Marine Insurance

FOCUS:  California does not require that insurance be purchased for this recreational activity. That being said, the liability risk in recreational boating specifically continues to be high. And because of the general nature of the activity, the risk of bodily injury is significantly higher, per capita, than other recreational activities. 

From 2019 to 2020, the total number of accidents increased from 4,168 to 5,265, and the number of boating fatalities increased from 613 to 767. The fatality rate was 6.5 deaths per 100,000 registered recreational vessels, representing a 25 percent increase from the 2019 fatality rate.

Here in California, accidents were also up, from 324 in 2019 to 493 in 2020. The number of boating fatalities in California were 39 in 2020, the same as 2019.

Alcohol continued to be the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents in 2020, accounting for over 100 deaths, or 18 percent of total fatalities, according to the report. Operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, excessive speed, and machinery failure ranked as the top five primary contributing factors in accidents.

“People forget sometimes that boats don’t have breaks unlike cars, so you’re definitely at a higher risk if you’re under the influence of alcohol while you’re operating a motor vessel,” said Dan Wishnoff, USCG petty officer at Station San Diego (USCC.ORG).

Watercraft insurance and auto insurance work in much the same manner. however the risk for being in an accident with an un-insured boater is much higher the the Automobile 25% as there is no law requiring this coverage.

Protect your family and friends while on the water.  Use the link to the left to schedule your call.  We look forward to working with you.