After accident, TV reporter becomes advocate for new boat insurance law
But she quickly learned the boat's liability policy excluded her.
Because the boat was owned by her husband.
"We were like: 'WHAT?!'" says Godfrey, a
That's correct: If Godfrey's sister, who was also aboard, had been injured, the
But in
"People are shocked when they hear that," she said in an interview.
Now Godfrey, who returned to work this week, is spearheading a proposal at the
The proposal has prominent supporters from both parties, including House Speaker
NOT LIKE CAR INSURANCE
If Godfrey's injuries had happened in her husband's car, she could have filed a claim. That's because family exclusions have been outlawed in
But boat insurance is different. Unlike auto insurance, boat insurance isn't required by law, and family exclusions are allowed.
There are no reliable estimates for how many people purchase various types of boat insurance, which can include liability for injuries stemming from negligent behavior, and so-called "hull insurance" for damage to the boat itself, according to state regulators and the insurance industry.
Nor is there data to precisely know how widespread family exclusions are. Godfrey said she informally polled her boat-owning relatives, friends and Facebook followers. "I haven't found anyone whose family is covered," she said.
"We've focus-grouped this issue, and when the general public finds out their family isn't covered, they're incensed," Ferucci said.
Boat policies often do offer coverage for medical payments, and family members are included. Godfrey's husband,
INSURANCE INDUSTRY: FRAUD AND HIGHER COST
The proposal would make boat insurance cost more, and create an incentive for fraud and abuse, said
Liability claims are based on accusing someone of negligence. That's how the system is set up. To allow family members to accuse each other of negligence creates a "moral hazard" wherein all involved -- except the insurance company -- could benefit from essentially lying about injuries or other damages.
The distinction between boat insurance and car insurance, he said, is that the analogous car insurance in
Even though it's been like that for decades, the insurance industry doesn't necessarily like it.
"The problem is we're overpaying for insurance right now in
LONG-SHOT FOR THIS SESSION
Despite the bill's bi-partisan support, it has bi-partisan skeptics as well. One is Senate Majority leader
He's in the process of scheduling a meeting with Godfrey, and said he wants to hear her out. but he's skeptical, for similar reasons as Kulda.
"It's a complicated issue, and I'm definitely willing to listen," Gazelka said in an interview Wednesday. "But I'm not sure it's wise to have a policy where you can sue yourself. ... It will dramatically drive up the cost of liability insurance."
Why should boat insurance be different from auto insurance?
"I would rather change auto insurance so we would have lower premiums," he said.
Regardless, Gazelka said at this stage in the legislative session, it's unlikely the bill could be acted this year. "I cannot imagine it happening this session," he said.
GODFREY: 'NOT HERE FOR MYSELF'
As a TV reporter, Godfrey is both media savvy and knows how a narrative works. She knows that by speaking out -- she held a news conference on the issue and has been buttonholing lawmakers at the
And she also knows what some will think: " 'Her claim was denied and she wants to get money,' " she said. "I'm not benefiting from this bill. I'm not here for myself. I don't want other people to go through a trauma like I've been through -- and then learn the insurance they thought would cover them doesn't."
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