Boat Insurance Versus Toy Insurance: Key Differences

Boat owners can opt for boat insurance or toy insurance in Sandpoint, ID. Both often have liability coverage to ensure you’re financially protected if there’s an accident. However, there are a few key differences you should be aware of to make the right decision for your situation. 

Boat Insurance Requirement

Sometimes, you’ll be required to obtain coverage specifically for your vessel. Many marinas require this because watercraft coverage often has higher liability limits, so they may not accept a toy insurance policy. Lenders often require you to have specific insurance coverage as well. They may also ask companies like Selkirk Insurance Services for verification. If your toy policy doesn’t meet their requirements, they can repossess your watercraft. 

Insurance Add-Ons

Policies designed for boats often give you the option of additional coverage. For example, you may be able to get a package that includes:

  • Wreckage cleanup
  • Fuel delivery
  • Fuel spill cleanup (This is separate, even if the fuel spill is due to an accident.)
  • On-water towing services
  • Additional coverage, like comprehensive and collision
  • Additional bodily injury coverage

You can get add-ons that are like roadside assistance, but for your boat. 

Toy Insurance

Toy insurance is typically a broad policy that can be used for various recreational vehicles, including boats, Jet Skis, four-wheelers, and golf carts. Coverage levels may be sufficient to repair or replace your boat after an incident, but this depends on your boat’s replacement cost. However, this policy may cover things like vandalism if you park your boat and need minimal coverage during the off-season. 

Whether you need toy or boat insurance depends on your situation and the boat. An agent at Selkirk Insurance Services can help you decide which is right for you. Contact us to find the right insurance for your vessel. We’re currently serving the Sandpoint, ID, area. 

Does Your Business Require Umbrella Insurance If It’s Expanding?

Commercial insurance is often required for businesses, especially if they’re tied up in external partnerships (e.g., a bank, etc.). However, umbrella insurance is a much less known factor for owners in Sandpoint, ID. Here, we’ll look at what umbrella insurance is, how it works, and when you need it. 

Is Umbrella Insurance Legally Required?

No, even the biggest companies are not legally required to get umbrella insurance. At Selkirk Insurance Services, our agents sell this coverage to any individual who wants to protect themselves from expensive liability claims.

For example, let’s say that a small retail location opens up a second shop across town, and then another in the next county, and then two more in the next state. While they may take out new policies for each store, the reality is that their odds of landing in legal trouble, whether it’s for an unsalted walkway or an errant item left out in an aisle, continue to rise with every new location.

Should you face an ongoing lawsuit or need to settle a very expensive case, you can quickly exceed your commercial policy limits. This is where umbrella insurance can come in handy. 

Should Expanding Businesses Buy an Umbrella Policy?

Many people associate umbrella policies with expanding businesses because owners will buy them for peace of mind and general protection. Of course, umbrella policies can be a smart decision, no matter how big your business is.

At Selkirk Insurance Services, our team helps professionals in and around Sandpoint, ID, find coverage that works for them. If you’re concerned about how expanding your service menu or territories can also expand your liability, contact us to see whether an umbrella policy is right for you.