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General Liability Insurance Cost

April 13, 2022 by Steve Gebhardt

general liability insurance cost

General liability insurance, also known as commercial or business liability insurance, is a base level of coverage that is commonly held by small and large businesses alike. This basic level of insurance is made to cover the cost where you may need insurance most, thus making it the standard across all industries.

Insurance companies cover several forms of injury and property damage under general liability insurance which can help small business owners cover claims they may not have expected.

To learn more about the cost involved to protect your business, keep reading our article below.

How much coverage is enough?

This is the first question asked by business owners who are new to the insurance market. Because more coverage means higher annual fees, businesses want to opt for just the right amount of coverage so their premiums stay low but they don’t have any gaps in the event a claim is filed.

Most organizations opt for $500,000 to $1,000,000 in general liability insurance coverage. This level of coverage tends to be plenty for most companies, but higher risk industries usually want to obtain more coverage.

What Does General Liability Insurance Cover?

Before getting into a conversation about what different levels of insurance might look like for your specific business (and what will influence the cost), let’s first take a look into what general liability insurance actually is.

General liability insurance covers a wide range of problems that could come up while operating your business, such as:

  • Bodily injury of employees or non-employees while business practices are being performed
  • Property damage of the business location or customer property as a result of rendering professional services
  • Personal injury resulting in damaged reputation such as slander, libel, or other defamatory outcomes
  • Legal defense in the event of a lawsuit to cover legal and court fees

When You Need Extra Coverage

Depending on your business, some types of coverage are more important than others. A construction business, for example, benefits from coverage geared toward bodily injury in the event of an employee or visitor injures themselves at the worksite. A law firm might want extra coverage relating to potential claims of legal malpractice.

In cases like these where more specific coverage is needed, business owners can add professional liability insurance or workers compensation to bolster their general liability insurance– this ensures that you are covered for an even wider variety of claims. (You can learn more about these and more in our article on types of business insurance.)

How much does general liability insurance cost?

The cost of general liability insurance varies greatly from hundreds per year to thousands. Many factors play into the pricing of premiums, including the size of the company and the different levels of coverage your business needs.

Here, we will discuss what is covered by general liability insurance, the factors that affect the cost of coverage, as well as the amount of coverage that is available.

How are premiums calculated?

A lot of different factors go into the calculation of insurance rates. When trying to determine ways in which your business might be able to lower their rates, there are a few main factors to take into consideration.

The Number of Employees

As a general rule, the larger your company, the higher your insurance premium. This is because there are more people to ensure and more possibilities for something to go wrong.

Your Product or Service 

As stated before, the higher-risk your product or service is, the more likely you are going to have a higher premium. This is because when you are in a high-risk industry, there is a greater chance for something to break, become damaged, or for an injury to occur.

Years In Business

Generally speaking, the longer your business has been open, the lower premium you will pay. This is because over time, you will be able to show proof that your business is well run with minimal claims or mishaps.

Past Claim History

Insurance companies want to assess the risk involved in your business operations to estimate whether you will be a costly establishment to ensure and defend in the long run. As such, the fewer claims filed, the lower your premium. The more claims filed, the higher.

How Much Will My Coverage Cost?

Coverage costs range widely, with some reports stating that annual cost ranges between $483 and $2,758. These reports also state, however, that the median cost is between $425 and $921.

While these numbers are very general, they can give a sense of how much insurance would cost for a business.

Considering all the different factors that go into calculating premiums, it is best to speak directly with an insurance agent to find the exact rates. Business owners who go to multiple insurance carriers and ask for (or even get an online) quote, helping them find the best combination of cost and service that fits their needs. Sometimes these quotes can even be used as a bargaining tool for obtaining a better rate or better coverage package from a given carrier.

Final Thoughts

General liability insurance is very important for any business to hold. Some states even require it by law. While coverage is sometimes costly, it can be well worth it if a company finds itself on the wrong side of a lawsuit or with injured employees.

At the Gebhardt Insurance Group, we offer a variety of coverage from a host of major insurance carriers with an experienced staff that can help you determine the right coverage for your business. Give us at call at 520-836-3244 to get a quote and make an appointment to take the final steps in insuring your business.

Filed Under: Liability Insurance Tagged With: coverage cost, liability insurance cost

The Different Types of Business Insurance

October 19, 2020 by Steve Gebhardt

Types of Business Insurance

Insurance is necessary for businesses, big and small. However, the types of insurance your business may need will depend on different factors such as the type of industry your company is in, risk of employee injury, federal, state and local laws, where your business operates and more.

Business insurance policies can protect your company, your employees and yourself in the event of injury, property damage, theft, fire and liability claims. While it’s an additional investment in your company, it’s one worth making.

What is Business Insurance?

Business insurance is intended for companies rather than individuals. Depending on the type of business insurance you purchase, it can even protect your company from lawsuits. Small businesses usually are more exposed to financial losses and even business closures. Business insurance can protect against this and help you keep your company up and running, even in the darkest of times.

Our agents can evaluate your risks and help you pick which types of business insurance you need while keeping your budget in mind. If you cannot cover out-of-pocket costs in the event of a disaster or lawsuit, talk to one of our agents today.

Types of Business Insurance

Commercial Property Insurance

Damage can happen to any business. Whether you sustain damage to your office, your company vehicles or any other type of company property, property insurance can cover the cost of repair or replacement. The damage may be caused by man or through natural events.

It’s important to note that damage due to flooding and earthquakes is usually not covered with this type of policy. Vandalism, lightning damage and fire are typical coverages with a commercial property policy.

Your physical assets may be included in this type of policy as well. Make sure you provide your insurance agent with an inventory of company assets. This may include computers, machinery, furniture and more.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Workers’ Compensation insurance (also known as workers’ comp) protects your employees that are injured on the job. It will cover their medical expenses pertaining to the injury and may also cover their lost wages while they recover.

Workers that fall ill due to occupational hazards may also be covered under this type of insurance. Most states require companies to carry workers’ compensation insurance by law.

Commercial Auto Insurance

Any company that has company cars or vehicles needs commercial auto insurance. Whether you use trucks for landscaping or allow employees to use company cars to take clients to lunch, every business owner needs the proper coverage in place.

Professional Liability Insurance

If your company is sued for negligence, having a professional liability policy in place can help. Also known as Errors and Omissions insurance, if a client thinks you made a mistake regarding your professional services and they were harmed in any way, they may sue you for damages.

Business Interruption Insurance

Businesses that are forced to close for short periods of time can have difficulty keeping the company afloat. This type of policy, also known as business income insurance, can cover your financial losses by replacing lost income and help you continue to pay for your office space, employee salaries, etc.

Data Breach Insurance

If your company stores any private personal data or financial data, data breach insurance is crucial for your protection. Unfortunately, hacking is common and if you are hacked, your company’s private data may be stolen as well as confidential client data. This type of insurance will cover the damages due to a data breach.

General Liability Insurance

As far as business insurance coverage goes, this one is part of the first line of defense. In the event of a lawsuit, general liability coverage can cover the cost of an attorney. It acts to protect your business in the event of liability claims due to bodily injury, personal injury and property damage caused by your business.

Home-based Business Insurance

If you run your business out of your home, this type of policy may protect you. Homeowners insurance policies do not cover businesses run out of your home. If your office equipment is stolen or damaged, a home-based business insurance policy can cover your items.

Directors and Officers Insurance

If your company has a director or officer and they act inappropriately towards customers or employees or conduct business unethically, a scandal may be on your hands as well as a lawsuit. This type of policy will pay for legal costs and pay for the financial aftermath.

Life Insurance

A business can purchase life insurance for any employee that is considered essential to the company’s operation. For small businesses or family owned companies, this can be crucial to have if the person in charge passes away.

Product Liability Insurance

Does your business sell a product? If so, product liability insurance may be an asset for your company. If your product or service injures a customer, this type of policy will cover legal and medical fees. Additionally, if your product is defective and a class action lawsuit occurs, it’s smart to have insurance so you will be protected financially. Otherwise, your business may collapse.

What Type Do I Need?

There are four main types of business insurance that almost every company needs: workers compensation, property, commercial auto and liability insurance. It all depends on your business size, location, potential risks and revenue.

If your company has company vehicles, it is an absolute must to have commercial auto insurance. This will give your company and vehicles protection in the event of an accident.

Unless your business is private and located in Texas or Oklahoma, you will be required to have workers’ compensation insurance. These requirements vary by state. To make the process simpler, work with an insurance agency to navigate these requirements correctly.

How We Can Help

At Gebhardt Insurance Group, we have extensive experience insuring businesses just like yours. Whether you need small business insurance or have a large company, we can help you assess your risks and get you covered so you’re prepared in case disaster strikes.

Our insurance company will work tirelessly to help protect your business. Need help determining what type of business insurance you need or interested in additional coverages? Give us a call at 520-836-3244.

Filed Under: Business Insurance, Auto Insurance, Home Insurance, Insurance, Liability Insurance, Life Insurance

Comprehensive vs. Collision Coverage for Car Insurance in Arizona

November 30, 2019 by Steve Gebhardt

Comprehensive Insurance and Collision Coverage

In the United States, almost all jurisdictions require drivers to maintain minimum levels of auto liability insurance. There are also various types of optional coverage that motorists may consider. In this post we will take a close look at comprehensive and collision coverage for Arizona residents. 

What is Comprehensive Coverage?

Comprehensive coverage pays for damage that your vehicle incurs from things such as theft, vandalism, or a hail storm. Without this type of coverage, you would have to pay for losses or repairs “out of pocket.”

This form of coverage is purchased in conjunction with collision coverage. When a motorist adds these two types of coverage to their liability insurance policy, they have “full” coverage.

What is Collision Coverage?

As the name implies, this form of coverage is used to repair or replace your vehicle following a collision. It is applicable in collisions with objects or those involving other motorists.

Unlike bodily injury coverage or property damage liability insurance, collision and comprehensive insurance may apply regardless of who is “at-fault.”

Coverage Requirements for Drivers in Arizona

Arizona requires all drivers to maintain minimum levels of liability coverage. Current requirements are $15,000 in bodily injury per person and $10,000 for property damage.

Those leasing a vehicle or financing the purchase through a lender will be required to maintain collision and comprehensive coverage. The reason that a lender requires drivers to maintain these coverages is for their financial protection.

During the period when the borrower is making payments, the vehicle acts as collateral in case of default. If the vehicle was damaged or stolen and the motorist didn’t have adequate coverage, that collateral would lose its value and the lender or motorist would have to foot the whole bill.

Understanding “Full Coverage” Auto Insurance

Collision and comprehensive auto insurance are generally purchased together on a policy. The term “full coverage” describes when a motorist adds these two forms of coverage. This is in addition to the minimum requirements of liability insurance. The difference between the two is that collision insurance covers damage that occurs while the driver is operating the vehicle.

Collision Insurance

When you are the cause of a crash that damages your vehicle, collision insurance is used. This is coverage that would be used if you strike a tree or ended up driving your car into a ditch. The cost of collision coverage has continued to escalate due to the higher costs of repairing today’s newer vehicles.

Comprehensive Insurance

This coverage is applicable for use when the insured party incurs losses or damage that do not occur while driving. Some of the most common uses for comprehensive coverage are as follows:

  • Windshields: Damage to the vehicle’s glass are generally covered by comprehensive coverage. Windshields are positioned in a vulnerable location and can be struck with considerable force. For example, a piece of metal or a rock may fly out of a truck bed on the highway. This flying object has some momentum of its own. It then strikes the windshield of another vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed.
  • Animal collision: The most common major collision that occurs between vehicles and animals involve deer. These animals are dangerous for various reasons. They can easily weigh more than 100 pounds. They are a taller animal that often will be dangerously propelled on to the windshield following impact.
  • Hail damage: A hail storm can potentially create significant damage to the exterior of a vehicle.
  • Fire damage: It is possible that an electrical problem can create a fire. When a fire is exposed to highly flammable materials such as gasoline, the damage may result in a total loss.
  • Theft: Comprehensive coverage can be used when a vehicle is stolen. Arizona is among the 10 leading states for the total number of vehicles stolen. The state’s close proximity to Mexico makes it easy for thieves to transport stolen vehicles across the border to be sold.
  • Vandalism: Arizona law makes vandalism a felony when the damage is valued at more than $250. Unfortunately, it may not deter teenager troublemakers from randomly causing damage.
  • Falling objects: A storm or high winds can cause problems such as falling tree limbs that can cause significant damage to your vehicle.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

This coverage protects you if involved in an accident with a motorist who does not have the required liability insurance. It may also apply if you are in a “hit-and-run” accident where a motorist flees the scene, leaving no one to pay for the damage.

Underinsured Motorist Insurance

Underinsured coverage protects a motorist if the cost of injuries or property damage exceeds the liability limits of the driver’s policy. For instance, underinsured motorist insurance would apply if someone is involved in a crash that costs $12,000 worth of repairs to their car and the at-fault driver only had liability insurance to cover $10,000.

Other Optional Coverage

Many insurers offer medical payments or personal injury protection policies. These are specifically used to cover medical expenses in case you or your passengers are injured in an accident.

Perhaps you need surgical care for a broken arm? In very serious accidents you may also require a hospital stay or some type of therapy or rehabilitation. These costs can quickly become unpalatable.

Rental reimbursement are another common option. When your car is in the shop being repaired after an accident, the policy may offer a daily reimbursement amount towards renting a car. This is helpful in allowing you to continue to go to work and travel.

Understanding Deductibles

Comprehensive and collision insurance both generally have deductibles, which is the dollar amount a driver must first pay “out of pocket” when filing a claim. They often range from between $500 to $2,500. After the deductible is paid, the insurer pays the remaining costs of repair or replacement up to the maximum coverage limits. The average monthly premiums usually decrease as the deductible amount increases and vice versa.

Is Your Vehicle Costly to Insure?

The type of vehicle that you choose to drive has a considerable impact on comprehensive and collision insurance premiums. The worth of the vehicle itself is also a major factor. Insurers know that high-priced vehicles will cost more to replace or repair, so they compensate for that by charging more on the premiums.

Newer cars are more costly to repair because they are more likely to have advanced features, such as blind spot monitoring and rear cameras. On average, a five-year-old car costs roughly 12% less to insure than a new model. As the car ages, motorists can expect that rates will decrease by roughly 2.5% annually.

Do these new safety features result in lower rates? Many new advanced safety features are designed to help with preventing accidents. The problem is these additional features increase the costs of repairing or replacing the car. These vehicle owners may notice a slight reduction in the cost of their liability insurance, but these savings may be offset by an increase in comprehensive and collision coverage.

Hybrid, electric, or other “green” vehicles generally will cost more to insure. This is because higher costs may be incurred to pay for the damage. A recent report indicated that this increase equates to roughly 7% compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles.

Most Expensive to Insure

Average Annual Premium

Least Expensive to Insure

Average Annual Premium
Audi R8

$4,102

Subaru Outback

$1,392
BMW i8

$4,032

Chevrolet Colorado

$1,414
Dodge Viper

$3,921

Ford Escape

$1,438
Nissan GT-R

$3,865

Fiat 500X

$1,441
Porsche 911

$3,403

Subaru Crosstek

$1,446

Factors That Impact the Cost of Comprehensive and Collision Policies

Insurance companies use statistical data to determine the rates of their policies for different drivers. They consider a host of factors that relate to the likelihood that you will have an insurance claim. These factors mainly are assessed to determine the likelihood that you will file an insurance claim. They will consider your demographics information. For example, teenage males will have higher premiums because they are inexperienced drivers and tend to take more risks.

  • Age and demographic. New and inexperienced drivers are among the most costly to insure. Aside from their inexperience behind the wheel, they are more prone to distractions and reckless decisions. Men pay slightly higher insurance rates than woman across most age ranges. Those who are married and those who own a home are more likely to have lower rates.
  • Location. Accident rates are generally evaluated by insurers based on your zip code. Your neighborhood may historically have a high rate of vehicle theft. Arizona ranks as #22 among U.S. states for the cost of car insurance.
  • Driving record. Those who are cited for traffic violations are typically going to pay higher rates. The insurance company will likely review your driving record initially and then each time the policy is renewed.
  • Claims history. Insurers will check your history of filing insurance claims. The more claims you file, even though these claims usually aren’t because of your fault, the higher your premiums will rise. There is a central database that retains this data.
  • Credit history. In the majority of U.S. states, insurers may check your credit history when determining rates. Your previous history is a major factor in the rate you pay. Data suggests that those with a poor credit history are more likely to file an insurance claim. 
  • Vehicle safety rating. All vehicles are evaluated for safety. They are subject to crash tests that may reveal the likelihood of serious injury in the event of a wreck. Insurers look at your recent driving record to see if you have any violations. They also look at your recent history of claims. The safer your car, the less your premiums should be. 
  • Theft. Certain models of vehicles are more commonly stolen than others. Overall, auto theft rates have declined considerably since the 1990s. Arizona ranks close to the national average for the number of vehicles stolen. 

Arizona drivers pay approximately 12% less compared to the national average. The following charts analyze two examples of how rates are impacted by certain factors.

Your Credit Rating

The following analysis was done showing how the amount of money paid by Arizona motorists changes based on their credit.

Exceptional Credit Score (800-850)$1,024.30
Very Good Credit Score (740-799)$1,238.79
Good Credit Score (670-739)$1,529.22
Fair Credit Score (580-669)$1,915.90
Poor Credit Score (Less than 579)$2,443.66

Your Geographic Location

The same organization also did a rate comparison based on where the policyholder lives in Arizona.

Phoenix$1,602
Glendale$1,536
Avondale$1,502
Peoria$1,409
Mesa$1,408
Tucson$1,362

The 10 Percent Rule

Some experts subscribe to a guideline known as the “10% Rule” for when to drop comprehensive and collision insurance. This means that the added annual cost for these coverage types should not surpass 10% of the vehicle’s book value.

For example, if the value of your vehicle is $3,000, the additional premium cost should not exceed $300 annually. Keep in mind that this is merely a guideline and may not apply in all circumstances.

Finding Discounts for Auto Insurance

There are a tremendous number of discounts offered by auto insurance companies. Many providers offer discounts for those with a clean driving record.

One commonly offered discount is available to those who “bundle” other types of insurance together. An example would be purchasing your home and auto insurance through the same insurer.

Multi-car discounts may apply to those who have multiple cars or motorcycles. Some insurers will offer “usage-based” discounts. These may be available for those who drive significantly less than the average motorist. Those who are active in the military are also commonly eligible for discounts.

Benefits of Having a Local Agent for Comprehensive Insurance in Phoenix Arizona

In today’s fast-paced environment, there are many benefits of having a local, independent insurance agent. You can save money and time because your agent can quickly compare insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies. Your agent will find a great policy suited for your specific needs and provide you with personal service and support.

Car Insurance Coverage for Arizona Drivers

The Gebhardt Insurance Group provides auto insurance solutions for drivers across demographics. With decades of combined experience, our team of professionals will assess the specific coverage needs for you, your family, or your business. Contact us today at (520) 836-3244 to speak with one of our local agents.

Filed Under: Auto Insurance, Insurance, Liability Insurance

What Does Collision Insurance Cover?

March 28, 2019 by Steve Gebhardt

Collision Insurance Cover

All motorists are required to maintain state-minimum liability insurance coverage for bodily injury and property damage that you may cause. Liability coverage is used to pay for damage incurred by others. Drivers have the option of adding comprehensive and collision coverage to pay for damages to your car. Serious car accidents are a reality for motorists. In 2017, there were over 37,000 people fatally injured—roughly 1,000 in Arizona alone. Collision coverage allows for the repair costs or replacement of your vehicle following a collision. Collision coverage applies regardless of fault.

When Does Collision Coverage Apply?

Among the many types of auto insurance, collision coverage is used in various scenarios. One example is if you crash into another car or object such as a tree or light post. This coverage would also be used if you drove off the road into a ditch. It is also commonly confused with comprehensive auto insurance coverage.

Differentiating Collision and Comprehensive Coverage

The primary difference between collision and comprehensive auto insurance is whether the vehicle was under the driver’s control at the time. Comprehensive is generally thought of as being applicable following “acts of God” or nature. Examples would include damage from a hailstorm, vandalism, or theft. Both types of coverage are usually sold together and make up what is referred to as “full” coverage.

Collision Coverage Required

Those financing or leasing their vehicle are going to be required to maintain full coverage. The lender that you are making payments to implements this requirement for their protection. If the vehicle became severely damaged, the lender wants to know their asset is covered.

Collision CoveragePricingAverage2012-2016 [1]
StateCollision |Liability |Comprehensive
Arizona290.88539.68
191.86
California423.75520.8199.73
Colorado307.27570.10194.65
New Mexico290.17495.33178.38
Utah276.41523.73113.49

Factors That May Impact Collision Insurance Rates

There are a host of reasons why a motorist may see increased premium pricing for collision coverage some of which include:

  • Traffic violations or infractions
  • Other drivers within your household
  • A recent history of insurance claims
  • The type or value of the vehicle being insured
  • The location of your residence

Policy Deductible

The majority of collision and comprehensive policies have a deductible amount. This is an amount that the policyholder must “pay out of pocket” in an insurance claim. Collision deductible amounts are commonly $250, $500, or $1,000.

We will use an example where your car incurred $5,000 in damage and your policy has a $500 deductible. You would pay the initial $500 toward the repair and your insurer would then pay the remaining $4,500. Choosing a higher deductible amount will generally lower the amount of your premium.

Stacking and Indemnity in Collision Coverage

It is possible that multiple insurance policies could potentially be used to cover the same damages from a single accident. This could create an opportunity for abuse if the insured filed a claim with both policies. The insurance industry implemented provisions to prevent this problem where the insured may potentially profit from a claim. The principle of indemnity seeks to prevent this practice. If more than one insurance policy could potentially cover a loss coverage is limited to the amount of the highest single policy limit. These measures are often called “anti-stacking” protections.

Actual Cash Value

In situations such as when a vehicle is damaged beyond repair, your collision coverage will pay for a replacement. If the vehicle is “totaled”, the amount the insurer pays is generally based on the actual cash value. Keep in mind that your vehicle begins depreciating in value it is purchased. Actual cash value can be summarized as the replacement cost minus the estimated depreciation.

Replacement Cost Value

Some auto insurers recently have been advertising “guaranteed better vehicle replacement” or “full new vehicle replacement” policies. Keep in mind that these policies are likely to have some extra costs factored into the premium. Motorists now have many online resources for quickly and accurately estimating their car’s current value. Sites including Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book are two of the more popular options.

Should I Maintain Collision Coverage on an Older Car?

Cars over 10 years old with a value of less than $3,000 may not be worth maintaining collision coverage on. This evaluation needs to be made on a case-by-case basis. You should analyze the cost of the collision policy premium compared to how much the car is worth.

Coverage for Rental Cars

Traditionally, those who rent a car are covered by their collision rental coverage provided by their credit card. Your existing auto insurance policy would provide liability coverage. In recent years, many credit card companies have started no longer including this form of coverage in the card user agreement. It is critical that when renting a car you check your credit card agreement and auto insurance policy. If coverage is not provided or insufficient, you will want to purchase added coverage options from the rental car company.

Coverage for an Interim Rental Car

Another potential coverage benefit within your collision policy is for a rental car to use while your vehicle is being repaired. Often these policy provisions are called “loss of use” coverage and usually specify a daily rate of rental reimbursement. For example, your policy may provide $35 per day for a rental car with a maximum limit of $500.

Independent Insurance Agency in Arizona

Finding auto insurance that provides a combination of superior coverage and excellent value can be a challenge. Often key policy features and benefits are buried in paragraphs of fine print making it difficult to truly compare competing policies. At the Gebhardt Insurance Group, we will properly evaluate your needs and identify the best options from dozens of insurance carriers. Contact our team of professionals today in Casa Grande at (520) 836-3244.


[1] https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-auto-insurance

Filed Under: Auto Insurance, Liability Insurance

Boat Insurance Claims Advice

November 12, 2018 by Steve Gebhardt

Boat Insurance Claims

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, in 2017, there were 4,291 recreational boating accidents. As a result of these accidents, there were 658 fatalities, over 2,600 injuries and $46 million in personal property damage. In 2016, there were roughly 5.9 fatalities per 100,000 active, registered boats and this ratio was 5.5 in 2017.

Some of the leading causes of boating accidents are due to operators who are inattentive and lack experience, mechanical failures as well as alcohol usage. For these reasons, responsible boat owners and operators are encouraged to maintain comprehensive boating insurance coverage.

Boating in Arizona

Arizona has several lakes and rivers that are popular for recreational boating. The National Safe Boating Council reported that Arizona ranked 8th nationally in the number of boating accidents that occurred within the state. Roughly 2% of all boating-related deaths in the nation occurred in Arizona last year. Far too often, boaters simply ignore some of the fundamental safety practices associated with boating. Some examples include having inexperienced boaters or children operating the vessel, failing to wear a life jacket and operating under the influence of alcohol.

Do You Need Boat Insurance?

Unlike car insurance, Arizona currently does not mandate that a boat owner or operator maintain any type of marine insurance. Boat liability insurance is designed to cover damages such as bodily harm to others that is caused by the operator. Many boats are expensive and an insurance policy is critical to protect your watercraft if it is damaged. Since boats tend to be costly, many owners choose to finance their purchase from a lender. The lender will require the owner to maintain proper coverage for their protection. Boats may or may not be included under a homeowners insurance policy. Be sure to review the terms of your policy, as the coverage limits for boats may be insufficient.

Most Common Boat Insurance Claims

  • Weather related: Amid high winds or storms, larger bodies of water often become extremely volatile and troublesome. Vessels on the water during hurricanes have led to thousands of claims in many southeastern coastal areas of the country. Although it is unlikely, a boat may also potentially be struck by lightning.
  • Theft: Larger marinas are attractive to many thieves who seek to steal items such as equipment or electronics. In some instances, a boat itself is stolen. In roughly 90% of the cases, the loss is massive.
  • Striking objects or sinking: A boat may encounter shallow waters and the hull may become severely damaged by striking the bottom. Boats also incur damage when they strike objects within the water such as rocks or trees. A small opening that allows water entry can quickly become a huge problem when a boat begins retaining significant amounts of water.
  • Fires or explosion: The leading cause of boat fires is electrical problems, such as faulty or exposed DC wiring. Highly flammable fuel can also ignite and cause tremendous damage to your boat.

Types of Boat Insurance Coverage

The categories of coverage for boats are very similar to the various types of automobile insurance.

  • Bodily Injury Liability & Medical (Med) Payments: Bodily injury (BI) is a form of liability insurance. BI coverage pays for costs such as medical expenses or wage losses in a boating accident where the policyholder is found to be at fault. Med payment coverage is designed to pay for injury-related costs from a boat accident without regard to fault.
  • Property Damage: This is liability coverage used when a policyholder is deemed financially responsible for property damage. For example, your boat inadvertently strikes a dock and causes damage.
  • Collision or Personal Property: This type of coverage pays to repair or replace damage to your boat. What if your boat or some equipment is stolen? This coverage will reimburse you for your losses, unless the insurer offers a separate insurance option specifically for theft.
  • Fuel Spill & Emergency: Would pay for “clean up” efforts if your boat were to develop a fuel leak and cause contamination. This coverage is often bundled with emergency assistance coverage to pay for services such as towing, removal and transportation of your boat if it becomes disabled.
  • Uninsured Boater: This coverage would be used to repair or replace your boat if another operator was responsible and does not have insurance coverage. It is a practical type of coverage in Arizona because boat insurance is not a state requirement like automobile insurance is.

Agreed Value vs Actual Cash Value

If your boat is damaged beyond repair (a total loss) or stolen, you would file a claim for replacement. If you have an actual cash value policy, the amount the policy would pay is equivalent to the current market value for the watercraft. Boats depreciate over time just like cars. The current market value is likely to be well below what you originally paid for it. With an agreed value policy, the amount the insurer will pay for replacement is a fixed amount agreed upon in the contract. Be sure to understand your policy terms to avoid any surprises in the event you need to file a claim.

Insurance Claim Reporting

The insurance claims process for watercrafts can be somewhat more complex than those involving cars. The market for boat repair parts is smaller and there are less options and fewer repair service providers. Boat owners often find repair costs to be considerably higher than they may anticipate or expect.

In the event that you must file an insurance claim, it is best to do so shortly after the accident occurs. You should contact your provider by phone or online to start the claims process and receive a claim number. You may be assigned a claims representative at this time. If physical damage has occurred, it is often beneficial to take photos for reference and documentation. Always seek medical attention even when your injuries appear to be mild. Keep in mind that you should avoid any unnecessary delays in contacting your insurance claims department.

Repair Estimate for Claim

The insurer may have a field representative or a claims adjuster investigate the incident and review the damage. For minor claims, the insurance company may allow you to proceed with the repairs after providing the insurer a repair cost estimate. If the repairs are costly, the insurer may require that you obtain multiple quotes or estimates. Avoid using repair or body shops that predominantly focus on repairing vehicles, as the quality of the work may not live up to your expectations.

Is Your Boat Trailer Covered?

Another critical policy detail is whether the trailer used to transport your boat is included in the policy. Many insurers require an additional coverage option, which will slightly increase the premium price. It is also possible that your car insurance may include or provide optional coverage for a trailer.

Insurance Coverage When Renting a Boat

Those who are renting a boat should also consider the potential liabilities involved. This situation also is one that should be addressed prior to an accident, potential claim or coverage denial. If you have an up to date boat insurance policy, it will likely provide liability coverage if you are operating the boat; however, damage to the vessel may not be covered. Be sure to verify the details with your agent.

Most boat rental locations require a security deposit ranging from $200-$500. This deposit is unlikely to cover any excessive wear & tear or significant damage to the rental boat. One possible option is to obtain temporary coverage from the rental site. For example, Arizona Boat Rentals makes it clear that renters are responsible for damage and offers an insurance coverage option through a third-party.

Pinal County Boat Insurance Agency

A boating accident may quickly spoil a fun day on the water. In these situations, it is critical that a comprehensive boat insurance policy is in place from a reputable insurance company. The Gebhardt Insurance Group in Casa Grande provides boating insurance that will protect you from liability and protect your boat. Contact our office today to speak with an agent about all of your insurance needs at (520) 836-3244.

Filed Under: Motorboat Insurance, Liability Insurance

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719 E Cottonwood Lane, Suite #1
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44400 Honeycutt Rd, Suite #102H
Maricopa, AZ 85138

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    Casa Grande Insurance Agency Accessibility Statement

    Accessibility Statement

    • www.gebhardtinsurancegroup.com
    • May 19, 2023

    Compliance status

    We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of circumstance and ability.

    To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1 (WCAG 2.1) at the AA level. These guidelines explain how to make web content accessible to people with a wide array of disabilities. Complying with those guidelines helps us ensure that the website is accessible to all people: blind people, people with motor impairments, visual impairment, cognitive disabilities, and more.

    This website utilizes various technologies that are meant to make it as accessible as possible at all times. We utilize an accessibility interface that allows persons with specific disabilities to adjust the website’s UI (user interface) and design it to their personal needs.

    Additionally, the website utilizes an AI-based application that runs in the background and optimizes its accessibility level constantly. This application remediates the website’s HTML, adapts Its functionality and behavior for screen-readers used by the blind users, and for keyboard functions used by individuals with motor impairments.

    If you’ve found a malfunction or have ideas for improvement, we’ll be happy to hear from you. You can reach out to the website’s operators by using the following email

    Screen-reader and keyboard navigation

    Our website implements the ARIA attributes (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) technique, alongside various different behavioral changes, to ensure blind users visiting with screen-readers are able to read, comprehend, and enjoy the website’s functions. As soon as a user with a screen-reader enters your site, they immediately receive a prompt to enter the Screen-Reader Profile so they can browse and operate your site effectively. Here’s how our website covers some of the most important screen-reader requirements, alongside console screenshots of code examples:

    1. Screen-reader optimization: we run a background process that learns the website’s components from top to bottom, to ensure ongoing compliance even when updating the website. In this process, we provide screen-readers with meaningful data using the ARIA set of attributes. For example, we provide accurate form labels; descriptions for actionable icons (social media icons, search icons, cart icons, etc.); validation guidance for form inputs; element roles such as buttons, menus, modal dialogues (popups), and others. Additionally, the background process scans all of the website’s images and provides an accurate and meaningful image-object-recognition-based description as an ALT (alternate text) tag for images that are not described. It will also extract texts that are embedded within the image, using an OCR (optical character recognition) technology. To turn on screen-reader adjustments at any time, users need only to press the Alt+1 keyboard combination. Screen-reader users also get automatic announcements to turn the Screen-reader mode on as soon as they enter the website.

      These adjustments are compatible with all popular screen readers, including JAWS and NVDA.

    2. Keyboard navigation optimization: The background process also adjusts the website’s HTML, and adds various behaviors using JavaScript code to make the website operable by the keyboard. This includes the ability to navigate the website using the Tab and Shift+Tab keys, operate dropdowns with the arrow keys, close them with Esc, trigger buttons and links using the Enter key, navigate between radio and checkbox elements using the arrow keys, and fill them in with the Spacebar or Enter key.Additionally, keyboard users will find quick-navigation and content-skip menus, available at any time by clicking Alt+1, or as the first elements of the site while navigating with the keyboard. The background process also handles triggered popups by moving the keyboard focus towards them as soon as they appear, and not allow the focus drift outside of it.

      Users can also use shortcuts such as “M” (menus), “H” (headings), “F” (forms), “B” (buttons), and “G” (graphics) to jump to specific elements.

    Disability profiles supported in our website

    • Epilepsy Safe Mode: this profile enables people with epilepsy to use the website safely by eliminating the risk of seizures that result from flashing or blinking animations and risky color combinations.
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    1. Font adjustments – users, can increase and decrease its size, change its family (type), adjust the spacing, alignment, line height, and more.
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    We aim to support the widest array of browsers and assistive technologies as possible, so our users can choose the best fitting tools for them, with as few limitations as possible. Therefore, we have worked very hard to be able to support all major systems that comprise over 95% of the user market share including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Opera and Microsoft Edge, JAWS and NVDA (screen readers), both for Windows and for MAC users.

    Notes, comments, and feedback

    Despite our very best efforts to allow anybody to adjust the website to their needs, there may still be pages or sections that are not fully accessible, are in the process of becoming accessible, or are lacking an adequate technological solution to make them accessible. Still, we are continually improving our accessibility, adding, updating and improving its options and features, and developing and adopting new technologies. All this is meant to reach the optimal level of accessibility, following technological advancements. For any assistance, please reach out to