Millions of boaters, particularly those who have been sufferingthrough this harsh winter, are looking forward to the approachingspring. As owners prepare to take their boats out of storage andinto the water, insurance advisers should help their clientsproperly protect their prized possessions and keep their passengerssafe.

Reduce Risk Between Bow & Stern

By spring, many boats have been sitting idle for at least threeor four months. Encourage clients to ensure that the boat'sregistration is up to date and:

• Review the owner's manual. Even if a client hasrelied on a marina to de-winterize his or her boat, there's a goodchance it may not have received the recommended maintenance.

• Check batteries and fluids. If the boat hasbeen inactive for several weeks or more, it is critical to checkbattery strength and fluid levels. Boat electronics such as astereo, GPS, radio and radar can drain a battery. Leave the batteryswitch in the “off” position when not in use. Inspect batterycables for rust or corrosion, and use a wire brush for a good,clean connection.

• Consult a maintenance checklist.

• Prepare for a vesselsafety check. Ensure that the boat is equipped withworking fire extinguishers, distress signals like flares and ahorn, ample life jackets that have been approved by the U.S. CoastGuard, proper ventilation and navigation lights with workingbulbs.

• Enroll in a boating safety course. This willhelp your clients become more skilled captains and will likelylower their premiums.

Conduct a Coverage Check-Up

Talk to your clients about their coverages to ensure thepolicies properly reflect their needs. Consider:

• Coverage limits. Is the boat insured on an“agreed value” basis? If so, is it reflective of the boat's currentfair market value? New outboard motors and other improvements cansignificantly increase the market value of a boat.

• Lay-up warranties. This type of warrantyprecludes boat owners from navigating their boats during aspecified period—usually in return for a premium reduction. It'snot uncommon to see watercraft policies—issued in the Northeast,Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states—include a lay-up warranty fromNovember through April.

• Navigational limits and restrictions. Theselimits are applied based on where the boat is moored, or where thepolicyholder previously advised the carrier where the boat will benavigated. Be well aware of any other restrictions on a vessel'susage. For example, does the client plan on competing in anysailing races other than club boat races, which are typicallycovered? Do they plan to use their boats for any business purposesor fishing charters? Will any newly licensed household members orcrew be operating the boat this year?

• Personal excess liability. Will the underlyinglimits on the boat's policy meet the required underlying limits ona personal excess policy?

• Deductibles. It's not uncommon for boats tohave special deductibles, for example, one that is applied in theevent of a hurricane or windstorm. Make sure the client is up tospeed on which deductibles apply to them so that they aren't takenby surprise at the time of a claim.