Category: Boat/Watercraft Insurance

To ensure your boat’s optimal performance, safety, and longevity, it is important to follow the recommended maintenance guidelines for the vessel. According to the insurance professionals at T.D. McNeil Insurance Services in Folsom, CA, proper boat insurance and regular boat upkeep are the smartest ways to avoid expensive repairs and find stress-free and worry-free adventures where you may be headed.

Essential Boat Maintenance Tasks

Like any machine, routine inspections are the foundation of adequate boat maintenance. Before you depart, check the boat for signs of corrosion or damage in the areas around the propeller, hull, safety equipment, etc. Identifying an issue can help avoid more costly problems later on. Regular maintenance is essential for –

• The Engine – the heart/power of the vessel.
• The Drive train/Propeller – is another essential component that requires routine inspection.
• The Safety Equipment – check life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, and related safety gear.
• The Electrical System – a properly working system is necessary to power important equipment on board and ensure passengers’ safety.
• The Bilge Pump – removes excess water to keep the boat afloat.

Additionally, it is important to maintain a clean vessel because it helps enhance its overall look and protects the surface materials from deteriorating or corroding.

• Wash your boat regularly with water/mild soap. Focus on those areas prone to dirt, salt, and grime buildup organically.
• Remove marine growth collected from all underwater parts (including the hull) to make sure you optimize fuel efficiency and the boat’s performance.

Contact a Leading Folsom, CA Boat Insurance Agency Today

Proper boat maintenance ensures a safe, enjoyable, and trouble-free boating experience. For more information about how to protect your boat and investment, contact a staff member at T.D. McNeil Insurance Services at 916-983-2561 or online.

Under California law, you are not required to carry boat insurance. Boating is a very popular activity in Folsom, CA, and many boaters probably carry either no insurance or inadequate protection.  Even if you choose not to carry insurance through T.D. McNeil Insurance Services, you are still responsible for anything that happens when you are out boating. Because there are more boats on California waterways, the state has a higher risk of being in an accident.

Boats and Accidents

California has some particularly great places for boating. Unfortunately, that also means that other people take advantage of the great location to let loose on the water. Even if you are careful and follow every rule, you may still be in an accident. Accidents may be caused by speeding, bad weather, or even just not paying attention. This can lead to property damage, injury, and even death. When there is no insurance, how will those damages get paid?

Who Was at Fault?

If you were at fault during an accident, the injured party or parties can sue you for compensation. When you have insurance, those parties will deal with your insurance company instead of you. If you were negligent and caused an accident, your policy will pay up to the maximum limits you chose. On the other hand, if you choose not to carry insurance, you will be personally liable for any damages and deal directly with victims.

Reach Out To Us

Boat insurance from T.D. McNeil Insurance Services will keep you from using your own bank account and property to compensate accident victims. If you enjoy boating in Folsom, CA, please feel free to call and learn how boat insurance can benefit you.

Getting out on the water is a fulfilling and relaxing activity for many people. While you are out having fun, it is important to also stay safe, no matter what type of boat you are using. Consult with T.D. McNeil Insurance Services in Folsom, CA for insurance for your vessel and related advice. 

Here are some tips for safe boating:

Swimming skills

Know how to swim, and make sure everyone aboard the boat also knows how to swim. Better yet, take a class that teaches about water safety, first aid and how to help someone who is in trouble in the water. Also know about swimming in rough conditions, such as rip currents, if you will be boating near or in the ocean.

Life preservers

Have enough life preservers for everyone who will be riding in your boat. Make sure everyone wears a life preserver and knows how to use it safely and correctly. If you have a large enough boat, you should also have other safety equipment on board, such as a safety raft.

Enough supplies

Make sure you have enough supplies in and on your boat, including plenty of fuel. Have plenty of food, water, batteries, extra clothing and shoes, sunscreen, insect repellant, rope, rain gear, communication devices, and ways to call for help if needed.

Safe operating

Know and follow boating laws. Learn how to operate your boat for optimal safety. That includes safe speed, safe maneuvering, courtesy toward other boaters, and more. If needed, take a class that will inform you about the proper and safe operation of your boat. Also know about carbon monoxide, how to detect it and what to do if you do detect it. If a storm is approaching, immediately go back to the shore or marina. Never operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

To get more details about boating safety and insurance, contact T.D. McNeil Insurance Services serving the Folsom, CA area.

When you own a boat in Folsom, CA, you want to ensure it’s appropriately insured. There are two main types of boat insurance policies: replacement cost and actual cash value. It is imperative that you understand the difference between the two, as the policy you choose will determine how you are compensated following a covered loss. Many people aren’t familiar with the difference between these two policies, which is why T.D. McNeil Insurance Services is taking the time to explain below.

Replacement Cost Policies

A replacement cost boat insurance policy is not going to take depreciation into account. This type of policy will simply determine the value to repair/replace your boat after damage without adjusting for depreciation. In other words, you will be reimbursed for the amount it takes to cover the damage to your vessel, regardless of whether your boat was worth less at the time of the incident.

Actual Cash Value Policies

An actual cash value boat insurance policy is going to take into account depreciation. This type of policy will determine the value to repair/replace your boat and then reduce that determined amount by the depreciated value as determined by the vessel’s age. Therefore, in the event of a total loss, you will only receive what your boat was worth at the time of the incident and nothing more.

Limits and Deductibles

Regardless of the type of policy you have, you are likely to be subject to a deductible. In addition, there are still policy limits that cannot be exceeded.

If you need help understanding your current policy or are in the market for boat insurance, reach out to our team at T.D. McNeil Insurance Services. Serving the Folsom, CA area, we are happy to help you understand both types of boat insurance coverage and help you determine which one is best suited for your situation.