Does Boat Insurance Cover Personal Injury in Orlando?
Nothing beats taking your boat out for a spin on one of Orlando’s many lakes and ponds — or heading to the coast. Orlando is truly a city of boat lovers, and with so many sailboats and yachts out there on the water, accidents are bound to happen.
If you’ve had a boat accident, you might wonder, “Does boat insurance cover personal injury in Orlando?” Our boat accident law firm explains below.
What Does Boat Insurance Cover in Orlando?
Per official accident statistics, there were about 1,000 boat accidents in 2022. That’s why boat insurance is an absolute must. Here’s what boat insurance policies typically cover.
Boat Liability Coverage
If you hit someone else’s boat, this coverage will pay for the damages. Bodily injury liability coverage will cover the victim’s medical bills up to a certain point (which varies by policy).
Personal Property Damages Coverage
This coverage is aimed at covering damage to your personal property. It covers the replacement cost of any items on the boat, such as fishing equipment, lifejackets, clothing, diving gear, and so on.
Medical Payments Coverage
Does boat insurance cover personal injury? Yes. Just like auto insurance, if you have medical payments coverage, boat insurance will pay for the cost of your medical care if you’re in an accident. This includes the cost of emergency transportation, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and follow-up care.
Boat Damage
In addition to covering damage to other people’s boats, your policy may pay for damage to your own boat. Coverage pays for damage to the boat’s hull and components, such as the motor and sails. The majority of policies do not cover:
- Wear and tear
- Marring
- Denting
- Animal damage
- Manufacturer defects
Roadside Assistance
Roadside (or waterside) assistance can be a lifesaver if your boat stops working in the middle of a lake. Your policy may pay for towing to the nearest boat repair shop.
Uninsured Boater Coverage
Boat insurance isn’t required in Florida, so you’ll find many boaters on our waters who’ve chosen to go without. If an uninsured boater hits you, an uninsured boater policy will cover medical bills for you and your passengers.
Add-On Coverage Options
Your boat insurance policy might offer add-ons for an extra fee. Possible add-ons include:
- Boat trailer coverage
- Mold and corrosion damage
- Temporary insurance coverage when traveling out of the country
- Boat wreckage removal
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Boat Damage?
Some homeowners insurance policies cover damage to your boat, but coverage is quite limited. The majority of Orlando policies only cover up to about $1,000 in damage. Plus, if you injure someone in a boating accident, your homeowners insurance policy probably won’t help.
That’s why it’s wise to purchase boat insurance instead of relying on your homeowners insurance coverage for protection.
Do All-Risk Policies Really Cover Everything?
You may have heard of “all-risk” boat insurance policies and wondered whether they’re a good deal. These extensive policies protect you, your passengers, your boat, and other boats. All damage to your boat is covered unless explicitly excluded.
All-risk policies, despite the name, often don’t cover corrosion, mold damage, or manufacturer defects. Carefully review your policy to understand what it does and does not cover.
What Should You Do if You Have a Boat Accident?
Taking the proper steps after a boat accident can improve your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Here’s what to do if you’re in a boat accident:
- Stop the boat and make sure everyone on board is safe. Do a headcount to ensure that all passengers are accounted for.
- Use your boat radio to call for help. You can contact the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission at (850) 488-5600 or reach the agency via VHF radio channel 16.
- Take pictures of damage to your boat, any other boats involved in the accident, and your injuries.
- Report the accident to your boat insurance company. If another boater hit you, you’ll need to make a claim with their insurance company as well.
Call Us if You’ve Had a Boat Accident in Orlando
Still wondering, “Does boat insurance cover personal injury?” Want to learn about common causes of Florida boating accidents? Contact The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. at 239-500-5000 or contact us online for a consultation. Lead attorney Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. has over 30 years of experience helping boat owners in Orlando.
