Summer Boating Season: Is Your Watercraft Fully Covered?

Warm weather brings boat owners back to the water, and with that comes the responsibility of making sure your watercraft coverage is ready for the season. A boat insurance policy that worked last year may not reflect your current situation, and gaps in coverage can turn a great day on the water into a costly problem.

Why Review Your Boat Insurance Before Summer?

A lot can change between seasons. You may have upgraded your vessel, added equipment or stored the boat at a new marina. Each of those changes can affect your coverage needs. Boat insurance may cover physical damage to the watercraft, liability if someone is injured aboard and medical payments for passengers. But coverage limits and exclusions vary widely by policy, so what you carried last year may not be enough today.

Common Coverage Gaps to Watch For

Boat owners are often surprised to discover what their current policy does not cover. Some of the most common gaps include:

• Towing and assistance if the boat breaks down on the water
• Fishing equipment, electronics and personal gear stored onboard
• Uninsured boater coverage if you are struck by someone without insurance
• Fuel spill liability, which can result in significant cleanup costs
• Coverage during transport on a trailer

Rental boats and borrowed watercraft can also create unexpected liability exposure. If a friend is injured while operating your boat, your liability coverage may be tested in ways you did not anticipate.

We’re Here to Help

Reviewing your boat insurance does not have to be complicated. An agent from Cadenas Insurance Agency can compare options across multiple carriers and help you find coverage that fits your specific situation, based on the type of vessel you own and how and where you use it. Contact us today to get started.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.