How is Winter Boat Damage in Ontario Covered by Insurance?
Boating season is almost here, but if you haven’t winterized your Ontario boat properly it may have damages and repairs in the spring. Will you need to file a boat insurance claim?
Most boat insurance policies in Ontario require winterization as a condition of coverage. If you don’t winterize your boat, it may result in a claim denial, or even loss of insurance coverage, related to damage that could have been prevented by proper winterization. Carefully read the details of your Ontario boat insurance policy on winterization.
You can expect to show proof that your Ontario boat was properly winterized for your insurance claim.
What could be waiting in the spring if you don’t winterize your Ontario boat
Snow load damage
If you live in a region that typically gets a lot of snow, you will need to regularly remove snow and ice from your boat cover or tarp. Heavy snow accumulation can damage the cover and your boat and melting snow and ice could lead to flooding on your boat.
Poorly fitting tarps and boats that don’t have winter frames can result in boats that have crushed windshields, smashed hatches, bent pulpits and damaged canvas tops.
The longer that snow sits on the windshield and the top of your boat, the greater the chance of damage, especially when there are freezes and thaws and the snow gets heavier or has a layer of ice on it.
If you didn’t properly winterize your Ontario boat, then this type of loss could be excluded under your boat insurance and you would be financially responsible for the repairs.
Western Financial Group’s Ontario boat insurance experts will help you get the right boat insurance at the right value for you. Boat insurance provides financial protection if your boat is involved in an accident, is damaged, or stolen.
Pests and rodents
They look for a sheltered place to stay during the winter. Damage from rodents is typically covered by boat insurance, but it’s important to read the details of your Ontario boat insurance policy.
Damage due to freezing
Many boat policies can exclude damage caused by freezing but some insurance providers will cover it if you can prove that your boat was properly winterized. Split pipes, cracked engine blocks, damaged hoses, and flooding can be caused by freezing.
Vandalism
If your Ontario boat was stored in an unsecured or isolated area, it may have been vulnerable to vandalism.
Is there winter boat insurance?
Boat insurance is year-round.
Some boat insurance policies have specific requirements for winterization, so read the details on winterization for your Ontario boat. This will help avoid nasty surprises when you are getting your boat out in the spring.
Top tips to get your boat ready for spring
- Inspect the engine
- Clean the hull
- Charge your battery
- Change the engine oil and filter
- Clean the boat’s interior
- Inspector your trailer
- Inspect the boat’s canvas
- Safety check emergency supplies
- Check your registration
If you don’t have the necessary skills to do your own boat maintenance for the spring, hire a professional.
Do you have boat insurance?
It’s not mandatory in Ontario, but if your boat is financed your lender may require boat insurance. Many marinas require boat insurance with $3 million in liability coverage.
Boat insurance protects you and your loved ones. Can you afford the risks involved in not having boat insurance?
Final thoughts
To get ready for Ontario boating season, make sure your boat has been cleaned and inspected so that it’s ready to go. Happy boating!
