Protect Your Summer Fun With These Essential Insurance Tips

Summer is the perfect time for leisure and fun. School’s out, the weather is warm and your family is itching to take advantage of the free time and sunshine. 

But summer can also come with risks from activities, and you don’t want to endanger your fun. Special event insurance, boating insurance coverage and travel insurance for vacations can go a long way toward mitigating risks and making sure you’re protected. You may even want to consider one day liability insurance for an event you have planned. 

So, before you dive into the pool, plan that big outdoor wedding or head to the airport, it’s important to review your insurance requirements. Here are five types of insurance coverages you may want to consider before embarking on your summer adventures.

Essential Insurance Coverage for Your Summer Vacation

Are you finally taking that European trip you’ve been dreaming about? Don’t let a mishap — at home or abroad — ruin your vacation. A travel insurance plan can be a smart investment, depending on your current coverage, and other insurance can be helpful, too. Your homeowners insurance could cover lost luggage in the case of theft, for example, even if it was lost when you were in another country and someone stole your items. It may give you peace of mind to add an Airtag to your luggage, so you know where it is. 

While an Airtag may protect your items from physical damage, your luggage may also be covered in your homeowners insurance policy if there is a direct physical loss. Before taking off on your next adventure, be sure to talk to your agent about what safety measures and coverage options can help you feel protected when you are on vacation. 

Insurance Tips for Summer Boating Plans

Only Utah and Arkansas currently have laws requiring boat insurance. Other states may require insurance for boats used in state parks or kept in state-operated marinas. To determine if boat insurance is required, check with your state marine board or alternative governing agency. And keep in mind that even if boat insurance isn’t legally required, your bank or marina may place insurance requirements on your boat.

That said, liability coverage is the minimum standard required by most states and marinas (and it’s just smart to have, too). This coverage provides protection if you are responsible for causing injury to someone else or for causing damage to another person’s boat or other property. You may want to also consider purchasing coverage for physical damage to your boat. Talk to your insurance agent about your coverage options.

Insurance Coverage for Your Backyard Pool

If your summer plans include swimming in your backyard pool, check with your agent to ensure your pool is covered. Your pool could be included in your homeowners insurance under “other structures” or a similar clause, but the type of coverage may vary. You may want to talk with your insurance agent about the amount of coverage available.

Your insurance company will probably ask about your summer safety precautions. Elements like a fence around the pool, a safety cover and other safety equipment will help them feel more comfortable with the risk. Your agent may also recommend an umbrella policy, which provides an extra layer of liability protection. It can cover your other policies as well.

If you are considering teaching swimming lessons at your home, be sure to discuss this with your agent. Some companies may not be comfortable with the added risk, and you may need business liability coverage, including a certificate of insurance, to offer protection for your business pursuit.

Personal Property Coverage to Protect Your Bike This Summer

Ah, that glorious morning bicycle ride! Before you head out, check if you’re covered by your homeowners insurance. Your agent can explain how your current insurance coverage handles bikes. It may be covered under your personal property, but each company may offer different coverage limits.

Also, ask your agent what your bike is covered for — it might not be covered as broadly as other personal property. You may also be able to schedule a bike on your policy to offer more coverage. Some companies also offer bike-specific insurance that you could explore for an additional monthly expense.

Liability Insurance for Backyard Celebrations

Do you plan to host a wedding in your newly landscaped backyard? Or maybe you’re in charge of throwing the neighborhood’s go-to Fourth of July party. Your homeowners insurance may cover the costs if a guest slips and becomes injured, and it’s found to be your fault as the host. 

However, you’ll likely want added protection for special events, especially when alcohol is involved. Umbrella insurance provides additional liability coverage to ease your worries about costly accidents. You might also look into special event insurance that can cover equipment rental, cancelation protection and even alcohol-related accidents.

Safe Fun in the Sun All Summer Long

Whether you’re boating, swimming or biking this summer, reach out to your Farm Bureau agent to make sure you are covered.