Many boaters protect themselves from a substantial towing bill by including a towing benefit in their insurance; purchasing a membership in a towing program; or, both.

While most insurers offer coverage for towing, or automatically include such coverage, we recommend discretion in using that benefit. Towing claims can lead to higher premium or the nonrenewal of coverage. Of course, anyone can have a towing claim, and insurers tend to be sympathetic - the first time. But multiple towing claims tend to indicate a higher risk. Why expose yourself to an underwriter's judgment call when a separate towing membership is available at a reasonable price?