|
Frequently Asked Questions
Boat/Yacht Insurance
Q: What
is physical damage coverage?
- A: -
This coverage pays to repair your boat if it's been damaged or destroyed
by a peril (fire, theft. windstorm, lightning or vandalism). This
coverage is very broad. Some exclusions do apply, such as wear and
tear, dishonest, illegal, intentional or fraudulent acts. /back
to F.A.Q.'s
Q: What
coverages does a watercraft policy provide?
- A: -
The primary of objective of this type of insurance is to provide
protection for investment. A watercraft policy provides coverage for:
- boat (including
machinery)
- outboard motors
- auxiliary equipment
- dingy (if under 16'
and under 25hp)
- boat trailer
- personal property
kept aboard the boat /back
to F.A.Q.'s
Q: What
is agreed value?
- A: -
Some boats under 15 years old are usually insured on an agreed value
basis. In the event of a total loss, the company will pay you the full
amount for which your boat is insured. The agreed value is shown on
the policy and there is no deduction for depreciation.
A boat's market value decreases over time. The
most you are allowed to insure your boat for is it's fair market value. Most
insurance companies re-evaluate the market value of your boat every three
years. Therefore, as your boat ages the agreed value listed on your policy
will be adjusted to more closely reflect the current market value. /back
to F.A.Q.'s
Q: What
does the term new for old mean?
- A: -
If your boat suffers form a partial loss, property claims are handled
in the following manner: damaged property is repaired or replaced with
no deduction for depreciation, In other words, "new"
equipment replaces "old" damaged equipment, Please refer to
your policy to determine how your claims will be settled. /back
to F.A.Q.'s
Q: What
is actual cash value?
- A: - Actual
cash value means that you will be paid the market value of your boat
minus depreciation, at the time of loss. Actual cash value is
generally used for boats over 15 years of age. Also, some policies only offer actual cash value for certain damaged property such as
sails, protective covers, batteries, outboard motors, outdrives,
dinghies or trailers.
/back to
F.A.Q.'s
Q: What
is not covered under a watercraft policy?
- A: -
There is no coverage for the following:
- non-conventional
watercraft (hydrocycles, jet skis, kit boats...)
- moorings, cradles,
boat lifts (or similar equipment)
- fishing tackle,
scuba gear (optional coverage available)
- personal items (items
not intended for the normal operation of your boat). For example:
portable t.v.s', cellular phones, stereos, radios and cameras. /back to
F.A.Q.'s
Q: What
is a deductible?
- A: -
A deductible is the amount specified on your insurance policy that the
company will withhold in the event of loss. Boat deductibles are
usually determined as a percentage of your coverage and can range from
1%-10%, depending on the type and speed of your boat. The higher the deductible
(the amount of risk you are willing to assume), the lower your
premium. If for example, your deductible is 2% of $30,000 of coverage,
you would pay $600 of the total loss.
A lower deductible may be available
for special equipment such as trailers, personal effects and dinghies. /back
to F.A.Q.'s
Q: What
does boat liability mean?
- A: -
The coverage protects you if you are legally liable for damages to
property or injury to someone other than yourself or a family member.
If you are sued due to your negligence, boat liability coverage
protects you. The coverage amounts range from $100,000 to $1,000,000. /back to
F.A.Q.'s
Q: Are
there additional coverages available?
- A: -
The following additional coverages may be part of your watercraft
policy:
- uninsured boat
coverage - which pays for injuries to you or occupants of your
boat, caused by an uninsured boat or a hit-and-run accident.
- medical payments
- covers reasonable medical costs should someone be injured while
in, boarding or leaving your boat.
- commercial towing
and assistance - you will be reimbursed for the reasonable cost incurred
when you breakdown on the water and need to be towed.
- agreed value on
outdrives (lower Limits) - provides replacement of lower drive
units (without depreciation) if they are damaged or destroyed by a
covered peril.. /back to
F.A.Q.'s
Q: Are
there any other optional coverages that I can purchase?
- A: -
Yes, the following options may be purchased for an additional premium.
If you require other coverages not listed here, please e-mail or call
Neefus-Stype Agency, Inc. at 631-722-3500.
- optional fishing
equipment coverage - if you need additional converge for your
fishing tackle and equipment, you may want to specifically cover
this property.
- increase limits
- for personal property, uninsured boater coverage or commercial
towing. /back
to F.A.Q.'s
Q: Do
I need an inspection survey?
- A: -
We strongly encourage inspection surveys to prevent injuries and
maintain safe boating conditions. This is especially true for older
boats powered by gasoline. Gasoline vapors can be extremely dangerous
and as boat gets older, the fuel lines and connections can wear out
causing gas vapor to escape and settle at the bottom of container,
increasing the likelihood of explosion. The following are additional
safety measures to consider:
- install a vapor
detector in your engine compartment
- inspect your boat on
a regular basis, especially your electrical and fuel systems. Safety
Equipment such as fire extinguishers and floatation devices should
also be inspected regularly. /back to
F.A.Q.'s
Q: Are
there any premium discounts available on my policy?
- A: -
Yes, some companies offer premium discounts for the following:
- Completion of
Power Squadron or Coast Guard basic or advanced seamanship course -
on policies where all operators have completed the
course. Copies of certificates will be required.
- Newer boats -
usually have lower premium rates.
- Safety Equipment
- certain safety equipment will generate a premium discount.
Please e-mail or call Neefus-Stype Agency, Inc. at 631-722-3500 to
determine discounts available to you. /back to
F.A.Q.'s
Q:
What are the ratings of our companies?
- A: -All
of our companies are A rated or better with AM Best. This rating is
determined by the company's financial strength,
operating performance and market profile. Additional information is
available at www.ambest.com . /back
to F.A.Q.'s

|