Michigan Boating Accident Coverage: Everything You Need to Know

From an evening ride on a neighborhood lake to a week-long trip around the Upper Peninsula, Michigan offers boating enthusiasts an endless array of options.  Nonetheless, even the most experienced operator can be involved in a boating accident. When that happens, it is important to understand what is covered by insurance and when to seek reimbursement from the responsible party. Here is an overview of Michigan boating accident coverage.

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Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover Boating Accidents?

Some Homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies provide limited protection for small sailboats and powerboats with horsepower less than 25 mph. However, many homeowners’ policies restrict coverage to damage that occurs on the owner’s property.  Additionally, this coverage is often limited to $1,000 or 10% of the home’s value.

This is why many boat owners who want more comprehensive coverage purchase separate boat insurance. These policies typically include theft or damage to your boat, damage to someone else’s boat or property, certain medical expenses resulting from an accident and liability coverage for your passengers and others who are injured in an accident involving your vessel.  

In addition, some insurance companies offer policy discounts for boat owners who complete a boating safety education course, keep Coast Guard-approved fire extinguishers on board and have not filed an insurance claim in the previous two years.

Who Is Responsible for Damages that Result from A Boating Accident?

After a boating accident, it is necessary to determine who was responsible in order to recover damages. This can be a complicated process depending on the circumstances of the accident.

Medical expenses for injuries sustained in auto accidents are often covered by the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) medical benefits portion of the victim’s Michigan No-Fault policy. Because No-Fault insurance does not cover boating accidents, victims must rely on the coverage provided by their health insurance plan, which may not be sufficient.

Therefore, when someone is seriously injured or killed in a boating accident caused by someone else’s negligence, the victim and/or the family may seek compensation for their losses by filing a lawsuit against the responsible party. If the plaintiff prevails, the settlement may include economic losses such as property damage, medical bills, and lost wages, in addition to non-economic  damages such as pain and suffering.

Additionally, a boat owner may be able to seek reimbursement from the at-fault party for damage to a vessel or other property, even if no one was injured in the accident.  

Accidents that happen on lakes, rivers and other inland waterways are generally subject to state and local laws. However, accidents that occur at sea may be governed by the maritime laws for that jurisdiction.

Therefore, if you or a loved one is injured, it is wise to consult a knowledgeable boating accident lawyer to ensure that you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.

Recommended reading: A Guide to Michigan Boating Laws

What Should I Do After a Boating Accident?

Victims of boating accidents should follow the same basic guidelines that apply to automobile crashes or other types of accidents. However, when an accident takes place on the water, there is the added risk of someone falling overboard and drowning. Therefore, it is important to determine whether anyone is missing and call for help as quickly as possible before proceeding with the following steps:

• If someone has gone into the water, do everything possible to help them, such as throwing a rope or life preserver
• Do not attempt a water rescue if you cannot swim or are not trained in lifesaving techniques
• If no one has fallen overboard, determine whether anyone on the boat is injured and call for emergency help if needed
• If possible, move the boat to a safe location, out of the path of oncoming vessels
• Remain with the boat until help arrives unless it is unsafe to do so
• If another boat is involved, offer assistance if possible or summon help on their behalf
• Exchange contact information with the operators and passengers of the other vessels involved in the accident
• Obtain the registration numbers and insurance information for the other boats
• Take photos of the damage to your boat, the other vessels and the area where the accident occurred
• Do not admit responsibility, even if you believe you were at fault
• Even if you did not sustain any obvious or serious injuries, seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident
• Call an experienced  boating accident lawyer before signing any insurance papers or talking to an adjuster

Recommended reading: These 10 Boating Safety Tips Can Help Prevent a Serious Accident

Do I Need to Report a Boating Accident to the U.S. Coast Guard?

If a boating accident meets one or more of the following criteria, it must be reported to the U.S. Coast Guard.

• Someone is killed
• One or more people are seriously injured or require treatment beyond basic first aid
• Someone is missing or has fallen overboard and there is reason to believe they were Injured or killed
• The vessel has been damaged beyond repair
• The total property damage caused by the accident appears to be $2,000 or more

Put Our Experienced Boating Accident Lawyers to Work for You Today

Even the most careful boater can have an accident due to someone else’s negligence. If you or a loved one is injured in a boating accident, call us right away. Our experienced legal team will fight to win the compensation you and your family deserve.

Boating accident law is complicated, but finding the right boating accident lawyer is simple.

Don’t let the legal clock run out. Start your case today by filling out the form below or calling 1-800-CALL-SAM for a free, no-obligation remote consultation from the comfort and safety of your home.   

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