Inventory your boat's contents

Boat owners look forward to this time all year long, being out on the water fishing, skiing, or the simple pleasures of a boat ride on a beautiful day. A boat can have just the basics for safety or be decked out with all the bells and whistles, and it's important to have an inventory record of any items you've added to your boat.

A boatowner's inventory record gives you a place to record all of your boat's equipment, the original cost and date purchased. That way if your boat is damaged or stolen, you'll be able to provide a complete list of your boat's contents to your insurance claim adjuster. Things like your boat cover, bilge pump, anchor, and cushions may seem minor right now, but they all add up and you may not be able to recall every item in the event of a loss.

If you're a boat owner and haven't made a list of your boat's contents, ask your insurance agent for a Boatowner's Inventory Record - they're free but invaluable at a time of loss.