BOATING AND PERSONAL WATERCRAFT INSURANCE COVERAGE
THAT WILL KEEP YOU AFLOAT THIS SUMMER
Summer is here and many of our clients have returned to enjoying their boats and personal watercraft on our beautiful waterways. Thus, I felt it was time to provide an overview of boat and personal watercraft insurance coverage available in Florida.
Never assume that your homeowners’ policy will cover you fully in the operation of a boat or personal watercraft like a wave runner. You would be wise to purchase a separate policy of insurance for your boating needs. Many of the coverages you have the opportunity to purchase for your watercraft are similar to auto coverages available to you.
- BODILY INJURY LIABILITY COVERAGE – Provides coverage for an accident in which you are alleged to have caused injury to another person while operating your vessel.
- PROPERTY DAMAGE LIABILITY COVERAGE – Offers coverage to protect against claims for property damage you allegedly caused while operating your watercraft.
- UNINSURED/UNDERINSURED BOATER COVERAGE – Provides protection to you and your passengers for injuries caused by an uninsured or underinsured boater while you were using your vessel.
- MEDICAL PAYMENTS COVERAGE – This coverage pays for the cost of medical care for injuries occurring as a result of the use of your boat or personal watercraft regardless of fault. This coverage will even cover medical expenses for injuries suffered by you and your passengers while skiing or wakeboarding.
- COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE – Pays for damages to your watercraft due to a loss as a result of incidents like fire, or theft. You will typically have a deductible with this type of coverage. The fault is not a factor with this coverage either.
- COLLISION COVERAGE – This coverage will pay for damages to your watercraft arising from a collision regardless of fault and will likely be subject to a deductible.
You can also buy coverages that will compensate you for personal items or fishing equipment that are lost or damaged during the use of your vessel.
Additionally, specific coverage is available for purchase that will protect you against liability for fuel spills, or water sports injuries.
We highly recommend that you speak to a qualified agent who can assist you in purchasing boating coverage that will protect you and your loved ones, as well as provide for your individual needs.
Enjoy your summer, our beautiful beaches, and pristine waterways, and as always be safe out there!
Chuck