Archives January 2022

There are very few times when the weather is less than ideal to take your boat out on the water in South Florida. However, in the middle of winter, there are some important boat winterization tasks you should complete to keep your vessel in tip-top shape.

Boat winterization may have never been something you thought would be important if you live in South Florida. But because of this misconception, boaters in more moderate temperatures, such as Florida, neglect the few chilly nights that can drastically affect their boats. Even if your boat isn’t not docked in the frigid and snowy north where there are hard freezes that last for months, there are still a few precautions to take.

Westmarine.com stated:

“According to the marine insurers at BoatUS, states like these (Texas, Florida, etc.) generate the highest number of freeze-related insurance claims. That’s because boaters in more temperate locations sometimes choose to roll the dice and bet on skating through the occasional cold snap—which can cost a pretty penny when they lose.”

3 Items to Include on your Boat Winterization Checklist

Just like your home or your car, it is important to maintain, or winterize, your boat for cold spells. Here are three important items to include on your boat winterization checklist to help you prepare your boat for winter.

#1: Use Antifreeze

Residual water can seep into the tiniest of spaces. Like your pipes at home, if water freezes in them, it can freeze and crack the pipe. To help prevent residual water from damaging your boat’s engine block, you should consider using the appropriate antifreeze solution, such as non-toxic propylene glycol.

#2: Keep Your Boat Ventilated

Boats are subject to mold and/or mildew buildup. They are even more susceptible to this when they are left stored away for the chilly winter days because moisture can get trapped inside.

But that can be easily avoided if your vessel is properly ventilated. To avoid the health hassle, odor, and damage caused by mold and mildew build-up, actively keep your boat ventilated as best as possible with cowl, clamshell, and louvered ventilators.

#3: Properly Wet Store Your Boat

If you choose to wet store your boat, it may be less susceptible to freeze damage. However, one of the trade-offs is that it could sink or be susceptible to osmotic blistering if it’s made of fiberglass. Here are a few pointers if you choose to keep your boat stored on the water during winter:

1. Check that your dock lines are in good condition and consider adding chafing gear
2. Help prevent any ice from forming, which can potentially lead to ice jacking, by installing a de-icer in your boat’s slip

Do You Have the Right Boat Insurance Coverage?

While you may not have to worry about snow piling up on your boat during winters in South Florida, you should still take proper precautions and winterize your boat. You should also double-check your boat insurance to see if any potential damages resulting from winter weather will be covered.

If not, you may want to consider a policy that will, which is often easier said than done. At GWK insurance, we help individuals find the best insurance policies that meet their budget, lifestyle, and needs. Contact us today to learn how we can help find the best boat insurance policy for you.

Owning a home has many benefits, but it also comes with several potential challenges, from severe weather conditions to internal plumbing problems.

If you are financing your home, you are generally required to show proof of homeowner’s insurance. This is because accidents happen and having proper insurance in place helps shield you (or your lender) from what can amount to costly repairs.

There are several homeowner’s insurance policies that provide a variety of coverage types for the structure itself and even the owner’s liability. The key is to have the appropriate homeowner’s insurance that best protects you from potential accidents and damage to your home.

You may want to consider the help of a third-party insurance agency that can shop the quotes and policies that are aligned with your needs to ensure you select the best coverage available.

3 Most Common Homeowner’s Insurance Claims

There are several reasons individuals may file a homeowner’s insurance claim, but there are a few claims that are more common than others. The following are three of the most common homeowner’s insurance claims.

Wind Homeowner’s Insurance Claims

You may have already guessed it, but one of the top three claims is for wind damage—especially if your home is in South Florida. These natural damages often result from severe weather conditions, such as hurricanes or thunderstorms.

Fire Damage Homeowner’s Insurance Claims

Fire damage is often the most costly and is also one of the top three types of claims people commonly file damages for with their homeowner’s insurance company.

Water Damage Homeowner’s Insurance Claims

Water damage is another very common home insurance claim, but not all are covered. Water damage can result from a variety of factors (rain, burst pipe, etc.). Depending on your policy, your water damage may fall under a flood insurance policy rather than your master homeowner’s insurance policy.

Get the Right Homeowner’s Insurance Protection for Your Needs

Having the right homeowner’s insurance policy can help financially protect you in the event of the many accidents life can throw you at a moment’s notice.

At GWK Insurance, we understand that shopping for the best policy that meets your unique needs and budget can be challenging. We will help you find the best homeowner’s insurance policy that checks all the boxes. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.

Whether you are a road warrior, adventure seeker, or daily commuter on your motorcycle, there are a few types of coverage your motorcycle insurance policy should include.

Just like automotive ownership, having motorcycle insurance is a way to help financially protect yourself and your investment. It is also worth noting that having auto insurance does not mean your motorcycle is covered unless you specifically add it to your existing policy.

But how do you know what types of coverage your motorcycle insurance policy should include?

The Basic Requirements of Motorcycle Insurance in Florida

Just like most insurance policies, each state will have different requirements. For example, the state of Florida does not require you to get motorcycle insurance. However, like many states, you are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person which provides compensation for another person’s injuries or damages should an accident occur.

3 Types of Coverage Your Motorcycle Insurance Should Include

The minimum required liability coverage may not sufficiently pay for your legal costs, injuries, and claims if you end up being sued for an accident. This could leave your assets and personal finances in jeopardy.

You should ensure that any policy you have will sufficiently cover your passengers and potential bodily or property damages.

If you are shopping around for motorcycle insurance and evaluating which policy makes the most sense for you and your needs, you should consider the following three types of coverage.

MedPay

Medical payments (MedPay) will pay for you and your passenger’s medical bills that result from an accident. While it is similar to personal injury protection, it does not pay for any lost wages or other costs incurred.

Collision & Comprehensive

You should also opt for a policy that provides collision and comprehensive coverage to pay for physical damages to your motorcycle after the deductible has been paid.

This coverage is also applicable in the event your motorcycle gets stolen or is damaged by an animal collision or even non-collision-related damages.

Personal Injury Protection

Similar to car insurance, personal injury protection (PIP) will generally pay for any incurred medical bills resulting from an accident, often regardless of fault. The details of each policy will vary by state and provider, so you should have a clear understanding of your policy’s PIP.

Shop the Right Motorcycle Coverage for Your Needs

Having motorcycle insurance can be in your best financial interest and ensures that you are covered if an accident happens. The main challenge is evaluating which policy and provider make the most sense for your needs and budget.

At GWK Insurance, we make it a point to educate, inform, and assist our clients and help ensure you are making the right insurance choices. Contact us today to help you shop for the best motorcycle insurance for you.