Category: Boat/Watercraft Insurance

Boating is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors in the Ankeny, IA area. However, ensuring your watercraft is well-protected and abiding by all safety precautions is paramount. Here are some facts about boat insurance and why it’s important:

1. The Coast Guard reported that over 3,800 significant boating accidents occurred throughout the U.S. in 2023. These resulted in approximately 564 deaths and 2,126 injuries. Many accidents go unreported, so these statistics likely underestimate the true impact. Speeding, equipment malfunctions, and distractions were common causes of these incidents.
2. Boat insurance doesn’t just cover collisions with other boats. If you have the appropriate type of policy, it can cover theft, fuel spills, salvage, severe weather, injuries, freeze damage, vandalism, personal belongings, and towing under certain circumstances. Some protections are optional, so be sure to ask your agent for specific details about what your policy covers.
3. Not all boat insurance policies are created equal. Liability coverage only protects you if your boat causes harm to another individual or their property. Combined collision and comprehensive policies offer much broader protection, sometimes called "hull insurance." They cover eventualities such as theft and wind damage.
4. While the state of Iowa doesn’t require boat insurance, a bank may expect you to have and maintain a policy if you use a loan to purchase your watercraft. Likewise, some marinas also require coverage, which effectively protects their facilities and fellow customers’ vessels.

If you’re seeking reliable boat coverage, Maschoff Insurance is here to assist. Our independent agency in Ankeny, IA offers exceptional customer service and the ability to easily compare policies from various providers. For a no-obligation quote, please call Maschoff Insurance today at 515-964-3195 or 877-317-3195.

You knew this might happen. Boats are fun for those weekend fishing trips, but boats take damage, and they may sink. So you did the smart thing and took out an insurance policy on your boat.

The bad news is that your vessel of pride and joy is at the bottom of Lake Red Rock. The good news is you may be able to collect enough money to buy a new boat. Trust us, getting that money will be easier than hauling Old Betsy back on shore. 

File that Claim

First, make sure everyone involved is safe. Once you’re sure of that, report the loss to your insurance company as soon as you possibly can. Give them all the details. If necessary, you may file a government report. You may need one in certain claims such as if criminal activity was involved. (Not on your behalf, we kindly assume.)

Document all the damage that took place. This may require some underwater photography. If you think your boat can be repaired, wait until your insurer has all the information necessary to make a claim. An exception would be anything time-sensitive, of course. In any case, if you need repairs get them done by a professional. Work together with your insurance agent, and you may stand to collect enough to repair or replace your boat. Do not discuss the fault or cause of the accident with anyone. 

Maschoff Insurance Serving Ankeny, IA 

If you are in the Ankeny, IA area and have a boat you’d like insured, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Maschoff Insurance. We are dedicated to knowledgeable service and helping you the client get everything you deserve so that you can continue on with many years of happy sailing. 

If you’re a boat owner in Ankeny IA, you’re probably aware that you must have insurance. But what does that insurance actually cover? The required insurance does not cover damage to your boat whether it be in storage or on the water. For that, you will need additional coverage. Our team of insurance experts at Maschoff Insurance can help you take a look at the requirements for boat insurance in Iowa and what kinds of coverage are available.

Boat Insurance Requirements in Iowa

In Iowa, all boats must be insured with liability insurance. This type of insurance covers damage that you or your boat may cause to other people or property. It does not, however, cover damage to your own boat. Coverage for your own boat is not required by law, but it’s still a good idea. Two types of additional coverage are available for boats in Iowa: physical damage coverage and medical payments coverage.

Physical damage coverage insures your boat against loss or damage due to things like fire, theft, or collision. This is the type of policy you need to cover your boat when it is in winter storage or at any other time. Physical damage covers the expenses needed to repair your boat from any of the damage covered in your policy.

Medical payments coverage will pay for medical expenses incurred by you or your passengers due to an accident involving your boat. 

Give Us A Call

So there you have it—a rundown of boat insurance requirements and coverage options in Ankeny, IA. Don’t hesitate to ask your agent at Maschoff Insurance any questions you may have about your coverage.  Happy boating!

Boating and summer go hand in hand like fish and chips. If you live in the Ankeny, IA area and are thinking about purchasing a boat, or if you already own one, speak to Maschoff Insurance about the benefits of boat insurance today.

You can summarize the benefits of boat insurance in very few words. Protection and Peace of Mind. That is what you need to consider when you weigh up whether purchasing boat insurance is worthwhile.

No one can foresee an accident happening, which is the main benefit of boat or watercraft insurance. By purchasing a boat insurance policy, you are protecting your asset from accidental harm financially. Your boat insurance may include cover for replacement or repairs to your boat or salvage if your boat sinks.

When your boat is docked in the harbor, there is the possibility of theft or vandalism outside of the control of your property. Having boat insurance, particularly all-risk options, will let you sleep better at night, knowing your boat is covered no matter where it is, even during transportation.

Injury is another aspect you need to consider. Boating is a lovely outdoor pastime shared by many. Boat insurance with liability coverage allows you peace of mind, knowing that your guests on your boat are protected from financial repercussions if you are legally liable for their injury. It may even cover you if you are responsible for damage to another person’s property, and this does happen, especially when we are having fun and our guard is down.

Boat insurance complements homeowners insurance because sometimes the cover is not sufficient and requires more individualized policies. Speak to the helpful insurance agents at Maschoff Insurance, serving Ankeny, IA, about your watercraft insurance needs today and get your protection and peace of mind.