How are Personal Injuries to the Other Party Handled by Boat Insurance?

Accidents on the water can become complicated quickly, especially when another person is injured. In Utah, boat insurance typically handles these situations through liability coverage, available through The Smith Insurance Group Inc., serving Sandy, UT. This type of coverage is made to address injuries or damages the policyholder is legally responsible for causing.

Liability Coverage With Boat/Watercraft Insurance

If you’re operating a boat and collide with another watercraft, strike a swimmer, or create a wake that causes injury, bodily injury liability coverage may apply. This portion of the policy can help cover medical expenses, legal defense costs, settlements, and court judgments tied to the injured party’s claim.

While Utah doesn’t mandate boat liability insurance in every situation, marinas, lenders, and storage facilities often require proof of coverage before allowing docking or financing arrangements.

What Happens After An Incident

Once an accident occurs, it’s your responsibility to contact the insurance company right away, no matter whose fault you may believe it is. Utah follows modified comparative negligence rules in injury claims. That means fault can be shared between parties. If the injured person is found partially responsible for the accident, compensation may be adjusted based on their percentage of fault.

Each Case is Different

Some boat/watercraft insurance policies also include medical payments coverage, which may help with smaller medical expenses regardless of fault. Physical damage to the insured boat is typically handled separately under collision or comprehensive portions of the boat/watercraft insurance policy.

Unfortunately, boat injuries are sometimes a part of the aquatic life. But when you have an insurance representative on your side like The Smith Insurance Group Inc., serving Sandy, UT, you can be assured you have the coverage you need to protect yourself and your loved ones. Get in touch today to learn more.