Do you own a boat? Have you ever wondered how many recreational boats are registered in the United States? Maybe you’d like to know that according to the Boat Responsibly report issued by U.S Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Coast Guard Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety in 2016 there were 11,861,811 (including 11,005,841 mechanically propelled and 855,970 non-mechanically propelled) boats registered in the U.S. Those registered in our own State of Tennessee numbered 254,091. So, if you’re a boat owner, have you thought to even your keel with boat insurance?
So why all this interest in boats?
In late June 2018, we learned two new Tennessee boating regulations were going into effect on July 1, 2018. The state’s goal is to increase water safety on all Tennessee waters.
- When a law enforcement vessel approaches with flashing blue lights, boaters within 100 feet are required to slow to a “no wake-speed.”
- Boat renters will no longer be exempt from completing a boating education course. All Tennessee residents born after January 1, 1989, are required to take this exam.Here you can watch a video news report from NBC’s WBIR.
If you are having trouble viewing the video you can view it here.
As a boat owner, have you considered boat insurance?
It may or may not surprise you to learn that boat insurance is not required in 48 states, the exceptions being Arkansas and Utah. And Hawaii requires boat insurance only for boats moored in the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR) facilities.
Of course, if you are financing your boat, then your bank, credit union or private lender will require insurance for your purchase, while most marinas will require proof of insurance to use a mooring or slip.
Protecting your investment and your personal assets should be considered. Our John Bailey Insurance Agency Team will be happy to meet with you to discuss common boat insurance coverages:
- Collision Damage
- Bodily Injury Liability
- Property Damage Liability
- Fuel Spill Liability
- Hull Coverage
Let us help you even your keel with boat insurance
Here at John Bailey we work hard to fulfill our Mission Statement: “John Bailey Company is an independent insurance agency; we solve problems, provide protection, and generate opportunities for our clients by creating insurance solutions.”
After all, boating should be fun, educational and relaxing. Review your boat insurance to insure a great life.