Louisiana’s abundant waterways make boating a beloved pastime for many residents. However, getting out on the water isn’t as simple as untying the lines. You need proper boat insurance to protect yourself, your passengers, and your investment.
Here’s what you need to know about boat insurance requirements and coverage options in the Pelican State. If you need to file a claim after an accident, our Louisiana boat accident lawyers at Dudley DeBosier can protect your rights and support you through the process.
What is Boat Insurance, and What Types Are Available in Louisiana?
Like car insurance, boat insurance offers financial protection against accidents, damage, and liability when operating your watercraft in Louisiana. While not required in Louisiana, various coverage options, including supplemental policies for complete protection, are available.
Although boat insurance functions similarly to car insurance, the two are not interchangeable; car insurance cannot cover boating accidents, and boat insurance cannot cover car damages.
| Coverage Type | Description |
| Liability | Covers bodily injury and property damage caused while operating the boat. For example, covers the other party’s costs if you collide with another boat or damage a dock. |
| Collision | Pays for repairs or replacement of your boat if it’s damaged in a collision with another vessel or object, like a submerged rock. |
| Comprehensive | Protects against damage from non-collision incidents such as theft, vandalism, or severe weather. For example, it covers repairs if a storm damages your boat while docked. |
| Medical Payments | Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers if you are injured in a boating accident. Ensures you don’t pay out-of-pocket for hospital bills up to policy limits, which are usually between $500 and $10,000, depending on the policy you purchased. |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Watercraft | Pays for your damages if involved in an accident with a boater who lacks adequate insurance, addressing the risk of insufficiently insured boaters. |
| Personal Property | It insures personal items on your boat, such as fishing equipment, life jackets, and electronics. It will reimburse you if your expensive fishing gear is stolen. |
| On-Water Towing and Assistance | Provides towing services if your boat becomes disabled on the water. For example, covers the cost of towing your boat to safety if your engine fails. |
When is Boat Insurance Required?
While Louisiana law doesn’t mandate boat insurance for recreational watercraft owners, it can offer protection in an accident and is highly recommended so you aren’t left paying any resulting expenses out of pocket.
For commercial vessels like fishing, shipping, or tour boats, some type of insurance is typically required to protect workers and passengers.
Here’s when you may be mandated to have at least partial coverage for your boat:
- Financed Boats: If you took out a loan to purchase your boat, lenders almost always require you to carry adequate hull and liability insurance until the loan is fully paid off. This protects their collateral investment.
- Marina Slip Leases: Most marinas stipulate in their lease agreements that you must have current boat insurance to rent a slip and dock your watercraft at their facility. This protects the marina from liability.
- High-Risk Activities: Even if not required by law, it’s prudent to have insurance for high-value boats or those used in high-risk activities, such as watersports or offshore fishing.
- Day/Rental Boat Insurance: If you rent a boat for a day rather than owning one, the rental company will likely require you to purchase temporary rental insurance to use one of their watercraft. This provides liability coverage during the rental period.
How to File a Claim With Your Boating Insurance Company After an Accident
Knowing what to do if you’re involved in a boating accident and need to file a claim with an insurer can make the process smoother and less stressful. Follow these steps:
- Document the Incident: Immediately after the accident, gather information. Take photos of the damage, note the incident’s time, date, and location, and collect contact details from all involved parties and witnesses.
- Notify the Authorities: If involved in a boating incident resulting in injury, death, disappearance, or over $500 in property damage, you must notify law enforcement immediately. Within five days, fill out the Incident Report Form and submit it to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Obtain a copy for your records.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your boat insurance provider as soon as possible. Many companies have a 24-hour hotline for reporting claims. Provide them with all the gathered documentation and details of the incident.
- Complete Required Forms: Your insurance company will send you forms to fill out detailing the incident. Ensure these forms are completed accurately and promptly. This step is essential for processing your claim without delays.
- Damage Assessment: An adjuster from the liable insurance company will assess the damage to your boat. They may visit the site or ask you to take the boat to a specific location for evaluation. This helps determine the extent of the damage and the repair costs.
- Claim Resolution: After the assessment, the insurer will process the claim and determine the payout based on the policy’s coverage limits and deductibles. You may receive compensation for repairs, medical expenses, or other covered losses.
Get the Help You Need After a Louisiana Boating Accident
Boating accidents can be stressful, especially when dealing with insurance claims and potential legal issues. If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, our Louisiana boat accident lawyers at Dudley DeBosier can review your policy, ensure you have adequate coverage, and advocate for your right to a fair settlement that covers injuries and damages to you and your vessel. Contact us today for a free consultation regarding your case.
Disclaimer: This content has been reviewed by Chad Lederman, Director of Legal Operations at our New Orleans office.
