Florida Tops Nation In Number Of Stolen Boats

ACROSS FLORIDA -- If you own or are considering buying a boat in Florida, you may want to consider how well it’s secured and insured. The most recent National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) report shows a decrease in stolen boats, but Florida remains No. 1 in most stolen boats for the third year in a row.

Florida had 1,114 reported stolen watercraft; Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa were the top three cities in the nation with thefts.

Top 3 States:

1. Florida 1,114
2. California 483
3. Texas 378

Top 3 Cities:

1. Miami 203
2. Fort Lauderdale 68
3. Tampa 64

State Farm reminds all boat owners to practice safe and smart boat owning:

• Review your coverage: Boat Insurance policies can vary widely in what they do and do not cover based on a number of considerations, including the type of boat, the waters it will traffic, and how many months of the year the boat will be used.
• Take photos of the boat and its equipment. Make sure to added value of boat equipment (life preservers, depth/fish finders, anchors, etc.) when deciding amount of insurance.
• Do not leave your title or registration papers in the boat.
• Remove expensive equipment when not in use in the boat.
• Physical Damage: This coverage insures your boat against damage and loss caused by common risks, such as sinking, fire, storms, collision and theft. The property usually covers the boat hull, boat motor(s), described boat equipment and the boat trailer if requested.
• Liability coverage: This coverage applies if your boat causes injury to others or damage to other boats, docks or structures. It may provide protection against lawsuits, including the payment of settlements and legal fees.
• Discounts: The best way to lower your boat insurance premiums is to become a safer boater. For example, State Farm offers a 10 percent discount to boaters who have completed an approved boating safety course.

NICB tips to protect your watercraft from theft:

• Chain and lock detachable motors to the boat
• Disable the craft by shutting fuel lines or removing batteries
• Use a trailer hitch lock after parking a boat on its trailer
• Install a kill switch in the ignition system

Link to the NICB report for more tips.