A calm afternoon on the water can change quickly. One slip, one sharp turn, and suddenly someone’s hurt. When that happens, boat owners often wonder if their insurance covers personal injuries. The short answer is usually yes, but the details matter. Coverage depends on how the accident occurred, who was injured, and what protections are listed in your policy.
What Boat Insurance Typically Covers
Most standard boat insurance includes medical payments coverage, often called “MedPay.” It pays for injuries to you, your passengers, and others on board, no matter who’s at fault. That might include hospital bills, X-rays, or follow-up care after an accident. Some policies through The Merhar Agency LLC, serving Willoughby, OH, and surrounding areas, also help with emergency transportation or minor injuries that don’t require hospitalization.
If another boater injures you and doesn’t carry enough insurance, or any at all, uninsured or underinsured boater coverage may fill that gap. It works much like its auto insurance counterpart, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and sometimes even legal fees.
When Coverage May Not Apply
Not all injuries qualify. Most insurers exclude accidents involving intoxication, reckless driving, or racing. Routine bumps and scrapes that happen while loading, unloading, or maintaining the vessel may also be outside your policy’s reach, unless they stem from a boating accident.
Strengthen Your Protection
Before your next trip, review your boat/watercraft insurance limits with your insurance agent at The Merhar Agency LLC. You might raise your medical or liability coverage to match your boating habits or add an umbrella policy for broader protection. Keep a first-aid kit on board and document any incidents immediately. A few minutes of preparation today can mean faster care and fewer surprises if something goes wrong on the water. Contact us to get your questions answered. We’re currently serving the Willoughby, OH, area.
