How to File Boat Insurance Claims

Boating can be a relaxing or luxurious experience for many. Naturally, accidents, injuries, collisions, and other incidents may not be at the forefront of your mind when you take your watercraft out on the open seas. However, it's important to understand the boat insurance claims process in case a disaster occurs. Knowing how and when to file boat insurance claims can help you get the reimbursement you deserve ASAP.

Fortunately, a local independent insurance agent can help file marine insurance claims for you. They can also get you set up with the right boat insurance policy if you're in need of coverage. But first, here's a guide to the boat insurance claims process, including when and how to file.

Top 5 Most Common Boat Insurance Claims

Boat owners should be aware of some of the most common boat insurance claims filed by other boaters. This can help you prepare for common disasters that can occur both on and off the water to minimize your chances of facing an incident and having to file a claim. 

Some of the top boat insurance claims include:

1. Storm and weather damage: Hurricanes, windy weather, and other natural disasters can cause extensive damage to boats and personal watercraft (PWC). Depending on the value of your boat or PWC, repairs can be expensive.
2. Sinking: Vessels can sink and become fully submerged underwater due to many different incidents, such as collisions with other watercraft, collisions with rocks or underwater objects, and collisions with the dock or marina. Retrieving a sunken vessel can be one of the most costly disasters if you lack the proper coverage.
3. Collisions with other boats: Just like cars, boats can and frequently do get into collisions. If you experience a boating collision, you might have to pay for the cost of repairs to your own boat or personal property and that of a third party, along with medical expenses for any injuries and potential liability costs if you're at fault.
4. Fire and explosions: Fire is one of the most common insurance claims, regardless of the insured object or vehicle. Fortunately, boat insurance coverage can pay for repairs to your boat after fire damage or explosions.
5. Equipment theft and vandalism: Unfortunately, many boaters experience incidents of equipment theft and vandalism to their vessels when they're left unattended. Luckily, most boat policies include coverage for equipment theft and vandalism to your vessel.

Understanding these common boat insurance claims can help you be aware of possible costly disasters that can occur. Taking proactive steps to protect your vessel and gear from these incidents can help you avoid the hassle of needing to file a claim.

What Does Boat Insurance Cover?

Boat insurance policies can vary depending on the type of boat you own and how you use it. In general, boat insurance policies can include the following types of coverage:

• Hull coverage: This coverage can pay for damage to an insured boat's hull, equipment, and machinery. Coverage may be categorized as blue water (i.e., for ocean-traveling ships used for international shipping and trade) or brown water (i.e., for ships mainly used on or near coastal waterways).
• Pollution liability insurance: This coverage can pay for pollution clean-ups after an accident that leads to a spill. It can also cover property damage and bodily injury claims related to the incident.
• Marine liability insurance: This can pay for third-party claims of bodily injury or personal property damage caused by, on, or near your boat. It can reimburse injured third parties for medical expenses or property repairs and reimburse you for lawsuit expenses if you are sued.
• Uninsured boaters insurance: This covers you if you're involved in a collision with a boater who doesn't carry adequate insurance of their own.
• Towing and roadside assistance: This can pay for necessary towing services if your vessel becomes disabled on the water or if your vehicle breaks down while transporting your boat with a trailer.

Your independent insurance agent can help you build a complete boat insurance policy or determine if your existing policy is in need of any additional coverages.

What's Not Covered by Boat Insurance?

It's also helpful to be aware of your boat insurance policy's exclusions before you try to file a claim. If your policy doesn't provide coverage for a certain incident, your claim is bound to get denied by your insurance company. 

Don't expect your boat insurance to cover any of the following:

As a watercraft insurance policyholder, be sure you're aware of your specific coverage exclusions. If you're unsure of what's not covered by your boat insurance, ask your independent insurance agent to help you review your coverage with you.

Save on Boat Insurance

Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.

Request a quote

How to File Boat Insurance Claims: The Complete Process

While filing watercraft insurance claims can be stressful, fortunately, there's a simple step-by-step process you can follow to ensure it gets done efficiently. Remember these steps if you ever need to file a boat insurance claim:

1. Call for medical help: If anyone is injured in the accident, make sure to seek medical help right away. Getting medical assistance for anyone who was hurt should be priority number one after a collision.
2. Contact the authorities: You might be required to report a boat collision to the local authorities directly from the scene of the accident. In many cases, you must submit a police report for a boating accident if a boat was totaled or destroyed, if anyone involved is missing, injured, or passes away, or if more than $2,000 in damage is estimated.
3. Document the damage: Take photo and video evidence of any damage that occurred and note the contact information for all parties involved. If you're in a collision with another boater, be sure to get their insurance information as well. Document anything that may have been damaged, including other watercraft or surrounding property like a marina.
4. Contact your independent insurance agent: Your agent can file a boat insurance claim for you directly through your carrier. Present your agent with the information you documented from the accident. Once you call them, they'll initiate the claims process for you and keep you updated through every step. They'll let you know if any additional information is needed and when you can expect to receive reimbursement.
5. Prevent further damage: When possible, move your watercraft out of harm's way and get all parties involved to safety. Take steps to prevent further damage, such as securing your boat in storage until the claim process is complete.
6. Schedule an adjuster visit: Your independent insurance agent or your insurance company will schedule a visit from an insurance adjuster to evaluate the damage, often in person. Your adjuster may provide you with an estimate for reimbursement during their visit, or you may be given this information later.
7. Schedule repairs: Your insurance company will provide you with a list of approved repair shops and/or contractors in your area to schedule your boat's service. Keep copies of any receipts to send to your insurance company once repairs have been completed.
8. Receive your claim settlement: The final step of the claims process is receiving your reimbursement. This amount will be determined by the coverage in your policy and your insurance company's official decision on the cause of the incident. You may receive your claim check in the mail or electronically, but the amount of reimbursement will be communicated to you ahead of time.

Keep in mind that you must pay your policy's deductible out-of-pocket before any reimbursement kicks in. This means that if your boat sustained $1,000 in damage but you had a $500 deductible, you would be entitled to up to $500 in reimbursement from your boat insurance company.

Safety Tips to Help Prevent Future Claims

Preventing future boat insurance claims can help save you time, energy, and money. Follow these steps to help reduce your chances of needing to file a boat insurance claim:

• Keep your boat's maintenance up to date to prevent mechanical failures, breakdowns, and accidents.
• Complete a boater safety education course to improve your boating skills and reduce your risk of collisions.
• Protect your personal items, gear, and equipment to reduce the risk of theft.
• Always secure your vessel at a marina or a garage to reduce the risk of vandalism.
• Keep fire extinguishers, flotation devices, first aid kits, and other safety equipment on your boat at all times.

These simple actions can help you minimize the risk of future boat insurance claims. Your independent insurance agent may also be able to offer further advice.

Save on Boat Insurance

Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.

Request a quote

Here's How an Independent Insurance Agent Can Help You File Boat Insurance Claims

If you need to file a boat insurance claim, no one's better equipped to help than a local independent insurance agent. Your agent can contact your boat insurance company directly to initiate the claims process for you. Next, they'll keep you updated through every step of the process. 

They'll make sure you get the reimbursement you're entitled to. And if you ever need to update your boat insurance policy, your agent can assist you with that, too.