You & Your Boat
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| If you're thinking about buying a boat, this is the place to be. Dealers from accross the province will be on hand to show you their newest models and encourage you to climb aboard to get a feel for them. Check out show specials and deals and get the boating season started. For the hunter and angler, the show offers an array of exhibitors showcasing latest gear and accessories as well as informative and entertaining seminars including 'Small Mouth Rigs - Simplified', and 'Tips for Fishing with Kids'. Don't forget to participate in the Minto Jackpot Casting Challenge, a family favourite. Cast for free - everyone gets a prize. While your at it get some great tips from "Big Jim" McLaughlin and some of Canada's premier anglers. If you want to learn about wilderness adventures, visit the 150+ exhibitors displaying a variety of outdoor recration activities. If Camping is a favourite activity, check out the specials on tents, sleeping bags and camping accessories. It's not often that you get a chance to see live Birds of Prey. Stop by to watch the Canadian Peregrine Foundation displaying their amazing birds of prey and learn about the species and habitats they inhabit. For more information visit the following link. See you at the show! Ottawa Boat & Sportmen's Show  Below is a list of the most important questions you should ask when you are shopping for boat insurance. A good marine insurance provider should be able to clearly answer these questions for you. 1. If I have a total loss, for example the boat is stolen, what will I get for my boat? This is the most important question you ask because it tells you whether you have a policy that will give you a depreciated value for your boat, called Actual Cash Value (ex. you paid $25,000 for the boat and will only get $15,000 when it's stolen), or you will get an Agreed Value (ex. you get the $25,000 you insured the boat for). 2. If I have a partial loss, for example I hit a rock and damage the stern drive, will you use aftermarket or rebuilt parts to repair it? The answer to this questions tells you if you will get new parts only for any repairs that need to be made following a claim. New parts are better because you could get the manufacturer's warranty on those parts. 3. If I choose not to lock up my boat or trailer or I forget one day and my boat is stolen will the theft still be covered? This question is asking about theft restrictions in the fine print of a policy. You are asking if there are any conditions you need to know about. 4. Do I have to store my boat in a locked building? This questions is pretty self explanatory. Again, you are asking about conditions on the policy. 5. If I purchase a $2 million liability limit, does this mean the $2 million extends to watersports? Not all boat insurance providers extend the liability limit to watersports and some don't even offer coverage for watersports on certain classes of watercraft (ex. personal watercraft). 6. Does the $2 million extend to pollution liability? You are asking what would happen if you hit a rock, sank and released oil or gas, causing environmental damage or needing a wreck removal. Would the policy respond with the $2 million liability limit or is the liability amount reduced in this instance. Most people don't think about this kind of a claim, but environmental cleanup is a huge bill. 7. What happens if you are injured by a boater who doesn't have insurance? Here you are asking about 'uninsured boater' coverage. Boat insurance is not mandatory in Ontario and there are a lot of boaters who don't carry insurance. If you are injured by one of these boaters your compensation is limited to how deep their pockets are. In other words, you aren't guaranteed to receive any substantial compensation and may be left paying for your medical expenses yourself, or worse left without an income if you can't return to work. You want to make sure that the liability limit you have paid for on your boat policy will respond if an uninsured boaters causes damage or injury. You want your $2 million liability limit to be available to you to cover your expenses. 8. Does the policy cover Emergency Towing? If you run out of gas, have a mechanical breakdown or the battery goes dead and you need to call a local marina for a tow, will your insurance policy cover the cost? A good marine policy will have Emergency Towing coverage. 9. If I have a claim on my boat does it affect any of my other insurance policies like my house policy? You are asking about 'Separation of Risk', something most consumers don't think about. This is a question you want to be sure to ask, particularly if you are talking to the broker who handles your home insurance policy. If you attach your boat to your home insurance policy you want to be careful that a claim on your boat does not affect that home policy. For example, you have your boat on your home policy as a rider and it's stolen. You no longer have a boat, but you are paying for that claim on your home insurance policy. This list is not exhaustive but it does highlight the key areas of a sound marine insurance policy. When you are doing your shopping, ask the questions. A good marine insurance provider should be able to answer them clearly. Not all policies are the same and, while price is important, it certainly shouldn't be the only thing you ask.  Passing on some valuable information on Boat Insurance at the Toronto International Boat Show 2012   The show offers 140 seminars to entertain and educate boaters of all levels and experience, showcasing boating experts from around the world with tips on navigation, safety and just good old boating stories. Don't miss Zac Sunderland, the first under 18 yrs to circumnavigate the globe, or Trailering Safely presented by the Canadian Power Squadron. Buying your first boat? Check out Boat Buying Basics by the Canadian Power Squadron. There's something for everyone so don't miss out! The Toronto International Boat Show is a family friendly event. Your little ones will experience the fun of boating at the Kids Boating Zone with a paddleboat ride on a mini lake just for them. Don't forget to visit the world's largest indoor lake for wakeboard demonstrations, free inflatable boat rides, kayaking, canoeing and more. Don't miss Duma the waterskiing dog! A family favourite! The Show runs Saturdays 10-7, Sundays 10-6 and Weekdays 11-8. Remember, if you buy your tickets in advance online, you save. Don't forget to enter the online contests to win exciting Boat Show Prize Packages, including Maple Leaf Tickets, Hotel Packages, Special Preview Night passes and Show Tickets. Check out this link for more information. Toronto International Boat Show  | ||