What is the insurance coverage for a vessel involved in a boating accident?

In California, the insurance coverage for a vessel involved in a boating accident depends on the type of accident, the type of watercraft, and the insurance policy of the boat owner. If the boat is registered in California, the boat must carry a minimum of $15,000 in liability insurance coverage. This insurance covers damages to another boat, dock, or any other structure, as well as any bodily injury that occurs as a result of the accident. If the boat is leased or rented, the lessee or renter is responsible for carrying a minimum of $50,000 in liability coverage, which covers the same types of damages and injuries as the minimum coverage required for a registered boat. If the accident involves another vessel, the boat owner is usually responsible for any damages, regardless of who caused the accident. If, however, the other vessel is owned by a business or corporation, the law may require that the corporate entity have liability insurance coverage, as well. In addition to liability insurance, boat owners may also choose to purchase an optional insurance policy called an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist policy, which covers the costs of injuries and property damage caused by an uninsured or underinsured vessel. Finally, the owner of a boat involved in an accident may recover damages from the other vessel’s insurance company if the other vessel’s insurance policy covers the full value of the damaged boat. This is known as a subrogation claim, and it requires that the boater file a civil lawsuit against the other vessel’s insurance company.

What is the insurance coverage for a vessel involved in a boating accident?

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