Reporting a boating accident
Federal law requires that you report some boating accidents to the proper authorities. The severity and extent of the damage and whether there are injuries, deaths, or missing persons will dictate which accidents the law requires you to report. Boating law enforcement agencies vary by state, so have your state agency's phone number before heading out on the water.
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When are you required to report a boating accident?
According to federal law, you must submit a written boating accident report for accidents that meet the following criteria:
There is boat or property damage of $2,000 or more
A boat involved in the accident is destroyed
Someone sustains injuries that require medical attention
A person dies or disappears because of the accident
Failure to report an accident that meets these criteria within the allotted timeframe could result in fines and other penalties.
What type of report must be filed if there is an accident while boating?
Most states accept the U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Accident Report (Form CG-3865). However, some have different forms and additional reporting requirements.
What to do after a boating accident
If you need to file a report, check with the boating authorities in your state to find out what forms you need to complete. The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) has a directory of state boating administrators.
If you’re involved in a boating accident, here is a checklist to follow:
Determine whether you need to submit a report.
If you need to file an accident report with the Coast Guard or local boating authority, the boat driver should complete it. If they can't, the owner of the boat should do it.
Submit the report to the state boating authority where the accident occurred. If your boat is registered in a different state, you may also need to file a report in the state where your boat is registered.
Act quickly. If a person dies within 24 hours of the accident, requires medical attention for injuries, or is missing, you must submit the report within 48 hours of the accident. Otherwise, you have up to 10 days to submit the information, according to U.S. Coast Guard Boating.
Having the right coverage during can help protect you if you're in an accident on the water. While most states don't require boat insurance, your lender will often require it if you finance or lease your watercraft. Additionally, the marina may require you to carry liability coverage. Opt for boat insurance coverages that can help you both on and off the water, including boat liability coverage, boat comprehensive and collision coverage and uninsured/underinsured boater.
Learn more about what boat insurance covers and how boat insurance works.
How to submit a boat insurance claim
Follow these general steps to submit a boat insurance claim:
Report the incident: Report the damage or loss to your insurance company or agent as soon as possible after the incident.
Provide documentation: Gather the documents your insurance company requires, which might include the boat registration, your insurance policy, photos of the damage, police report (if applicable), and any other relevant documents.
Fill out a claims form: Provide all the requested information so your claim can be processed.
Wait for the adjuster, if necessary: Your insurance company may send a claims adjuster to evaluate the extent of the damage and determine how much they will cover.
Get repair estimates: If applicable, you may need multiple repair estimates from service providers, which helps your insurer come up with a cost estimate to repair your boat.
Receive your claim settlement: If the insurance company has approved your claim, you may receive compensation or approval for repairs, depending on the terms of your policy.
Complete the restoration: Choose a repair shop to fix the damage, and your insurance company can pay for the approved amount of repairs.
Learn more about the process for submitting a boat insurance claim.
Need help reporting a boating claim?
Current Progressive customers
Log into your policy or call 1-866-776-4737.
New Progressive customers
Quote boat insurance online or call 1-866-749-7436 to insure your boat.
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