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Craig Insurance Group Inc

204 W. Millbrook Dr.,
Raleigh NC 27609

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How to Prepare Your Boat or Watercraft for Hurricane Season in Raleigh, NC

When Does Hurricane Season Begin in Raleigh, NC? 

Hurricane Season in Raleigh, North Carolina, typically runs from June 1st through November 30th each year. Learn how to prepare your boat or watercraft for hurricane season from the insurance experts at Craig Insurance Group. 

Raleigh-Specific Hurricane Risks 

While Raleigh isn’t situated directly on the coast, its proximity to the ocean makes it prone to feeling some of the most devastating effects and the aftermath of Atlantic hurricanes. 

Raleigh residents won’t typically have to battle high storm surges; however, they may experience flooding from heavy rainfall overfilling local rivers and creeks and structural failures caused by hurricanes. 

During extreme weather events, high-velocity winds and wind gusts from blowing hurricanes can easily damage boats, watercraft, and other water-faring vessels. 

Your boat’s susceptibility to sinking or flooding during a strong hurricane depends on some of the following factors: 

  • Boat Type and Condition 
  • Hull Material 
  • Mooring and Anchoring Practices 
  • Hurricane Preparedness 

Boat and watercraft owners should note that there are always some potential risks of sinking or flooding, especially during strong hurricanes with violent winds. 

Prepare Your Boat or Watercraft for Hurricanes 

  • Equip Your Vessel with Emergency Supplies
  • Create An Evacuation Plan
  • Know your Evacuation Routes 
  • Look up Local Road Conditions 
  • Research the Weather Conditions
  • Prepare for Power Outages 

Get more local advice from the boat and watercraft insurance experts at Craig Insurance Group and get a comprehensive quote for boat and watercraft insurance when you contact us today! 

On the Water or On Your Trailer Boat Insurance Has You Covered

Imagine Bob’s ordeal; "As I reversed the boat off the ramp, Dave urgently honked…". These dramatic episodes occur frequently, especially among boat owners around picturesque locations like Raleigh, NC. For them, the professional and veteran team at the Craig Insurance Group brings peace of mind thanks to their extensive expertise in insuring all boat-related incidents.

Shielding Your Boat In Every Situation

Although the actors and circumstances may differ, many boating accidents reveal striking resemblances. They typically commence with a simple exercise on a mundane day and often occur even before the boat reaches the water. Moreover, these mishaps tend to occur in the most extraordinary situations, often resulting in damage to structures like sheds, barns, or garages where boats are stored.

Such commonly encountered scenarios illuminate the importance of boat insurance. With a comprehensive coverage plan, you can secure your maritime vessel in transit, on water, or while in storage.

Equip Yourself with Proficient Boat Insurance

If you have inquiries about boat insurance, the well-versed and professional team at the Craig Insurance Group is here to assist you. Contact us today to avail the protection Raleigh, NC boat owners warrant. Oh, and by the way, Bob and Dave emerged unscathed, but their boat didn’t fare as well.

Whatever Floats Your Boat

So now you’re the proud owner of a boat. Before you literally break open the champagne, you need to get your boat insured. While it may not be a legal requirement in North Carolina, it’s still a very good idea to have some. While the state might not require it, many docks and private marinas do. And let’s face it, these things are expensive! If your boat is damaged, you might want some recompense. 

What Boat Insurance Covers

Property damage liability coverage can pay for any damages your boat might have caused to another boat, dock, marina, or other property. Bodily injury liability coverage can aid in paying off medical and legal expenses should you be responsible for injuries someone took due to your boat. If you do tubing or water skiing, you may want to look into water sports coverage. While you aren’t required to have boat insurance in North Carolina, you are required to clean up after yourself. Boat insurance can help you pay for wreckage removal and cleaning up fuel spills. 

What Else Can Boat Insurance Cover?

There are some options you can add to your boat insurance if you think it prudent. While North Carolina winters are fairly mild, it can get cold enough to freeze in some places. If you dock in a mountain lake during the winter, you may want to look into ice/freeze coverage. If you go fishing on your boat, you can get your tackle insured. You can also select an insurance option that covers towing if you think you’ll need it. 

Craig Insurance Group Serving Raleigh, NC

If you are in need of boating insurance and live in the Raleigh, NC area, please contact Craig Insurance Group. Our knowledgeable agents will be dedicated to helping you. 

How Can I Benefit From Boat Insurance?

If you own a boat in the greater Raleigh, NC region, you’re gonna need to get boat insurance. Here at Craig Insurance Group know that we can help. Besides the fact that boat insurance is required, there are a few less-than-obvious benefits to creating a policy. 

Boat Insurance Benefits

1. Investment Protection

A boat is a huge investment, and that investment deserves to be protected. Without insurance, you risk losing your investment in the event of an accident or other unforeseen incident. Be aware that a single storm can sink boats, while a fire in a nearby boat can burn your boat, or you could become a victim of vandalism. With boat insurance, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that if something terrible happened to your boat, you aren’t losing the investment you made.

2. Personal Protection

If you injure a passenger or a swimmer or damage another boat while operating yours, you will be held accountable for their bodily harm and medical expenses. You may potentially face legal action.

Even if you are not held guilty, be aware that legal fees can quickly pile up and cost you a lot of money. However, yacht insurance will cover those expenses, and you will not be personally liable for them.

3. Passenger Protection

Anyone you grant permission to use your vessel is protected, as are passengers partaking in water activities. If you or any of your passengers are injured while boating, the medical bills, and lost pay will up quickly.

Even more so if an injury occurs as a result of someone else’s uninsured watercraft. Nonetheless, you may safeguard your passengers and yourself from such expenses.

4. Total Loss Replacement

If your boat sinks or is destroyed due to fire or irreparable damage, you would face a significant financial loss. Policies may cover entire loss replacement, allowing you to get back on the water quickly. If boating is a significant family activity or a hobby, this benefit of boat insurance is well worth the expense.

Call Us Today

Here at Craig Insurance Group, we are proud to offer boat insurance to citizens in and around Raleigh, NC. Give us a call today so we can create a policy that best fits your needs. We are dedicated and ready to help answer any questions you may have. 

Does Boat Insurance Cover a Boat That is Being Stored for the Winter?

One of the most common mistakes that we at Craig Insurance Group, serving the greater Raleigh, NC area, have seen boat owners make, is canceling their boat insurance during the winter months when their boat is not being used. They do not understand whether or not boat insurance covers boats that are being stored or what types of damage can occur to boats being stored for the winter. 

What Types of Damage Can Occur When Your Boat is Being Stored? 

When a boat is being stored, damage can still happen. Boats that are stored outside are susceptible to the weather and outdoor elements. Flood waters and falling tree limbs can damage the boat. Vandals can also damage a boat that is being stored outside. Boats that are being stored inside or outside can also be damaged by fires or can be stolen. 

Does Boat Insurance Cover a Boat That is Being Stored? 

Boat insurance may cover your boat while it is not being used if you have a comprehensive boat insurance policy. Not every policy will cover a boat while it is being stored, but it is highly recommended that you find a policy that does fully cover your boat, both on land and in the water. 

Contact Us Today

Boat damage can occur when a boat is on the waterways being used, or when a boat is being stored in the winter months. Here at Craig Insurance Group, serving the greater Raleigh, NC area, we help to find you boat insurance that fully covers your boat when it is being used on the water and when it is being stored in the winter. Call us today and let us find you the ideal boat insurance policy for your needs. 

Boat Safety Tips

There are few things better than spending a day on the water with your friends and family. Keep yourself, your friends, your family, and other boaters safe by following these five tips outlined below:

  1. Have a Boat Safety Kit: Since you can’t always predict when an emergency or accident will happen, you want to be prepared as best as possible with essential items like a flashlight, duct tape, first aid kit, fire extinguishers, bucket, garbage bags, whistle, and a mirror to signal for help. 
  2. Check Your Life Jackets: Many people believe that a life jacket’s only job is to keep you afloat, but this is far from the case with the majority being designed to keep you face up if you lose consciousness and prevent hypothermia. By law, you must have a Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on the boat and anyone under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket at all times. 
  3. Know the Weather: Inclement weather can move fast so be sure to check that there are incoming storms before you leave the house.
  4. Participate in a Boating Safety Course: With the majority of boats being caused by operator error, it is imperative that everyone on the vessel knows how to safely operate a vessel and any state-specific requirements. BoatUS Foundation maintains a number of free boating safety courses that can be taken online. 
  5. Have Your Vessel Inspected: The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers free Vessel Safety Checks that ensure your boat is ready for the water. As an added benefit, there are no penalties if your watercraft does not pass.

For more information on boat insurance, schedule a complimentary consultation with an employee at Craig Insurance Group in Raleigh, NC. We look forward to helping you with all your insurance needs.

Knowing How Much Boat Insurance Your Yacht Needs

Do you own a yacht and want to protect it against damage? Then, you need to find boat insurance that makes sense for your needs. At Craig Insurance Group, we know how to set up Raleigh, NC boat insurance that makes sense for you and provides you with a high level of great protection. 

Getting the Coverage You Deserve 

Your boat insurance will vary according to the overall size and value of your yacht. The value will increase based on the size. For example, a 27-foot boat will have a much less comprehensive policy than a 90-foot boat. Is there a good golden rule that you can use to insure your boat?

Yes, thankfully. Most insurance companies have a very simple guideline that you can use to set up your coverage: the 1.5% rule. What does this percentage mean? In essence, it gives you a simple way of creating a coverage option for your boat without paying too much money. 

Get your boat assessed by your insurance team or another professional and then find 1.5% of its overall value. Then, create a policy for that amount of money. This rule is powerful because it helps to create a great level of insurance without overwhelming you and your financial situation.

That said, it might be worth talking to your insurance company to figure out if there are other coverage options available to you. They might have slightly different rules, expectations, and guidelines and you must understand how each of these differs to ensure that you get the best overall experience.

Find a Policy Today 

Are you looking for boat insurance that will cover your yacht? If so, please contact us at Craig Insurance Group right away. We have helped many Raleigh, NC residents get the high-quality coverage that they need. 

Do I Need Boat Insurance All-Year-Round?

If you live in Raleigh, NC, you might find it fun enjoying the waters with a boat, Jet Ski, and anything in between. Amid the excitement of water activities, you need to purchase proper boat insurance from Craig Insurance Group to protect your prized asset. 

Most boaters enjoy boating activities during hot months. During winter, it’s not unlikely to find most water vessels parked in garages. That said, many boaters wonder whether they should cancel their boat insurance when not in use. If you want to find out, keep reading.

Do I need boat insurance all year through?

If you are a boat owner, you might ask yourself: should I carry boat insurance all year through? Isn’t it expensive? While the boating season might be over, here are reasons you need to have boat insurance throughout.

  • It’s required: While boat insurance isn’t mandatory in North Carolina, if your boat is loan-financed, your lender may require you to carry boat insurance until you finish paying off the loan.
  • Risks still exist: Yes, you are not in the water, but risks can still occur. Even though your boat is parked in the garage, perils like fire, vandalism, and theft can still strike. While you may have home insurance, it only provides limited protection to your boat. Home insurance protects your boat while it’s within your property, and it doesn’t offer all-around protection like boat insurance.
  • Saves you on boat insurance premium: Nobody likes paying out money. However, we can lose while trying to save. The case and point are trying to cancel your boat insurance during the off-season only to reactivate during hot seasons. This trend may become more expensive than carrying boat insurance throughout. Why?

Most insurance companies will reward you with a free deductible for every claim-free year. Others may reward you with discounts for carrying boat insurance all year through. Unfortunately, you won’t enjoy these incentives if you cancel your insurance halfway. 

Boat insurance in North Carolina

Because risks don’t have off-seasons, you need to carry boat insurance from Craig Insurance Group throughout the seasons. Contact us today for an unbeatable quote.

Partner Carriers


  • American Modern
  • Dairyland
  • Foremost
  • National General
  • Nationwide Insurance
  • NCJUA
  • Progressive
  • Strickland Insurance Brokers
  • Tapco
  • The Hartford
  • Travelers
  • US Assure