Date: July 9, 2008
For more information contact: Mikaela Reck, Public Information Officer, (608) 267-9336 or mikaela.reck@wisconsin.gov

Are you properly insured for summer fun?

Madison, WI—Although reviewing your insurance policy may not be at the top of your summer beach read list, the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance encourages Wisconsin residents to assess any special insurance needs they may have for the summer.

"Summer is the time when most of us have a little extra fun, whether it be taking a trip or putting the boat in the lake," said Sean Dilweg, Commissioner of Insurance. "Assessing these extra risks and determining your insurance needs can save time, money and hassle in the long run."

Consumers need to be aware of what their insurance does and does not cover when it comes to hot weather essentials such as pools, grills, boats and rental vehicles.

Backyard Hazards

Pools, trampolines and hot tubs are some of the parts of summer fun but can also be expensive liabilities if you are not properly insured. Some insurance companies will not cover risks such as unfenced pools and trampolines. Plan ahead and check your local safety standards and building codes before purchasing one of these items.

Homeowners and renters with dogs must also be sure to have liability insurance. Many insurers charge more for breeds such as pit bulls and Rottweilers, while some will not insure households with certain breeds of dogs at all. Also, if your dog causes property damage or bodily injury, your insurer may cancel or nonrenew your policy. The bottom line is, if you're going to let your dog out in the yard this summer, take steps to socialize your dog to behave well and insure yourself against any damages your dog may cause to property or others.

Additionally, consumers should use caution when using grills in the summer months. Insurers do not usually have set rules for where a grill can or cannot be, but some landlords may have their own restrictions. It is always wise to use common sense when firing up for a summer barbeque. Keep the grill far enough away from your house to avoid damaging the siding and eaves or setting the house on fire. Also be careful of low branches on trees and other wooden structures. Furthermore, if you rent, make sure to follow your landlord's guidelines for outdoor grills. It is better to be cautious than to risk damaging your property or the property of others.

Boater's Insurance

Consumers should be aware that boats can either be insured by homeowner's insurance policies or by a separate boat-owner's policy.

If your boat is insured under your homeowner's policy, coverage—including all furnishings, equipment and engines—may be limited to a certain dollar amount. Theft may not be covered if the boat is away from the residence listed on the policy, and wind and hail damage may only be covered if the boat is housed in a fully enclosed building or boathouse. Liability coverages for many types of watercraft are also excluded from homeowner's policies based on the size of the motor.

Separate boat-owner's policies or endorsements to your homeowner's policy can provide more comprehensive coverage for the boat and its furnishings, equipment and engines, and liability coverage not otherwise provided by the basic homeowner's policy. However, boat-owner's policies or homeowner's endorsements also contain limitations and exclusions that should be reviewed.

Rental Vehicles

If you are renting a car this summer, it is important to check with your auto insurance company before leaving to verify whether or not your rental car will be covered.

If your regular auto insurance does not include rental vehicles in its policy, rental car companies often sell collision damage waiver coverage (CDW). CDW shifts any liability for collision damage from the person renting the vehicle to the car rental company.

Plan Ahead

The most important tip for consumers to remember during the summer months is to plan ahead. Talk with your insurance agent about your current insurance policies and any summertime liabilities you may still need to insure.

Informational publications can be viewed on the OCI Web site at oci.wi.gov, or ordered free from the agency by writing to OCI Publications, P.O. Box 7873, Madison, WI 53707-7873, or by calling 800-236-8517.

Created by the Legislature in 1871, Wisconsin's Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) was vested with broad powers to ensure that the insurance industry responsibly and adequately met the insurance needs of Wisconsin citizens. Today, OCI's mission is to lead the way in informing and protecting the public and responding to its insurance needs.