If you operate your boat in a quiet area in or near Kansas City, MO, you may think you have little need for an uninsured/underinsured provision in your boat insurance policy. However, mishaps with another watercraft can happen when you least expect them. Rich Insurance Agency LLC advises that you should always include this coverage to protect your investment.
Missouri Doesn’t Require Boat Insurance
You don’t need to buy insurance to operate a boat in Missouri. Thus, the state doesn’t keep statistics on the percentage of boaters who ride the waves without protection. Maintaining uninsured/underinsured boater coverage is essential for several reasons. If you or your guests sustain injuries in an accident caused by an uninsured boater, this coverage will pay for medical costs and more. Similarly, if your vessel has damage caused by an uninsured boater, your policy will cover the repairs. This coverage can also help if you are in a hit-and-run accident where the other boater cannot be identified.
Coverage Is Similar to Auto Insurance Provisions
Your boat policy’s uninsured /underinsured provision works in the same manner as those for auto policies, but you should be aware of key differences. Boat policies have more restrictive language about what constitutes an uninsured or underinsured boater. Some policies may require direct physical contact, such as a collision, to initiate coverage. Your policy may also exclude coverage if the at-fault boater operates a government vessel.
Reading the coverage your policy provides is essential to understanding what you can expect from an uninsured/underinsured provision. Even hit-and-run incidents don’t have universal coverage. Work with an agent to compare policies and determine the best coverage.
Discover how Rich Insurance Agency LLC, serving the Kansas City, MO area, can help you find the best boat insurance policy to meet your needs. Schedule your appointment today to get started.
