When you get in an accident on the road, you don’t need to worry about reporting it to law enforcement. Chances are that a bystander has already called 911 by the time you pull over and turn on your hazards.
Things are a little different when you get in an accident on the water, though. You need to file a report with your OC boat insurance provider, but you also need to reach out to the U.S. Coast Guard. Here’s everything you need to know about correctly reporting accidents.
Types of Accidents To Report
The types of boating accidents that must be reported are serious ones. If you scrape your knee while jumping off the dock or if a guest goes overboard but quickly gets back on the boat, you don’t need to report the accident.
On the other hand, if someone dies because of a collision or an equipment or boat malfunction, you must report it. The same is true if someone disappears and is presumed dead. If you have to shuttle someone to the hospital because his or her injuries are too serious for you to handle, you also need to report the incident. Finally, if you’re involved in a collision or equipment issue that leads to at least $2,000 in damages, the Coast Guard needs to hear about it.
When To Report Your Accidents
Just as your OC boat insurance provider has regulations about when you can file claims, the Coast Guard requires you to file reports of severe injuries, missing persons, and boating-related deaths within 48 hours. You also must file a report in this timeline if someone dies from his or her injuries within 24 hours after the accident. However, you have 10 days to report damage-related accidents that do not involve deaths.
Some states have more specific reporting laws, so make sure to check them before your next cruise. When in doubt, err on the side of reporting an accident before the deadline so that you don’t face fines.
How to Report Your Accidents
File the Coast Guard’s Form CG-3865 to notify them about recreational boating incidents. This form asks you to select the reason why you need to report this incident and provide details such as the number of people who were killed or injured. You must describe where and when the accident happened and what occurred. You also must give all the details about your boat and who was operating it during the accident.
The form is extensive, so make sure to start it long before your deadline, and let your OC boat insurance provider know that you’ve submitted it. Also, contact your state’s boating authority to find out if you need to make a separate, local report.
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.
