Tips For Smooth Sailing This Season

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Tips For Smooth Sailing This Season (NAPSA)—Before you take that first pleasure cruise or fish- ing trip of the season, make sure your boat insuranceis shipshape. Insuring a boat is different than insuring a car or home. Boats require specialized coverages. To avoid a sinking feeling about your boat insurance, consider these tips from the experts at The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies: Evaluate your. specific needs. Some insurance companies provide no-frills boat coverage that is simply added to an existing auto or homeownerspolicy. While this sounds good in theory, the reality is that your boat may be best covered if you seek out a specialized policy just for boats, not an add-on to your car or house policy. A knowledgeable, independent insurance agent will review all options with you. A specialized boat policy can cover things not likely covered by a homeownerspolicy, like the cost to replace lost or damaged fishing gear and costly services, such as emergency on-water tow- ing andfuel-spill cleanup. Boats require specialized insurance, so it’s a goodidea to con- sult an independent agent and find out your options. age, service and price. Look for a company that offers specialized boat poli- cies. When there’s a claim, you will appreciate a company that provides specialized coverage and specialized claims handling. Ask other boaters what company they recommend or find an independent insurance agent who understands boat policies. Once you choose a policy, make sure you understand what Consult an agent or broker you're buying. Your agent should be able to explain, in layman’s Unlike “captive” agents who rep- mean. If you are unclear about who provides the most options. resent only one company, independent agents and brokers represent several. They can offer a variety of coverages, review and evaluate your policies, answer your questions and suggest new coverage options that meet your changing needs. They guide you to the pol- icy that provides you with the best combination of specialized cover- terms, what the different options something, be sure to ask for an explanation. For more information about boat insurance coverages, talk to an independent insurance agent, who can provide you with the combination of price, coverage and service that’s right for you. To find an independent agent, visit driveinsurance.com.