Getting into a boating accident is not fun and can potentially cause life-threatening injuries. Boating accidents can range in severity from a waterborne fender bender to a catastrophic collision. You must know what to do if you’ve been in a boating accident. Any ill-advised action could compromise your coverage and lead to liability when you file a mariners yacht insurance claim. You need to ensure that your policy covers the damages from the accident, and you can do so by following the steps outlined in this guide.
What To Do After a Boating Accident
The right umbrella insurance policy can cover boating accidents and a range of other liabilities.
Contact Authorities and Your Umbrella Insurance Agent
First, you should contact the local authorities. It may include the police department that has jurisdiction in the area, or you may need to call the emergency line for the coast guard if one is available. When you call, tell the operator whether anybody is overboard. You should also indicate the severity of the accident. When authorities arrive, they will write an accident report and provide rescue services if necessary. You will also need to contact your insurer.
Get Medical Attention for Any Injured Parties
When you’re on the phone with the emergency operator, you should notify them if anybody has sustained an injury. If so, that person will need medical attention as soon as possible. It is especially true if the injury occurred in the water. No matter how safe a body of water may seem, most contain bacteria and pathogens that can be dangerous if they come into contact with an open wound. Wounds must get disinfected promptly. Any other injuries should receive treatment urgently, too, as soon as medical care arrives on the scene.
Take Photos and Document the Details
You must thoroughly document the damages by taking pictures and videos. You should also jot down a written account of what happened while it is still fresh. If you don’t have a readily available pen and paper, make a note on your phone. Documenting the details of the crash will be important when it comes time to file an umbrella insurance claim. Your insurer will want to see this information to understand the accident.
File an Umbrella Insurance Claim
After injuries receive treatment and authorities generate a report, you must call your umbrella insurance agent to inform them of the accident. Let them know important details such as where it happened, what led to the accident, and whether anybody suffered from an injury. These details will help your insurer determine liability for the accident and take care of the damages.
About Mariners Insurance
Mariners General Insurance Group was founded in 1959 to protect boat owners and marine business clients. We are marine insurance experts and insure boats worldwide – in every ocean on the planet. Marine insurance is critical if you own a boat or nautical business. Trust the professionals with all of your Boat Insurance needs – trust Mariners Insurance. Call us at (888) 402-5018 any time you have questions or concerns about insurance for your vessel or marine business.
