What happens if you damage a rental boat in Pittsburgh? With us, the person who paid for the rental is responsible for any damage to the boat during the rental, propellers included. That is why boat rental insurance questions matter before you launch: knowing what you are responsible for, and what an Accidental Damage Waiver or your current insurance might cover, makes a mishap far less stressful.
Below we explain how damage is handled under our rental policies, what to do in the moment if something goes wrong, how insurance fits in, and the simple habits that keep most renters from ever needing this page.
Our policies keep it simple and clear. Here is what applies to every pontoon rental:
The check in inspection protects you as much as us. It records the boat's condition before you take it out.
Most damage on a rental pontoon is minor: a scuffed rail from a rough landing or a propeller that touches bottom near shore. Whatever happens, the order of priorities is always the same: people first, then the boat, then the paperwork.
Check every passenger. Make sure everyone has a life jacket within reach, and have kids and weaker swimmers put theirs on. If anyone is hurt, call 911.
If you hit something, shift to neutral and look around before doing anything else. A strong vibration after a strike can mean a bent propeller. Running hard on a damaged prop can make the problem worse, so slow down.
Call (412) 773-0988 right away and tell us what happened and where you are. We will tell you whether to come back in slowly or wait where you are.
Take photos of the damage and the spot where it happened. Note the time. Tell us everything at check out so the inspection reflects what really happened.
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Our policies name propellers on purpose. The prop sits below the water, out of sight, and it is the part most likely to meet a rock, a sandbar or a floating log. On Pittsburgh's rivers, the risk rises after heavy rain, when high water carries branches and debris downstream.
We make the weather and river call on the morning of your rental. If we cancel for conditions, you can reschedule, and if the trip cannot be rescheduled you receive a full refund.
Boat rental insurance is the umbrella term for anything that helps pay if you damage a rented boat or cause harm to someone else while you are on the water. For a renter, it usually comes down to two places to look: the options offered at booking, and the insurance you already carry.
We offer an Accidental Damage Waiver as an add on when you book. If you want to reduce what you could owe for accidental damage, ask about it when you book. We will explain exactly what it covers and what it does not, so there are no surprises later.
Some personal policies may extend liability coverage to boats you rent, and others leave clear gaps. A homeowners or umbrella policy may help with liability in some cases, but coverage for watercraft is often limited, and many policies will not pay for damage to the rented boat itself.
The only way to know is to ask. Call your insurance agent before your trip and ask these questions:
Most damage comes from a handful of avoidable situations. Our policies also prohibit some of them outright.
A sober, rested driver who knows the boat avoids nearly all of these.
Serious incidents also involve the state. The PA Fish and Boat Commission regulations recap says a boat operator must file a written accident report when someone dies or disappears, when someone needs medical treatment beyond first aid, or when damage to boats and property passes the dollar amount set by the Commission or a boat is a complete loss. Minor scrapes do not reach that bar, but tell us about every incident so we can help you sort out what comes next.
A little preparation goes a long way. These steps help your boat come back the way it left:
New to all this? Start with what to know before renting a boat. If you would rather not drive at all, read whether to rent a boat with a captain or without. A captain is available on request, so ask about one when you book.
Our rental policies do not list an insurance requirement, but you are responsible for any damage to the boat during your rental. Ask about our Accidental Damage Waiver add on when you book, and call your insurance agent to learn whether your homeowners or umbrella policy covers you on a rented pontoon.
Under our rental policies, the person who paid for the rental pays for damage to the boat during the rental, including propellers. Damage is noted during the boat inspection at check in and check out, so the condition of the boat is recorded before and after your trip.
It is an optional add on that can reduce what you owe if the boat is damaged by accident. Terms vary between rental companies, so always ask what is covered and what is excluded. We offer an Accidental Damage Waiver and will walk you through it when you book.
Sometimes, but often only partly. Some homeowners policies extend liability to small rented boats, while many will not pay for damage to the rented boat itself or set limits on boat size and horsepower. Call your agent before your trip and ask for the answer in writing.
We make the weather and river call on the morning of your rental. If we cancel for conditions, you can reschedule, or receive a full refund if the trip cannot be rescheduled. If weather turns while you are out, head back to the dock early and call us at (412) 773-0988.
Have questions about damage or the Accidental Damage Waiver? Read our rental policies, then book your time on the water or call (412) 773-0988.
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