97. Which watercraft owned by the insured would have automatic liability coverage under a homeowners policy

Answer: D

Explanation:

A 12 foot kayak

A 12 foot kayak is typically considered a watercraft that can be covered automatically under a homeowners policy. Such small, non-motorized boats often fall within the limits of personal property coverage without requiring additional endorsements.

A) A 28 foot sailboat

A 28 foot sailboat exceeds the size limit for automatic coverage under a homeowners policy, which generally covers smaller non-motorized watercraft. This larger vessel would require specific marine insurance due to its size and potential risks.

B) A boat with a 40 horsepower inboard motor

A boat with a 40 horsepower inboard motor is a powered watercraft, which typically does not qualify for automatic liability coverage under a homeowners policy. Insurers usually exclude powered boats from basic homeowners coverage due to the increased liability risks associated with them.

C) A boat with a 40 horsepower outboard motor

Similar to option B, a boat with a 40 horsepower outboard motor is a powered vessel and is therefore not automatically covered under a homeowners policy. Like inboard motors, outboard motors present higher liability risks, necessitating specialized insurance policies.

D) A 12 foot kayak

A 12 foot kayak is classified as a small, non-motorized watercraft, making it eligible for automatic liability coverage under a homeowners policy. This aligns with standard insurance practices, which typically include small kayaks and canoes in the personal property coverage.

Conclusion

The 12 foot kayak is the only option that fits within the parameters set by homeowners policies for automatic liability coverage, as it is small and non-motorized. In contrast, the other options involve larger or powered vessels that do not qualify for such coverage and would require additional insurance. Thus, option D is definitively the correct answer.