You are heading out for some coastal exploration. You don’t mind having the sea air in your hair as you head out a bit further.
What happens when you enter international waters, though? Do you still maintain proper boat insurance at that time? 
The answer to this question isn’t as clear as you may think. The type of boat insurance you have will determine if you have protection in international waters. If you take your boat out into different waters, even accidently, you’ll need to work with your agent to ensure you have the coverage you need.
Your Boat Is Not Covered Everywhere
Most types of boat insurance do not provide comprehensive coverage for your watercraft in every location. In other words, there are some areas where your coverage does not apply. Take a closer look at the current policy you have or the one you plan to invest in. Ask yourself, do you have navigational warranty?
This type of policy may provide financial protections from events that occur on inland waters (such as rivers and lakes) as well as in most coastal waters.
Navigational warranties may extend into most areas of the United States. In some cases, your policy may stretch into Canada (verify this before heading into Canadian waterways).
However, most policies end there. They typically do not reach into international waters, or waters that are operational and usable by anyone.
If you plan to use these types of waterways for your recreational use, contact your boat insurance agent as a first step. Discuss your plans. Improve your insurance policy if necessary.
It is possible to obtain coverage for international waters, but you may have to buy a rider or a secondary policy to do so.
For those who plan to take their boat in international waters, it becomes critically important for you to seek out the most appropriate type of coverage. To achieve this, you’ll need to work closely with your boat insurer to implement the right policy. Otherwise, your coverage may not kick in to cover the losses or claims you might face.
We have resources to provide you with what you need to choose the right boat insurance. Do you have questions about coverage in international waterways? Call us today at 815-363-8100.