I was trolling offshore. A jet ski jumping waves lost control and slammed into my hull, cracking the fiberglass. The kid riding it had no insurance and no money. My repair bill is $8,000.
Key Takeaways
- Boating is the Wild West: Unlike cars, many states do not require boat insurance. The odds of being hit by an uninsured boater are high (30-50%).
- UM vs. UMPD:
- UM (Uninsured Boater Bodily Injury): Pays for your medical bills if he hurts you.
- UMPD (Uninsured Boater Property Damage): Pays to fix your boat if he hits you.
- The Trap: Many policies include UM (Injury) but exclude or make optional UMPD (Property). If you don’t have UMPD, you have to file a standard Collision claim.
- Deductible Waiver: If you have UMPD, the insurer often waives your deductible. If you file a Collision claim, you pay your deductible ($500 or $1,000).
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Collision vs. UMPD.”
You are covered either way (Collision covers you hitting him or him hitting you). But claiming under Collision hits your claims record as an “At Fault” or “Not At Fault” claim subject to deductible. UMPD is a specific line item that says “Not My Fault” and saves your deductible.
The Investigation (I Checked Options)
- Progressive: Offers UMPD. Highly recommended.
- Geico: Check the state specifics. Some states don’t allow UMPD on boats.
- The Kid: You can sue him, but you can’t get blood from a stone.
Comparison Table
| Scenario | Collision Coverage | UMPD Coverage |
| Hit by Uninsured | Covered | Covered |
| Deductible | You Pay | $0 (Usually Waived) |
| Rate Impact | Possible Increase | None/Low |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Get the Police/Coast Guard Report: You must identify the other vessel to trigger UMPD. If it’s a “Hit and Run” and you can’t ID them, some policies treat it as collision (deductible applies).
- Verify No Insurance: Your adjuster will contact the kid. Once he confirms “No Insurance,” UMPD kicks in.
- Take Photos of Paint Transfer: Prove he hit you.
- [IMAGE: Photo of hull damage showing different colored paint transfer from impact]
- Check Your Policy: Look for “Uninsured Boater Property Damage.” If it’s missing, add it.
FAQ
Does this cover me if I hit a log?
No. A log is not an “Uninsured Boater.” That is a Collision claim.
What if he has insurance, but only $5,000?
“Underinsured Boater” coverage kicks in to pay the difference.