Memorial Day weekend has finally arrived!  Much of my past week has been spent quoting insurance for excited new boat owners and adding coverage back for my faithful clients who have stored their boats for the long winter.  I don’t own a boat myself, but I always find this time of year exciting because it means summer is finally here!  Memorial Day weekend is after all, the official start of summer, boat or no boat.

Planning on hitting the water this weekend?  If you own a jet ski or a boat, you will need to make sure you have your watercraft of choice properly insured.  This can often be endorsed to your Ohio home insurance or you may purchase a separate Ohio boat insurance policy.  I have found often times that my clients prefer to have a separate policy for their Ohio boat insurance due to if there would happen to be a claim they do not want that claim attached to their Ohio home insurance policy. If your home insurance premium is escrowed through your mortgage company, this might be a wise decision.  Home insurance claims can raise your premium, which in turn, can raise your house payment.  Even though it is a claim on your boat it would still be considered a home claim if the coverage is indeed attached to your home policy. Also, before purchasing a separate policy, contact your agent to see what kind of coverage may already apply.  If you purchase a small fishing boat, you may have coverage that automatically applies on your Ohio home insurance. 

The liability limit you chose to carry on your Ohio boat insurance policy is extremely important.  You must think that when it comes to playing on the river this summer, you don’t just have to watch out for yourself.  You must watch out for other boaters who may not be as safe as you are.  I know I don’t have to tell you this when I say please do not drink alcohol and operate your boat.  There is much to consider when you take your boat out on the river or any other body of water.  Safety must be your first concern.  Life jackets are a must!

Whether you’re hitting the mighty Ohio River this weekend or you’re fortunate enough to brave beautiful Lake Erie, a personal favorite, remember these things.  Make sure you’re properly insured on your Ohio home insurance policy or your Ohio boat insurance policy.  Make sure you’re safe.  And last but not least, make sure you HAVE FUN!!!  J