If you own a boat, this question has probably crossed your mind at some point. Whether your spouse wants to take it out with the kids or your brother wants to borrow it for the weekend, knowing who is actually covered under your policy matters. At SWH Insurance Agency LLC in Fort Worth TX, we get this question more than you might think.
Who Is Typically Covered Under a Boat Insurance Policy?
Most boat/watercraft insurance policies are written to cover the named insured, but many also extend protection to other household members. So if your spouse or teenage child lives with you and takes the boat out for the afternoon, there is a good chance they are covered under your existing policy. That said, every policy is different, and coverage details can vary quite a bit from one insurer to the next.
What About Family Who Live Outside Your Home?
This is where it gets a little trickier. Family members who do not live in your household may not be automatically covered just because you gave them permission. Some policies include a permissive use clause that can help fill this gap, but it’s not something you want to assume without actually reading your policy or talking to your agent first.
Always Verify Before You Hand Over the Keys
Taking five minutes to call your insurance agent before someone else takes your boat out for the day is always worth it. A small oversight can easily turn into a very expensive problem if something goes wrong.
At SWH Insurance Agency LLC in Fort Worth TX, we are happy to help you figure out exactly what your boat/watercraft insurance covers. Give us a call today.
