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Let the Water Float Your Boat— Not Your Vehicle
As an auto insurance company, Esurance is obviously interested in promoting safe driving. We also want to help you prevent avoidable auto insurance claims. Read this article to find out how you can keep your vehicle water-free this boating season.
Every year, some unfortunate boaters lose their vehicles (still hitched to their boat trailers) to an ocean or lake. If you’re a boat owner, make sure you’re extra careful around bodies of water to avoid damaging or losing your vehicle and having to file an auto insurance claim.
Get Ready
Before boating season begins, have your vehicle and boat trailer serviced so you don’t have to worry about a breakdown. Pay special attention to tires, brakes, lights, and turn signals. Also, make sure your trailer and boat have the current registration, licensing, and auto insurance required for your state.
Don’t forget to have a copy of your auto insurance card on hand. (If your vehicle’s insured with Esurance, you can print a copy of your insurance card anytime you want from your online account.)
Practice Makes Perfect
Before you make your debut on the open road, practice driving with your boat in tow in a large, open space. Be especially sure to practice making turns and backing up your vehicle— turning and backing up are an entirely different experience with a boat in tow.
Practicing is the best way to increase your comfort behind the wheel and prevent accidents. Don’t become another waterlogged vehicle statistic! Consider asking a seasoned boater to help you practice launching your boat into the water.
Drive with Caution
When you’re on the road, follow posted speed limits. You may also want to stick to the right lanes so faster cars can pass safely. Remember, you’ll need to allow additional time for stopping and accelerating, and you’ll have decreased visibility with your boat in tow.
According to the California Department of Boating and Waterways www.dbw.ca.gov, when you’re towing a boat you should do a check of all your important equipment (like the trailer, hitch, lights, etc.) after 5 or 10 miles. For long distances, they advise you to perform an equipment check every 100 miles. Inspecting your equipment as you go can keep you safe and save you from damaging your boat, trailer, and vehicle, which could mean that you’d have to file a claim with your auto insurance company.
Safety First
Consider taking a boating safety class to learn how to properly maneuver your boat safely on land and in the water. Contact your state’s boating safety department for more information on classes in your area.
Significant amounts of water can cause serious damage to your vehicle. For more information on this topic, read Floods are No Easy Cruise: Disaster Driving, Car Damage, & Your Auto Insurance.
Safe driving is the best practice. For more information and tips on how you can be a safer driver, visit the Esurance Auto Insurance Learning Center.
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