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May 2018
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Fresh Water Boats For Sale
W
hat a winter for the Hudson Valley and surrounding areas!
We seemed to be OK through February, which was unusually
warm, and then March came. The old saying “in like a lion and
out like a lamb”, made me hopeful for a nice ending, but the bad
weather prevailed, pretty much the whole month. We had many
claims in the office for losses that included homes damaged by
falling trees, loss of power by downed power lines to businesses
causing equipment failure and car accidents. I myself lost power 4
times at home, which, with 2 dogs, made me kind of unacceptable
as a guest for overnight visits to anyone with power. So, finally
our thoughts can turn to getting our boats, jet skiis and other
recreational vehicles ready for the season. I know you will be in a
hurry to get an early start, but don’t skip any precautions to insure
a safe start. Let’s look at some situations you may want to review
for watercraft and maybe revise your checklist of the procedures
you follow.
TOWING
- even if you have operated a trailer for many years, you may be out
of practice. What could go wrong? PLENTY! Here are some examples of actual
accidents reported to our agency:
1.
Trailer separates from the ball and fitting connected to the car, causing
damage to the bumper of the car as well as breaking one of the safety chains
attached to the trailer and car. Good thing for the safety chains. The one
remaining chain kept the jetski from going in it’s own direction. This was me,
by the way, a few years ago at 5:30 am half way around the Annsville Circle in
Peekskill. Also, good thing I am relatively strong as I was able to reassemble
everything and be on my way.
2.
Boat not secured on trailer falls off the trailer en route, causing major
damage to hull. Fortunately no other cars involved. A towing company had to
be called to the scene and I’m sure this resulted in a negative start to a family
vacation.
3.
Operator stops short, boat not secured on trailer and crashes through the
back of the operators van, damaging both van and boat.
4.
An operator “forgets” he is towing an empty trailer, as it is below his visibility
from the rearview mirror and as going around a turn, the trailer disengages and is
hit by the car behind it, injuring the driver and his car. A lawsuit followed against
our insured by the injured driver of the other car.
A question we get in our agency involves insurance for the trailer. If you
are concerned for the physical damage to the trailer, you can probably add
it for coverage on your boat or auto policy. Trailers can be expensive and
can be damaged by collision, a tree falling on it or stolen. For bodily injury/
property damage liability insurance, this is usually automatic coverage on
your auto policy as you are pulling it behind your car, truck or van.
- If the boat club you belong to does this with a work crew of members,
see if the club has insurance for this activity. Or, if hiring a marine
contractor, the same applies. There should be liability insurance in place.
You could request an insurance certificate, which would display the policy
limits of coverage. Is their limit for property damage sufficient to cover the
value of your boat if it is a total loss? Is there bodily injury liability insurance
if someone is injured in the process? If there are drain plugs be sure these
are in securely and remove the tie down straps and safety chains before
you enter the water. Also, you may want to check the engine to make sure
it will start first. Make sure your trailer and boat registrations are current.
A visit by police never enhances your day if it results in a ticket and fine.
SETTING OFF FOR YOUR MAIDEN VOYAGE
After a thorough cleaning, organizing and stocking with your favorite
drinks and snacks, make sure you have all the US Coast Guard approved
safety items. Fire extinguishers should be working, there should be
sufficient life jackets (consider those made for pets and children), flares,
whistles and flags. Don’t forget flashlights and an emergency food supply
Some Tips For
Insuring A Safe
Start To Your
Season
Your Insurance
with
Cathy Karas
Cathy J. Karas, Certified Insurance Counselor, President, Karas
Insurance Agencies Inc, 321 So. Riverside Ave.,
Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520