I took my center console from Miami to Bimini (50 miles). Halfway there, I hit a submerged container and cracked the hull. I called for a tow. My insurer asked for my GPS coordinates. When I gave them, they said, “You are outside the navigational limits of your policy. Claim denied.”
Key Takeaways
- Territorial Definitions: Standard US policies cover “US Coastal Waters and Inland Lakes.” This usually extends 12 miles or 75 miles offshore (check the map). Bimini is outside US waters.
- The “Bahamas Endorsement”: You must call your agent and pay extra (approx
50−50−100) to add the “Bahamas Endorsement” before you leave. It is not automatic. - Latitude/Longitude Limits: Policies often list hard coordinates (e.g., “Not South of 30 degrees N during Hurricane Season”). If you are one mile south of that line during a storm, you are uninsured.
- Towing in International Waters: SeaTow/BoatUS memberships often have limits on distance. A commercial tow from Bimini to Miami can cost $3,000+.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Implied Warranty of Navigation.”
Navigating outside the agreed area breaches the contract. It suspends coverage instantly. It doesn’t matter if the accident had nothing to do with the location (e.g., a fire). If you are out of bounds, you are naked.
The Investigation (I Mapped It)
- Standard Progressive Policy: “Coastal waters of the US and Canada… up to 75 nautical miles offshore.”
- Result: Bimini is ~50 miles. You might be covered depending on the exact wording “US Waters” vs “75 miles.”
- Geico Marine: Often strict “US and Canada” limits. Requires endorsement for Bahamas.
- Chubb: often “Worldwide” or “North America” wide limits for larger yachts.
Comparison Table
| Destination | Standard Policy (US Coastal) | With Bahamas Endorsement |
| Florida Keys | Covered | Covered |
| 10 Miles Offshore | Covered | Covered |
| Bimini (Bahamas) | Denied (Usually) | Covered |
| Cuba | Denied (Sanctions) | Denied |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Read the “Navigation” Section: Look at your Declarations page. Does it say “US & Canada”?
- Call for the Rider: Call 2 weeks before the trip. “I need to add the Bahamas endorsement for dates X to Y.”
- Check Date Restrictions: Many Bahamas endorsements exclude “Hurricane Season” (June 1 – Nov 1). If you go in July, you might be uninsured for wind/storm damage.
- [IMAGE: Map showing the 75-mile offshore limit line relative to Florida and the Bahamas]
- Update GPS Log: Ensure your chartplotter tracks are active to prove you were within limits if an accident happens on the border.
FAQ
Does BoatUS towing work in the Bahamas?
They reimburse you up to a limit (e.g., $3,000) for services paid out of pocket, but they don’t usually have their own red boats there.
What if I drift out of bounds due to engine failure?
That is “Force Majeure.” You are covered because the drift was involuntary.