Heading to the Bahamas with your boat might sound like a great time and an even better idea. BUT, are you sure your insurance policy will cover you and your boat on your way to or in The Bahamas?


The Bahamas, or more officially, the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, is its own country. Many of you are probably saying, "Duh! We knew that!" BUT have you read your insurance policy lately???

Most insurance companies cover the navigable inland and coastal waters of the United States.

That means, by policy terms, "The Bahamas" would not be covered by your insurance policy.

I have read through several insurance policies navigational limits and they all differ greatly! The only way you will know for sure what you have is to actually read your insurance contract (you know that boring stuff behind the declarations page I am always referencing?!?!?)

Now, it is important to note that while the policy form dictates a specific navigable territory, you can have a policy altered by endorsement. An endorsement would either further restrict or allow extended navigation. The extended navigation is sometimes something that can be done by a trip endorsement in which you pay an additional premium to alter the existing terms of your policy for a short duration. On that same token, you could endorse your policy permanently to allow for extended navigation.

Moral of the story:

• Read your insurance policy
• Understand what waters you are covered in
• Ask your agent BEFORE you go
• Get the endorsements necessary to ensure you're covered if needed.

Hope you find this information useful! Have a good one everybody!