coverages
you may want to consider are:
- Replacement Cost/Purchase Price - In the event of a total
loss, you will receive a new unit equal to the model, class, body
type and equipment of your previous one. You will be compensated
for the actual purchase price of the vehicle.
- Personal Effects -
Your valuables (clothing, jewelry, etc.) may be covered against
most hazards.
Other coverages you may want to discuss with your C.O. Brown insurance
agent are Towing and Labor or Emergency Expense Allocation insurance.
Special rates may apply if you are more than 45 years old and have
a good driving record.
A Final Note
All recreational-type vehicles can be protected by the same basic
policy. Your C.O. Brown insurance agent can provide you with more
details about this special insurance and guide you in purchasing
the best coverage to maximize your enjoyment and meet the insurance
needs for your recreation equipment. |