Before taking the crew out for leisurely days on the water, State Farm wants boat owners to know the common causes of boat damage, ways to avoid them, and tips on insuring boats before leaving the dock. Safety should always be a top priority when using any watercraft.
 

Between 2017-2021, State Farm paid over $118M on over 14k boat claims averaging just over $8k per claim. 
 

The top 5 states for claims paid include:
 

1. Texas
2. California
3. Minnesota
4. Georgia
5. Florida

Leading the way for most common cause of claims include:
 

• Striking a submerged or floating object - 30%
• Liability - 12%
• Other perils - 12%
• Sinking of watercraft - 10%
• Collision with fixed object (such as a dock) - 8%
• Wind/Hail - 7%

Safety First
 

• Take a boat safety education course. Many states require operators to take an approved boating safety course, so check before heading out for the first time.
• Wear a life jacket. A life jacket should be available for each person aboard. Jackets should fit snugly and be the appropriate size. Check jackets regularly for wear and buoyancy.
• Know the nautical “rules of the road,” especially when meeting, crossing or overtaking another boat. Maintain a safe speed and keep a watchful eye on the waters. 

Help Prevent Boat Damage
 

• Know the water - Research the area where you will be boating to familiarize yourself with possible hazards, such as submerged objects.
• Maintenance - Ordinary wear can cause the bilge pump and bellows to fail and the boat to sink. If you removed the plug to store the boat for the winter, be sure to re-install it in the spring. Store the plug with or attached to the boat ignition key. 
• Careful on the launch - Some boat owners detach the boat from the trailer before backing the boat into the water, then hit the brakes and let the boat slide off the trailer into the water. Unfortunately, many boat ramps have a steep incline and the boat can slide off onto the cement.

Boat Insurance Tips
 

• Notify your insurer when a boat, trailer or motor is replaced. Many boat insurance companies insure a specifically described boat, motor and trailer, listed by specific identification numbers. Provide identifying information in connection with any replacements.
• Remember boating equipment and accessories when insuring your boat. Include the value of such items as life preservers, depth finders, canopies and covers, anchors, trolling motors and fuel tanks when determining the amount of insurance you need.
• Have a lot of personal property on your boat?  If the answer is yes, don’t forget to ask your insurance agent to endorse your policy with optional personal property coverage.

By taking steps to be safe and protect their property, new boat owners and experienced deckhands alike will be on the right course for smooth sailing.

Gabriel is one of many children setting sail on the Atlantic coast to fish, learn and explore. Not even the Florida sun can compete with the bright smiles on their faces.

"We want to help students reduce their fear and anxiety in respect to activities near the water,” said State Farm Agent Stan Harrison. “And we want them to have fun.”

The chance to sail out of the classroom and into the ocean is part of a program called Academic Anglers. The not-for-profit organization located in Melbourne, Fla., provides hands on boating and fishing experiences to children. An experienced fisherman, Harrison has volunteered with Academic Anglers since 2008. He’s led countless fishing clinics - sharing his passion for marine life and water safety with students.

“It’s a joy to watch them learn,” he said. “Through fishing and boating courses, children are exposed to new ways of thinking and gain more respect for the environment.”

Fish Facts and Ocean Fun

The Saturday class begins at the Marine Discovery Center. There, students learn about aquatic life – including how fish, plants and animals thrive in the water. “Did you know horseshoe crabs have eight legs AND they can flip themselves over with their tails?” Malik Harley beamed. “I also learned an octopus has three hearts and nine brains!”

Later that day, a member of the Coast Guard showed the class how to use professional flotation devices to stay safe in the water. Students also learned how to identify marine life, tie fishing knots using a large hook and rope, and cast a line.

“We want to expand their horizons and attract more children to the outdoor world,” said Academic Anglers Fishing Team President Charlie Roberts. “Seeing students gaining valuable experience outdoors - away from TV, computers and gaming systems is really rewarding.”

Making a Splash

That afternoon, students cast their lines in the water…steered the boat…and the best part? They caught lots of fish – including sea bass, sea grunt and red snapper which can weigh up to 50 pounds and live more than 50 years. The students also learned the importance of catch and release.

“I really enjoyed the fishing clinic with my twin girls, Jade and Jada,” said mother Patrice Smith. “We learned about different types of crabs, stingrays, turtles – and I am so grateful we now know how to fish!”

State Farm is a proud partner of Academic Anglers and its commitment to environmental education. Through the years, the fishing clinics have helped at-risk students stay out of trouble, excel in school and give back to their communities. Many of its first participants are now college graduates.

“There’s a sea of possibilities out there,” said Stan. “Success starts by branching out – or in this case, making that first cast.”