Does Boat Insurance Cover Winter Storm Damage?

Your boat was likely an expensive investment, so you want to ensure it's protected from the elements year-round. But even while your boat is safely tucked away for the winter months, it can still be vulnerable to snow damage and other hazards. Fortunately, if you have a certain type of boat insurance, your vessel can still be protected against storm damage while it's stored and not in use.

A local independent insurance agent can help you get set up with the right kind of marine insurance. They'll get you matched to the ideal amount of coverage for your specific vessel. But first, here's a closer look at how boat insurance can protect your boat against snow damage and other winter hazards in the off-season.

Does Boat Insurance Cover Winter Hazards?

It's possible your boat is covered against snow damage and other winter hazards while it's in storage. A boat owner must be sure their boat insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage, which can compensate them for non-collision-related damages, including from severe weather events like snowfall. Boat owners must also make the effort to store their boats properly for their coverage to apply. 

How Does Boat Insurance Cover Snow Damage?

If your boat is kept indoors and heavy snow causes the roof of the storage area to cave in, chances are good that your comprehensive coverage will compensate you for any related damage to your boat. Even if you store your boat outdoors, such as on-deck or at a marina, where it's exposed to the elements and protected only by a tarp, you are still likely to be compensated, depending on your insurance company.

Water damage is another common concern for boaters. When the snow starts to melt, there's an increased risk of flooding. 

The good news is that most boat insurance policies include protection against natural flood damage within comprehensive coverage. This is helpful to know since neither a homeowners insurance policy nor a flood insurance policy will typically cover flood damage to boats or other vehicles.

Do I Need Boat Insurance in the Winter?

In certain cases, having watercraft insurance all year can actually be required, even if not by law. Your location and how you finance your boat can determine whether you're required to have coverage even during lay-up periods. 

If you've taken out a loan on your boat, you may likely be required by your lender to have winter boat insurance. Further, if you're renting a storage facility for your boat, you'll likely be required by the business's owner to provide proof of current insurance. So, it's not likely to be worth any potential cost savings if you've been considering canceling your boat insurance in the winter.

Some insurance companies may allow you to suspend your marine liability insurance coverage during the winter season. In this case, you could just continue your comprehensive coverage. This could potentially save you a bit of money on your boat insurance in the off-season. 

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Most Common Winter Boat Insurance Claims

When the temperature drops below freezing, all kinds of new boat insurance claims can occur. Aside from the obvious snow and ice damage, boats can suffer during the winter season in many ways. Here are some of the biggest threats to boats during the winter to consider.

Freezing and flood damage

Vessels that haven't undergone proper winterization can be vulnerable to damage from heavy snow and ice or freezing temperatures. The extreme cold and elements can lead to cracked engine blocks and split pipes within boats. Ice and snow can also damage your boat's structure. 

However, make sure to check your specific boat insurance policy to be certain it includes coverage for freezing damage. Also, expect to have to provide proof to your insurance company that you took steps to properly winterize your boat for storage when submitting a claim.

Theft and vandalism

When your boat is not in use, it's always vulnerable to theft and vandalism. The risk of having your boat stolen or vandalized can increase during periods of winter storage, when you may be less likely to check on your personal watercraft (PWC) as often. 

Thieves may not only target the entire vessel but also specific parts and components or your personal gear. When it's time to store your boat for the off-season, be sure to take extra measures to protect it and minimize the risk of theft and vandalism.

Pest damage

If your PWC is stored outdoors during the winter months, it's also vulnerable to damage caused by termites, rodents, birds, and other pests and critters. Pests can make nests inside your vessel's engine or trailer, chew through wires and tubes, or damage your upholstery. 

When it's cold outside, animals and pests are likely to seek shelter against the elements and other threats, and your boat might be an attractive option. Similar to flood and freezing damage, you'll need to make sure your specific boat insurance policy includes coverage for pest damage.

Impact damage

Particularly if your PWC is stored outdoors during the winter, it can be damaged by rocks and other natural or unnatural objects. Additionally, if you live somewhere that makes winter boating possible, you might also be at risk of collisions with shoals, deadheads, and other submerged objects due to low light conditions or leftover debris from recent storms. When taking your boat out on the water during times of poor visibility, be sure to exercise extreme caution.

Fire damage

You might not be concerned about fire damage to your PWC during the winter. However, this issue can still arise regardless of the temperature. 

The improper storage of flammable materials is a common cause of fires and fire damage to boats. Additionally, fuel leaks and electrical issues can spark fires. When storing your PWC for the winter, remove all propane and fuel tanks from the area to help reduce the risk of fires.

What's Not Covered by Boat Insurance?

Basic boat insurance policies provide critical property damage and liability coverage for policyholders. However, there are several common exclusions that boaters need to be aware of as well. These often include:

Your independent insurance agent can help you review your specific boat insurance policy. They'll help you get insured against all kinds of risks that can arise not only during winter but at any time of year.

How Much Does Winter Boat Insurance Cost?

The cost of boat insurance can vary widely depending on several factors, including the insurer that underwrites your coverage. The make and model of your PWC and how you use it can also impact your premium rates. 

Further, your personal claims history can affect the cost of boat insurance. Coverage for the off-season alone may be much cheaper than a year-round boat insurance policy. A local independent insurance agent can help you find affordable boat insurance near you.

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An Independent Insurance Agent Can Help You Get Winter Boat Insurance

When you're ready to get your boat properly insured for the winter storage season, no one's better equipped to help than an independent insurance agent in your town. These agents are free to shop and compare quotes and policies from multiple carriers to get you matched to the ideal policy. 

They'll get you set up with the best overall blend of coverage and cost. And down the road, your agent can help you file boat insurance claims and update your policy as necessary.