PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With the hurricane season already upon us, climate experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) say there is a 50 percent probability for a near-normal and a 25 percent probability of an above-normal 2009 Atlantic Hurricane season. Any probability of a hurricane or a severe storm is cause for boaters in hurricane-prone regions to have preparation plans in place. NOAA scientists predict between 9 to 14 named storms this year, with 4 to 7 becoming hurricanes, of which one to three could become major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher.1
Given the possibility of above normal hurricane activity, boat owners and the marine community should take proactive measures to minimize the potential for injuries and reduce damage to boats. ACE Recreational Marine Insurance has released its top ten list of important tips to help recreational boaters protect their vessels as well as other property on board during the hurricane season. “The best defenses to protecting your boat from hurricanes or any severe weather are planning, preparation and timely action,” said Damon R. Hostetter, Senior Vice President, ACE Recreational Marine Insurance. “The following precautionary suggestions are guidelines to be used by the marine community to help prevent injury or possibly reduce property damage.”
ACE Recreational Marine’s Top Ten Hurricane Safety Tips for Boaters
According to Mr. Hostetter, the more knowledgeable recreational boaters are about proactive safety practices on the water, the better. “Public awareness is one of the key factors in keeping safe in the event of a hurricane. Another important component is to read and thoroughly understand your insurance policy well in advance of a hurricane to ensure it is adequately meeting your needs. Understand the coverages, exclusions and your duties as a vessel owner,” he noted. “Don’t wait until the last minute to make changes as you may find out you are unable to do so due to the impending nature of the storm.”
ACE offers a free “Hurricanes and Severe Storms” preparation guide, which includes detailed recommendations for the owners of trailerable and non-trailerable boats to undertake prior, during and after a storm. Please visitwww.acemarineinsurance.com to learn more about ACE Recreational Marine Insurance and to download this safety brochure, by clicking on the “Boating Safety & Loss Prevention” hot link, then selecting the Hurricanes and Severe Storms brochure.
ACE Recreational Marine Insurance, part of ACE Private Risk Services, has been serving marine clients for more than 200 years, since 1792 when its predecessor company wrote the very first marine insurance policy issued in the United States. ACE offers exceptional all-risk insurance coverage to protect the entire spectrum of pleasure yachts and boats, including classic boats, luxury mega-yachts and sailboats, sport fishing boats, ski boats, personal watercraft, high performance vessels and select charter vessels.
ACE Private Risk Services is the high-net-worth personal lines business of ACE Group, and provides specialty coverage for homeowners, automobile, recreational marine, umbrella liability and collections insurance for affluent individuals and families. The ACE Group is a global leader in insurance and reinsurance serving a diverse group of clients. Headed by ACE Limited (NYSE:ACE), the ACE Group conducts its business on a worldwide basis with operating subsidiaries in more than 50 countries. Additional information can be found at:www.acelimited.com.
Contact:
ACE Group
Carla L. Ferrara, 215-640-4744
carla.ferrara@acegroup.com