According to climate forecasters, 2018 is not a year to skimp on boat insurance or marine business insurance coverage.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently announced that odds are 75 percent in favor of the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season being close to or above the typical season. (Hurricane season on the Atlantic coast runs from the beginning of June to the end of November.)

While some people are skeptical of weather forecasting accuracy, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center relies on the latest satellite and computing technology to forecast hurricane season.

Data indicates as much as a 35-percent chance of higher than normal hurricane intensity. Forecasters have analyzed the information and are calling for 10 to 16 named storms with winds gusting to roughly 40 mph (if you’re taking bets, they’re giving this a 70 percent chance).

Of these, somewhere between five and ten are expected to reach winds gusting at around 75 mph, becoming hurricanes. As for those that grow even stronger, to gales of over 110 mph, they anticipate somewhere between one to four major hurricanes this year.

The Atlantic storms have grown in strength since the mid-nineties, underscoring the wisdom of ensuring that your boat insurance coverage protects you in the event of a hurricane or significant wind storm.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency regularly reminds Americans to be prepared BEFORE disaster strikes. For boaters, they recommend paying attention to FEMA alerts (you can download their app) and tuning in to local news for updates, so you’re not taken by surprise.

Additionally, FEMA encourages everyone to review their insurance, taking precautions to get coverage for natural disasters like flooding. If you wait until the storm is forecasted in your area, it’s likely too late to obtain marine insurance coverage.

Be proactive and review your boat insurance coverage or marine business coverage now, at the start of Atlantic hurricane season. Contact the marine business insurance professionals at Global Marine Insurance and find out if you are adequately insured.