Prepare for the 2015 Hurricane Season

The 2015 hurricane season may have officially kicked off on June 1st, but we’ve already had our first tropical storm. Ana blew ashore at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on May 10th the second earliest tropical storm to make landfall in history. Packing gusts to 60 mph and dropping up to six inches of rain, Ana made for some soggy Mother’s Day celebrations but did little lasting damage. Could Ana’s early arrival herald a particularly bad season? There’s no way of knowing, however, last year was the ninth season in a row without a major (Category 3 or higher) hurricane making landfall in the continental United States. NASA researchers have calculated that a “hurricane drought” of this duration is likely to occur only once in 177 years on average. Forecasters are predicting fewer storms than normal, but it only takes one to break the drought, and it seems as if we may well be due. So remind your clients to take the time to brush off their hurricane plan and figure out what they will do to protect their boat if a hurricane comes calling.

Hurricane Preparation Coverage featured on Seaworthy Policies

When a hurricane is approaching, hauling a boat to dry land well above the storm surge could offer the most protection from damage. That’s why it is important to remind clients this time of year that all Seaworthy policies (excluding Super Yachts) include “Hurricane Preparation Coverage.”

When an insured boat is in the path of a NOAA-named storm (within the five-day “cone”) and a hurricane watch or warning is posted, the Seaworthy insured is eligible for reimbursement of up to 50% of the cost of the haul out or other professional services up to a maximum of $1,000. This includes having the insured boat hauled, prepared and tied-down by professionals. Alternately, if the insured boat cannot be hauled, Seaworthy Yacht and Charter policies include coverage for services of a paid captain to move the boat out of harm’s way. If your client has a Charter Policy, insured captains can move their own boats and we will pay necessary expenses they incur including fuel or temporary dockage, in accordance with this policy enhancement. Seaworthy partners with our insureds on hurricane preparation efforts, therefore, any preparation reimbursement an insured receives from Seaworthy is not considered a claim against their policy.

After the hurricane, please remind clients it is a boat owner’s responsibility to protect the boat from further damage, and its equipment from theft, regardless of its condition. Seaworthy Insurance will pay the reasonable costs your clients incur in preventing further loss.

When large areas are affected by hurricanes, Seaworthy claims adjustors are assisted by the BoatUS CAT (Catastrophe) Team. This renowned, nationwide network of surveyors, towing and salvage companies will be dispatched to the site and will participate in a coordinated effort to find boats and settle claims as quickly as possible. 

For more information about Florida boat insurance, give Casey Insurance Group a call at 888-537-1412 today!