The Eureka, MO area can be a great place to live or visit in the summertime. During this time of the year, the local lakes are filled with boaters, swimmers, and others trying to have fun and stay cool. When you are looking to enjoy this part of Missouri as much as possible, investing in a boat can be a great idea. Along with your boat purchase, you also need to get a proper insurance plan for it. There are various reasons all people here should get boat insurance.

Ensure the Boat is Covered

A reason for all owners to have a boat insurance plan in Missouri is to ensure their boat is covered. When you are looking for a new boat, you will want to know that your purchase is protected so you can enjoy the boat for a long time. When you get boat insurance, it will provide the coverage that you need. 

Offset Liability Risks

Getting boat insurance to mitigate your liability concern can also be a beneficial idea. There will always be a risk that you could create property damage or injuries in a boating collision. If this happens, you will want to know you have appropriate insurance protection. This coverage will help cover these costs, which otherwise can be costly and lead to significant financial setbacks.

If you want to buy a boat in the Eureka, MO area, it is essential that you get the right insurance for it. When you are looking for a new insurance plan in this region, calling our professionals with Focus Insurance can be ideal. When you call us at Focus Insurance, we will give you the guidance you need to build a plan that protects you and your boat. 

Focus Insurance of Eureka, MO understands vandalism is a serious problem that can cause extensive damage to your boat. It is essential to take steps to protect your investment and keep your boat in good condition. You can do a few simple things to deter vandals and help protect your boat.

What are the best ways to protect my boat from vandals?

Boat owners can take several measures to help protect their vessels from vandals. Many recommend fitting the boat with an alarm system that will sound if someone tries to break in or tamper with the vessel. CCTV cameras can also be a helpful deterrent, as vandals may be less likely to target a boat that is being monitored.

Some boat owners choose to install motion-activated lights around their vessels, which can also help scare off would-be vandals. In addition, keeping the boat well-lit when it is moored is important, as this can help make it less of a target for criminals.

Finally, boat owners should consider joining a neighborhood watch program or forming a group with other boaters to help keep an eye on each other’s vessels.

What are the risks of not protecting my boat?

If you don’t take measures to protect your boat from thieves and vandals, you run the risk of having your boat stolen or vandalized. This can be a costly and stressful experience. Additionally, if your boat is vandalized, it may be difficult to repair, and you may have to replace parts or the entire boat.

What kind of coverage do I need to protect my boat?

Focus Insurance is the agency for you if you’re looking for boat insurance in Eureka, MO. We offer comprehensive coverage for boats of all types, including protection against vandalism and other damage. Contact us today to get a quote.

Boat insurance isn’t a legal requirement in Eureka, MO, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have it. Many things can go wrong when you’re out on the water. Here are some of the top reasons you should invest in boat insurance.

Liability Protection

Boat insurance can help protect you financially if you’re ever sued after an accident. One of the biggest reasons to get boat insurance is for liability protection. If you injure someone or damage their property while operating your boat, you could be on the hook for a significant amount of money.

Another reason to get boat insurance is for protection from uninsured boaters. If you’re in an accident with an uninsured boater, you could be stuck paying for the damages yourself.

Repairs and Replacement

If a collision, storm, or vandalism damages or destroys your boat, insurance can help cover repairs or replacement costs. The right policy can be a lifesaver if you have an expensive boat. How much protection you need often varies by the value of your boat. Your Focus Insurance agent can help you find the right policy for your needs.

Medical Coverage

If you or your passengers are injured in a boating accident, medical coverage can help pay for the medical bills. Having the policy to cover injuries to you, a passenger, or a pedestrian can be a great comfort. And if you’re injured far from shore, it can save you money.

For example, you may need to be airlifted to a hospital for treatment, which can cost thousands and not be covered by standard health insurance.

There are many reasons to get boat insurance in Eureka, MO. Make sure you’re protected by contacting Focus Insurance today. We can help you find the right policy for your needs.

Components of a Boat Insurance Policy

Boat insurance doesn’t only cover structural damage to a boat. Similar to how auto insurance works, boat insurance offers a policy you can customize with other coverage available from Focus Insurance. For example, you can add collision or comprehensive to your liability insurance.

Boat Insurance Essentials

When you purchase the essentials of boat insurance, you get a policy with bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and physical damage coverage. These three coverage types protect you from:

• paying out of pocket or going to court if you injure or kill another boater while operating your boat up to your policy’s limits,
• paying out of pocket or going to court if you damage another’s boat or other property.
• paying out of pocket for physical damage you cause to your boat or trailer whether the damage occurred on land or in the waters near Eureka MO or out of state.

Add-on Coverage

You can also add to the policy with comprehensive and collision coverage. Just as it does with auto insurance, a comprehensive component pays for weather or vandalism damage to your watercraft as well as covering when it gets stolen. The collision component pays for your boat’s repairs or replacement if you cause an accident. Other options include uninsured boater coverage. Each of these three options adds to your premium but also helps protect your watercraft investment and your financial security.

Contact Us

Contact Focus Insurance serving Eureka, MO today to learn more about how boat insurance can help you. Let one of our insurance representatives assist you in determining which coverage types your policy requires. Call us or use our online contact form on our website.

What every boat insurance owner should know about safety

Boating is all fun and adventurous until something terrible happens. Safety in the water should be your top priority, whether you are in the company of friends, have passengers on board, or by yourself. Focus Insurance insists on having quality boat insurance to provide you with the protection you need. So, what can you do to improve safety when boating around Eureka, MO? Here are a few suggestions.

Prepare your day early in advance

When the summer season hits, everyone is eager to hit the water and take their vessel for a voyage. The excitement can easily distract you from focusing on safety and leave you vulnerable to accidents.  Before entering the water, it’s always a good idea to inspect your vessel and check for faults. If the watercraft is in perfect condition, check the weather, take your boating equipment and wear a life jacket.

Invest in maintenance

Just like your car, your boat needs routine maintenance to keep it in perfect condition. You can start by doing the simple duties of cleaning and checking the engine.

Always think about what could possibly go wrong

The water brings a lot of uncertainty. You want to think about what could go wrong and try to figure out what you would do if you are in such a situation. For instance, if you were boating alone in Eureka, MO and accidentally slipped and fell into the water, what would you do? Of course have a life jacket on and a few supplies to last a few days.

Buy boat insurance

Boat insurance is a critical part of your boating life. If you are a water enthusiast, make a point of buying adequate boat insurance to protect you, your loved ones, and any other person on board.

Not sure whether to buy boat insurance? Focus Insurance has everything you need to stay safe on the water. Feel free to call for more information, quotes or policy discussions.

The winter comes every year in Eureka, MO and that means it’s time to store your boat. She was put to good use over the warmer months, but now it’s time to winterize her. At Focus Insurance, we’ve put together three easy tips even first-time boat owners can follow when it comes time to pull your boat out of the water. Read on to learn more.

1. Properly Store Your Boat

Choose between inside or outside storage.

     Inside – Choose between dry-stacked storage, garage storage, or a boat storage facility. Each has its own pros and cons. For example, dry-stacked storage keeps your boat safe from the elements, but it might not be available when you want it. As for garage storage, one pro is cost while one con is leaving limited space for other vehicles. Boat storage facilities can be pricey, but your boat is available whenever you want it.

    Outside – Choose between parking on a trailer in your yard, a covered boat storage facility, or an outdoor boat storage facility. Keeping the boat on your property is economical, however, the best choice could very well be a covered outdoor storage facility that offers the least amount of exposure to the elements. When choosing to store your boat outside, it must be covered to keep it in good condition.

2. Winterize Your Boat

The key is to get rid of and keep away any moisture. To prep your boat for winter in Eureka, MO, make sure all water has been drained, removed, and wiped dry. Next, you’ll need to apply corrosion protection to the engine.  Complete fogging, stabilize the fuel system, change engine filters, drain all sinks, tanks, and heads, and add antifreeze to the systems. 

To learn about purchasing boat insurance contact Focus insurance today.

3. Get all Repairs Done

Did your boat take a beating over the summer? If so, she’ll probably need some repairs along with routine maintenance before winterizing. Consult your owner’s manual on what needs to be done and consult a boat mechanic for the tasks you need help with. 

Enjoying the beautiful waters of Missouri is part of summertime fun. Spending an afternoon fishing or spending time with friends creates memories that will last forever. Investing in a boat brings responsibilities. It needs to be insured before you ever head out onto the water. At Focus Insurance, our team works with boaters in the Eureka, MO area every day. We’re ready to answer any questions that you have and make policy recommendations based on how often you use your boat and its size.

There are several features that you should look for in a boat insurance policy. It should provide coverage for mechanical equipment and protect the boat from any physical damage. Personal liability coverage protects you if someone is injured on the boat due to your negligence. Vandalism and theft of items should also be covered. Talk with your agent if you only use the boat a time or two a year. There may be options to save money on your coverage. Uninsured/underinsured boater coverage will also protect you on the water. Finally, your policy should cover everything inside of the boat, including personal possessions and sporting equipment. 

In the Eureka, MO area, our team at Focus Insurance can help you get the coverage that you need for your boat. Your time on the water should be focused on fun, not worries about potential accidents. Our agents will provide you with a range of insurance options that will put your mind at ease. Events such as severe damage to a boat or someone being injured can become financially disastrous. To adequately cover your investment in your boat takes spending a little time with a knowledgeable agent. Explore information on our website then contact us for more information. The time to take care of your boat is today! Give us a call now!

There is no question that when you are enjoying time on the water or transporting your boat, you need insurance coverage. What about the rest of the year, though? For those who live in cold climates in the winter, boat insurance might seem unnecessary — no need to worry, though. Focus Insurance wants to make sure our family and friends in Eureka, MO know what path to take.

Boat insurance is optional when the boat is not in use, but we highly recommend it for one big reason: Neither the water nor transporting your boat are the only dangers it might face. 

• Winter often brings with it harsh storms that can do more damage to your boat than you might think.
• The risk of fire does not die during the winter. In fact, the risk might even increase with the drier weather.
• Theft and vandalism are year-round risks that are often more likely to occur at your home than when you are in it on the water.
• It is also important to note that if you are financing your boat, your lender may require that you keep insurance on the vessel for a specified period.

What About My Home Insurance?

If you carry home insurance, there is a chance that it covers your boat, especially if it is a small boat. However, larger boats will likely require their own or additional coverage. 

It is always best not to assume that your boat is covered. Check your current policy to find out if your boat is already included. If you are uncertain, stop by or give Focus Insurance in Eureka, MO a call today. We would love to help you protect your investment!

 

Is your teen looking forward to being able to drive your family’s boat this summer? If you are adding a teenager to your crew, you may want to take another look at your boat insurance policy. The team at Focus Insurance understands that as your family grows and changes your insurance needs do to. Boat owners in the greater Eureka, MO area have long relied on our professional team to get the information and guidance that they need to better understand their boat insurance options. Because teenaged captains are less experienced, you may want to review your current policy and ensure that it provides the protection that you need.

Comprehensive Boat Coverage for All Drivers

Boating is something that most of us get better at with experience. As we understand how the water behaves we are better able to captain a boat safely. Even the most conscientious boat drivers can make mistakes, and when a young person is just starting to learn the ropes accidents can happen. Don’t let your teenager cause a mishap that could potentially cause your family to lose your craft. There are policies available that provide protection from liability, damage, and other losses. It is important that everyone who operates your boat understand how to keep the vessel and its passengers safe. Many policies will recommend that all operators take a safety course each year to refresh their skills and stay abreast of new information and regulations. When a teenager is starting to learn more about safe boat operation, these courses are quite helpful.

Want to find out more about how a comprehensive boat insurance policy can protect all operators of your vessel? The professional team at Focus Insurance is here to help you fully protect your Eureka, MO area boat.