Party in Slow Motion...mmmm...Motorboatin'

Did you know that Kentucky is often referred to as the “Houseboating Capital of the U.S.”?  The state is full of lakes that lend themselves to this pleasant pastime, allowing houseboats to tie up or anchor away from the main channel and provide boaters with a peaceful, secluded atmosphere.

Many Kentuckians and tourists from other states will come to Kentucky and rent a houseboat.  What a blast!  Not so fast, matey! Let me pilot you through some insurance concerns.

When you rent a houseboat, you sign a contract that says, in a nutshell, you are legally responsible for any and all damage to the houseboat.  Have you ever priced one of these houseboats?  For the 65 to 80 foot variation, the cost new could be well into 6 figures. Worse case scenario, what happens if you accidentally sink the houseboat?

A typical homeowners policy provides property damage liability - yea!  However, the same homeowners policy typically EXCLUDES or severely limits this coverage to property that is in your "care, custody or control".  The houseboat is in your "care, custody or control".  So if you sink it, you are sunk!

Note, if the boat is damaged by fire or explosion, the "care, custody or control" exclusion may not apply.

If you carry a personal umbrella policy, that policy may provide some coverage for the sunken houseboat.  You need to check with your agent.

Now, what if you injure someone or damage someone's property while operating the houseboat?  Your homeowner policy automatically provides liability coverage for rented watercraft - yea!  However, if the watercraft is powered by an inboard, inboard-outdrive or water jet pump engine over 50 hp, coverage is EXCLUDED.   Many houseboats are rated at 190hp!  Does that make you seasick?

As with anything in life, you have choices.  So, as you contemplate renting that houseboat or any type of watercraft:

1. Talk to your Trusted Choice Agent.  Discuss what coverage you may have and what coverage you may be able to purchase.
2. If you are going with a group of friends on the houseboat, let someone else sign the contract!
3. Take a cruise where the shipowner carries all insurance coverages for your benefit.
4. Plan a different vacation?