by Yoshika Sangal | Jan 10, 2023 | Blogs, Expertise, Intact Insurance, Ocean Marine Insurance
You finally winterized your boat, and you think it’s tucked away safe until spring. Think again! The mobility and value of a boat makes it a tempting target for thieves, especially when it’s in winter storage. Before you pack up your boat, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatU.S.) flags five signs to watch out for to mitigate the risk of theft.
- Electronics left inside or mounted outside the boat grab attention. Remove all movable electronics and appliances. Take pictures of permanently installed electronics, and record the model, serial number, manufacturer and description of each item in case a claim or police report needs to be filed.
- Fishing gear, watersports equipment, life jackets and other gear often get stolen with electronics. Bring home all portable valuables, including important paperwork like the boat’s registration document.
- Personal watercrafts and outboard-powered boat less than 26 feet are most susceptible to theft. If storing your boat at home, do not park with the trailer tongue facing the street. In addition, consider removing one wheel from an axle.
- Outdrives on sterndrive-powered motorboats are expensive to replace if stolen. Remove the unit and store in a safe location during winter and ensure the serial number is recorded. If it can’t be removed, install an outdrive lock.
- Small outboards should be removed and stored in a secure location, such as a locked garage or basement. Install a lock on larger outboards.
Be aware and proactive when it comes to protecting your investment. Follow these easy steps to avoid any unpleasant surprises come springtime!
by Yoshika Sangal | Dec 16, 2022 | Blogs, Expertise, Intact Insurance, Ocean Marine Insurance
After a long summer of boating fun, boaters across the country are preparing their boats for their yearly hibernation. Taking the extra steps will not only protect the boat but will ensure an easier, stress-free launch come springtime!
Winterization 101
BoatU.S. has compiled a complete playlist of articles, videos and checklists you need to ensure that your boat is safe. In a nutshell, winterizing means storing your boat properly, making sure engines and are protected, and the plumbing is freeze-proof.
- Storage: This is the starting point for any winterizing plan. Storing a boat in a climate-controlled indoor facility is, of course, the best option. However, you can also choose to store your boat outside on land or in the water. A boat stored ashore needs to be properly supported with a jackstand, custom-made cradle, storage rack or a trailer. If you choose to keep your boat in the water, ensure all thru-hulls are closed except for the cockpit drains. Additionally, make sure the boat is tied so strong winds can’t bang it against the dock. Whether ashore or in the water, a well-fitting cover will prevent the cockpit from filling with water or ice during winter storms.
- Drain: Remove water from all parts of the boat, including the sea strainer, engine blocks, air conditioning and plumbing systems. Add antifreeze into the bilge, keel and water tanks to prevent freezing.
- Engine: Flush the engine with freshwater to remove dirt and corrosion. Refill the coolant system with antifreeze. If you decide to fill your tank, be sure to add a fuel stabilizer and change fuel filters.
- Battery: Remove and charge the battery. Store it in a warm and dry place until it’s time to place it back in spring.
- Clean: Remove all movable items from your vessel like electronics, clothing, fishing gear, lifejackets and fire extinguishers. Scrub-clean the boat – from the hull to the interior.
Because boats and engines differ, don’t forget to check your owner’s manual for any special instructions. The task of winterizing may take some know-how and effort, but the end result – a healthy boat – will certainly prove worthwhile!
by Yoshika Sangal | Sep 16, 2022 | Charitable Trust, Diversity and Inclusion, Employee Volunteerism, Employees Give Back
Helping to make our communities more resilient is central to how we live our values at Intact. As part of our Community Engagement program, Intact offices have established partnerships with local nonprofits and support them through employee volunteerism and charitable giving.
Our Boston office has partnered with United South End Settlements (USES) that works with disadvantaged youth and families in the Boston area to help them achieve economic mobility and to disrupt the cycle of poverty.
This summer, USES “Club48” out-of-school program for 5-12 year-olds, hosted a series of two-week themed experiences including a “Shark Tank” style entrepreneurial skill-building program, cooking and nutrition events, field trips and more. Several of our Boston employees volunteered at the entrepreneur sessions to provide financial and marketing support ahead of “Market Day” where the children sold their “business” products. Others volunteered at the “Top Chef” and Carnival Day that culminated the summer program with games, food and fun! Our team enjoyed spending time with the Club48 kids and were pleased to be a part of their educational experience.
To learn more about USES and their work, visit their website.
by Yoshika Sangal | Sep 15, 2022 | Blogs, Diversity and Inclusion
Every year, the U.S. observes National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 to appreciate the remarkable influence Hispanic and Latinx Americans have had on our country. September 15 is significant because it was the day when five Latin American countries earned their independence from Spain in 1821. This month, we have an opportunity to appreciate their histories, cultures and contributions.
According to the Census Bureau, as of 2020 the U.S. Hispanic population is about 62.6 million, “making people of Hispanic origin the nation’s largest ethnic or racial minority”.
Resources to learn more:
23 Activities to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month: from podcasts and virtual tours to cooking classes and concerts, these are ideas for ways to recognize, understand and celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Building a Future for Hispanic Professionals in the Insurance Industry: Read this recent report regarding the journey of Hispanic insurance professionals published by Marsh and the Latin American Association of Insurance Agents (LAAIA).
15 Influential Hispanic Americans Who Made History: Explore the ways these Hispanic Americans have made their mark on the world.
Netflix and PBS: to celebrate and gain awareness of Hispanic and Latinx culture, consider exploring the wide-ranging collection of documentaries, films, and series on websites like Netflix and PBS.
by Yoshika Sangal | Sep 9, 2022 | Agent/Brokers Give back, Charitable Trust, Employees Give Back, Insurance Industry Efforts
Our employees from Technology, Ocean Marine, Inland Marine and Business Development teams are pleased to participate in the annual golf events being hosted by Barney and Barney Foundation! Our participation, which is sponsored by the Intact Charitable Trust, helps raise funds for several local nonprofit organizations.
B&B foundation is the charitable arm of Marsh & McLennan Agency, one of Intact’s largest producers in the California region. These events bring the insurance community together to network, celebrate and support great causes. This year, we sponsored the following three tournaments:
- Orange County & Los Angeles Golf Classic in Dana Point, CA on August 25
- Bay Area Golf Classic in Orinda, CA on September 12
- Rock the Green Golf Classic in Poway, CA on October 27
Our sponsorship will benefit nonprofits like Project Access, Unlimited Possibilities, Free Arts, Kathy’s Legacy, Kitchens for Good, and the Lucky Duck Foundation.
For more details, visit the B&B website. Check out a picture of our employees teeing off at OC golf!
