Head Out to Sea Without Injury

Water sports, relaxing in the sun and splashing in the water are great ways to make memories with family and friends. Sea lovers must be careful near the marina and dock, though, to assure that their getaways are safe ones. If you are hitting the opening waters this season, don’t forget these safety tips!

Dock Safety

• Use forward and reverse at an idle speed when docking and moving your boat near the marina.
• Have bumpers, mooring lines and boat hooks ready before docking.
• Keep all body parts in the boat until you have come to a complete stop.
• Tie the line that holds the boat against the wind first when docking.
• Dock at a marina that has stand pipes, fire extinguishers, good lighting, surveillance cameras and security measures in place.
• Always wear personal flotation devices when on the water, especially those than cannot swim and children.
• Do not swim near a marina since boaters cannot see you when they are trying to dock.
• Wear non-slip shoes on the boat and dock.
• When leaving your boat, turn off any portable heaters on board.
• Keep your boat in good condition with all equipment meeting safety standards established in your area.
• Assure that the marina has the proper power voltage for your boat.
• Add fuel to portable tanks on the dock only; never on the deck of your boat.

To avoid a potential fire onboard, inspect fuel hoses and containers on a regular basis to prevent the escaping vapors from going into bilges. Also check the wiring and all appliances on deck for damage frequently.

As a safety precaution, keep fire extinguishers on deck and fit smoke detectors to the cabin.

For more information regarding boat safety and your insurance, contact your agent.

Filing an Insurance Claim? Watch What You Say!

Filing Claims 101: All You Need to Know!

Many people are flustered when they file an insurance claim given that claims typically follow devastating events like car accidents, illnesses or home fires.

To help you file a claim in Michigan with ease, below is some useful information you need to make the best of this trying experience.

Navigating an insurance claim can be quite tricky if you are unsure how to approach it. Consider the following recommendations to increase the chance that your claims will be processed successfully. Better yet, put these tips in your wallet or post them on your fridge.

When you are involved in an automobile accident

• Do not apologize to other drivers involved or admit fault under any circumstances.
• Describe what occurred to law enforcement and to your insurance company. If you are unsure, leave it to the authorities.
• Always contact your insurance company immediately after an auto accident.
• Do not talk to the other driver’s insurance company; let your company represent you throughout the ordeal.

 When your home is flooded

• The term flood in the insurance world refers to water damage resulting from an overflow of a nearby stream or river. Even if your sump pump did not work and you have 6 inches of water in your basement, you are not dealing with a flood.
• Making references to the wrong terms can cause claims to be denied or elongate the process.
• Review your Homeowners Insurance policy to determine what it covers with regard to water damage.
• Do not guess how accidents occurred. An insurance investigator will determine the exact cause of the claim in question.

When you have a health care claim:

• Avoid calling procedures experimental, investigational or a clinical trial. The claim may be denied if the treatment is seen as unnecessary.
• Do not sign any medical record releases. It is illegal for an insurance company to access your records without your consent, and they should not need them to process the claim.

The most important thing to remember when filing a claim is that the less you say the better. Do not speculate and do not judge; simply give the facts and the insurance company will take care of the rest.

Feel free to contact your agent for assistance throughout the claims process.

Ensure Smooth Sailing Ahead

You purchased a boat to provide years of personal enjoyment—ensure your pleasure by choosing the right Michigan watercraft insurance protection.

Coverage Basics

A typical Boatowners Insurance policy is designed to protect your boat, motor, equipment and passengers. It affords similar coverages to those you typically have for your car including:

• Theft, loss or damage to the boat and attached equipment
• Bodily injury coverage, if someone else is injured
• Damage caused to someone else’s property by your boat or watercraft
• Liability coverage for your passengers, which would include family and guests
• Medical payment coverage for injuries to the occupants of the boat

Physical Damage: Physical Damage coverage insures your boat, motor, boat trailer, boat equipment and other personal property against accidental loss or damages. Physical damage also helps safeguard your boat equipment, such as anchors, oars, fuel tanks, life jackets, dinghies, tools and canopies.  Confirm with your agent what your Michigan watercraft insurance policy would cover since every policy is circumstantial.

Liability:Two principal liability coverages are included:

1. Personal Liability – A Boatowners Insurance policy provides protection for legal liability and pays, up to the limit of your policy, the legal obligations imposed upon you due to an accident resulting from the ownership, maintenance, or use of your watercraft, including bodily injury, property damage and legal defense.
2. Medical Payments- This pays medical expenses, up to the limits in the policy, including the insured’s boating-related medical expenses from an accident arising out of the ownership, maintenance or use of the boat. Expenses include hospital, medical, ambulance, etc.

Additional Coverage Options

For added protection, consider the following additional Michigan insurance coverage options:

Reasonable Repairs: Covers repairs incurred to protect covered property from further damage.

Emergency Service:  Pays for reasonable costs that you incur resulting from specified emergency service to your boat, motor or boat trailer.

Wreck Removal: Pays the reasonable expenses you incur for any attempted or actual raising, removal or destruction of the wreck of your watercraft when damage is caused by an insured loss and removal or destruction is required by law.

Umbrella Liability: Provides additional boat insurance coverage across the board for home, auto and watercraft.

Top Ways to Save

• Running your boat on diesel fuel instead of gas reduces both your risk and insurance premium
• A boat fire can be devastating, so having approved fire extinguishers on board can be a premium saver
• Complete an approved safety course through the Coast Guard, U.S. Power Squadrons, Red Cross, or other sate administered course
• Ask about our multi-policy discount

The Basics

A small boat, such as a canoe or other un-motorized boat, is typically covered under the personal property portion of your Michigan homeowners insurance policy.  If you own a larger, faster boat, you’ll need a separate Boatowners Insurance policy. It can help you insure your investment in the event of loss due to following risks:

• Sinking
• Fire
• Storms
• Theft
• Capsizing
• Stranding
• Collision
• Explosion

Boating on the open water can be unpredictable but your coverage shouldn’t be. Whether your boat is big or small, it’s an investment. Make sure yours is properly protected by calling your Michigan insurance agent to learn more about insurance solutions for all your recreational needs.