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.

Boating is a big part of life in Utah, whether you’re out on Bear Lake or enjoying a weekend on Lake Powell. But when you invite friends or family along for the ride, it’s smart to think about what might happen if someone gets hurt. Does your boat/watercraft insurance through The Smith Insurance Group, Inc., serving Sandy, UT, have you—and them—covered?

Liability Coverage May Help, But There Are Limits

Most boat insurance policies include some level of liability protection. That typically means your insurance can help pay if someone else is injured because of something that happened on your boat. But here’s the catch: the details matter. Some policies cover passengers, while others are limited to people outside the boat, like swimmers or other boaters.

Medical Payments Coverage Adds an Extra Layer

To cover personal injury for your own guests, you’ll likely need to carry something called medical payments coverage. This type of protection helps pay for medical costs if someone gets hurt on your boat—whether it’s a bad fall, a bump on rough water, or another accident. It’s not automatic, though, so make sure it’s included in your plan.

Know Who’s Considered a Rider

Not everyone on board is treated the same. If your passenger is a paid crew member or working in any capacity, they may not be covered under a standard policy. In that case, you might need a different kind of coverage entirely.

Don’t Guess—Check Your Policy

Every insurance plan is different. If you’re unsure what your current boat/watercraft insurance covers, talk to a local agent at The Smith Insurance Group Inc., serving Sandy, UT, who understands boating laws in Utah. It only takes a few minutes to get answers—and make sure you’re doing right by the people who ride with you.