Before you launch: Insurance reminders for boat and personal watercraft owners

Before you launch: Insurance reminders for boat and personal watercraft owners

As summer boating season ramps up, many families are focused on the fun: choosing the right watercraft, stocking safety gear, and mapping out weekends on the water. But insurance is often an afterthought, and that can lead to expensive surprises when something goes wrong.

To help boaters and personal watercraft users avoid common coverage gaps, American Family Insurance encourages customers to review their policies so coverage keeps pace with their plans.

A quick review now can help you avoid surprises later and provide peace of mind.

Understanding your coverage options
Just as no two boaters are alike, neither are the risks that come with different watercraft and how you use them. Whether you're heading out for a quiet fishing trip, cruising on a pontoon with family and friends, or spending the day on a personal watercraft, your time on the water should be defined by the experience, not the what ifs.

That's why boat and personal watercraft insurance deserve a closer look. If you own a boat, a personal watercraft (such as a Jet Ski, Sea-Doo or WaveRunner), or both, it's worth taking a moment to confirm each one is insured appropriately for how you use it.

One thing to keep in mind is that homeowners insurance alone may leave boaters and riders without the liability protection or physical damage coverage they expect. A home policy typically provides limited liability coverage for some boats but excludes certain boats and personal watercrafts.

Summer coverage checklist for boaters and riders
Before heading out on the water, American Family Insurance recommends reviewing these basics:

1. Make sure every watercraft is insured: Confirm that each boat and personal watercraft you own is listed correctly on your policy, especially if you recently purchased a new watercraft or changed where it's stored or transported.

2. Review liability coverage: Liability coverage can help when you are legally responsible for injuries or property damage resulting from an accident. If you frequently have passengers onboard, this is an especially important conversation.

3. Understand physical damage coverage: Physical damage coverage may help protect your boat or personal watercraft against many types of accidental damage or loss while it's in the water, in transit or in storage. Ask what situations are typically covered and what exclusions or limits apply.

4. Check medical expense coverage: Medical expense coverage may help cover medical services, within policy limits, for you and your passengers regardless of fault. This can be an important consideration for families who often bring guests.

5. Ask about towing and on-water assistance: Depending on the policy, emergency roadside and on-water service coverage may help with on-water towing, mechanical labor at the breakdown site or fuel delivery. Confirm what is available and what the limits are.

6. Account for upgrades and gear: If you have upgraded equipment, added accessories or regularly transport fishing or watersports gear, confirm whether that property is covered, how it is covered and whether higher limits make sense.

7. Confirm where and when you are covered: Coverage can vary based on where the boat or personal watercraft is used and how it is transported or stored. If your summer plans include multiple waterways or travel across state lines, ask what that means for your policy.

What boat insurance may cover
Coverage details vary by policy, but boat insurance may help cover situations such as:

• Collision with another boat or object
• Fire or explosion
• Theft or vandalism
• Capsizing or sinking
• Liability costs if you're responsible for injuries to others or damage to their property
• Fuel or oil spill cleanup (where included)

Common limits and exclusions to ask about
Depending on the policy, exclusions or limits may apply, including for:

• Damage caused by an uninsured or underinsured boater
• Damage to your property
• Loss of personal effects and fishing equipment

For boaters and personal watercraft users, a quick review now can help avoid surprises later and keep the focus where it belongs: enjoying time on the water.

Talk with an agency owner before you head out
When it comes to boat and personal watercraft insurance, there are many options and add-ons available. Contact your local American Family Insurance agency owner to review your policy and discuss coverage options that fit your needs. The right conversation now can help you feel confident later, so you can focus on protecting what matters most.

Coverage may vary by state and may be subject to change. Some products are not available in every state. Please read your policy and contact your agency owner for assistance.

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About American Family Insurance
American Family Insurance, based in Madison, Wis., has been serving customers since 1927. We inspire, protect and restore dreams through our insurance products, exceptional service from our agency owners and employees, community investments and creative partnerships. American Family Insurance is the nation's 12th-largest property/casualty insurance company, ranking No. 226 on the Fortune 500 list. American Family has a current 'a+' credit rating through AM Best, and has distinction as a "Standing the Test of Time" company, which is represented by having an AM Best financial strength rating of 'A' or better for at least 75 years. The company offers American Family-brand products through a network of exclusive agency owners as well as nationwide through key strategic partnerships. American Family Insurance also includes Homesite and Main Street America. The company has approximately 10,500 employees nationwide.