Homeowners insurance doesn’t just cover you and your family while you’re at home. It can also provide liability coverage while you’re away from the house or traveling. For example, if you’re throwing a football around on the beach in California and accidentally hit someone and give them a concussion that would likely be covered.
Activities involving watercraft can be very fun, but they can also be dangerous. Knowing what types of watercraft are and are not covered is important so you can make an informed decision if additional insurance is needed or if certain activities should be avoided altogether.
What is Considered Watercraft?
-Fishing boats -Water sport or ski boats -Cruising boats -Jet ski/waver runners -House boat -Miniature submarine -Diver propulsion vehicle (DPV)
Watercraft Exclusions:
In general most homeowners policies exclude all watercraft liability coverage for all watercraft under certain circumstances. However, there is some coverage for certain water craft under particular circumstances. See the chart below for a simple example of what is and isn’t covered.
Practicing for or participating in a race is not covered. If you rent any craft out, or charge a fee to carry cargo or persons, it’s not covered. Any other business purpose is also excluded.
Watercraft Exceptions:
Canoes, paddle boats, kayaks and similar craft are not considered watercraft because they are not powered by wind, engine power, or an electric motor. These are covered by watercraft liability in the instance that personal or property damage occurs.
Watercraft liability insurance can be complex
You should talk with your insurance agent if you have any questions about liability coverage for watercraft. When renting a Jet Ski, boat, or other watercraft, you typically have no coverage. Some rental places will offer their own coverage for an additional charge or make you sign a release form; you should be cautious when signing these and actually read the fine print.
AZ Insurance Team 480-535-5709 https://www.azinsuranceteam.com/contact
*All home insurance policies are a little different and this may not be applicable to your home insurance policy, talk to your agent to see what your home policy covers.