When a boat accident is you fault, not only might it harm others, but you might also have to pay them for the damage. Having liability insurance on your boat insurance policy will help you do so. It’s a great benefit to have if you ever make an unfortunate mistake while boating.

The thing about marine liability insurance is that it will include a variety of coverage. The different types of coverage will apply to various losses.

a small boat in a body of water

What is boat liability insurance?

Liability insurance comes into play when the insured boater has a wreck, and the wreck is their fault. It will pay for the damage or injuries caused to other parties who are not on the insured boat.

So, suppose that while boating, you lose control and collide with a boat moored nearby. Because your boat was moving and the other boat was not, the accident might be your fault. As a result, you might have to pay for the other boat's damage, its passengers' injuries and surrounding property damage. The correct liability policy can apply to these costs.

The Types of Coverage Available

Your boat’s liability insurance will likely include several types of coverage. Each applies to different types of third-party losses.

Bodily injury liability coverage pays for medical costs and recovery expenses of those injured.
Property damage liability coverage applies to damage done to others’ belongings. It can apply to damaged vessels, certain personal property and structures like docks.

Guest passenger liability insurance pays if you give someone else permission to pilot the boat and they cause an accident.
Fuel spill coverage pays for cleanup when accidents contaminate the area.
Salvage coverage can pay to raise your vessel and remove debris in the surrounding water.

If someone sues you as a result of an at-fault accident, then your liability policy can also help you cover legal fees. It’s a good idea to carry substantial liability policy limits at all times. There are many costs that might arise from at-fault accidents, and you want to be able to cover the costs.

Don’t Forget to Buy Uninsured Boater Coverage

If an accident is not your fault, then you might have a right to claim your own damage on another boater’s liability insurance. But, if that person doesn’t carry liability insurance, then you might feel you have nowhere to turn. Yet, you might be able to still claim the damage costs if your own policy includes uninsured boater insurance. Coverage pays when an wreck is not your fault, but the at-fault party lacks liability coverage. It allows your personal coverage to apply, instead. Therefore, you will have ample protection from multiple at-fault accident risks.

Understanding Boat Liability Insurance

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