Thinking Ahead When B.C. Boating Season Winds Down: Your Insurance Guide
Boating season in British Columbia doesn’t have an official end date. Its coastal climate allows for extended boating and even year-round boating.
The boating season, though, tends to wind down when weather conditions become hazardous, which can be in late fall, early winter, or sooner, but that depends on your B.C. location. Do you still need to clean and winterize your B.C boat? Is your B.C. boat insurance year-round?
Western Financial Group, a 100% Canadian company, can help you navigate your British Columbia boat, home, car, and business insurance during this period of economic uncertainty.
Here’s your guide to getting your B.C. ready for the off season
What about my B.C. boat insurance over the winter?
Boat insurance in Canada is typically issued as a year-round policy, not just for a boating season. It’s generally understood that boat insurance is structured for use during the boating season and storage during the off-season.
Your annual British Columbia boat insurance policy protects you and your boat during boating season and during the off-season when your boat is stored. Leaving a boat exposed to the elements, not draining water systems, or failing to use a proper cover would risk a claim being denied for resulting damages.
Year-round marine insurance protects your boat from theft, vandalism, fire, and weather-related damage during boating season and winter months.
Why do I need to securely store my B.C. boat during the winter?
If your boat is not properly winterized during the off-season in Canada, an insurance claim for damage can be denied.
Securely storing your boat during the winter in British Columbia protects your boat from harsh weather conditions, environmental damage, and theft. Depending on where you live, B.C. experiences cold temperatures, freeze-thaw cycles, snow, ice, and potential rodent issues during the winter months.
What if a B.C. marina doesn’t properly store my boat and there’s damage in the spring?
If a B.C. marina is negligent by failing to properly winterize, protect, or secure your boat, or by exposing it to preventable risks like snow load collapse, theft, or improper handling, it can be held liable for resulting damage.
Marinas in British Columbia typically carry commercial liability insurance to protect against such claims. You would first pursue compensation through the marina’s insurance. Your own boat insurance may come into play too, especially for insurance coverage disputes or if the marina’s coverage is inadequate.
Why doesn’t B.C. boat insurance usually cover snow load damage?
Snow load damage to boats can happen in British Columbia, though it’s less common than in harsher winter climates. Your boat insurance policy will typically require that your boat is stored and winterized correctly.
Your boat insurance claim may be denied if you did not regularly remove snow and ice from your boat’s cover, failed to use strong framing, or left the vessel exposed to overloaded snow conditions.
Some insurers may allow snow load damage claims if you can prove you met all maintenance and winterization requirements. You’ll need to provide proof such as photos and a maintenance log.
Always check the exclusions, special conditions, and winterization clauses of your boat insurance policy so that you know what is and isn’t covered.
Did you know? Western Financial Group’s B.C. marine insurance experts can get you customized B.C. boat insurance at the right value for you.
What about rodent damage to my British Columbia boat over the winter?
Yes, rodent damage is covered under Western Financial Group's B.C. boat policies. You need to note, though, that if your boat is not properly maintained or winterized, a claim for such damage could be declined.
Where do I store my B.C. boat?
- Indoor storage: This offers the best protection from the elements but is usually more expensive.
- Outdoor storage: You can keep your B.C. boat on your property, in a boatyard, or marina with a proper cover. It’s more affordable, but your boat is exposed to the weather. A quality cover is needed to protect your boat from winter weather.
- Dry stack storage: Some B.C. marinas may offer dry stack storage, where boats are stored in racks inside a covered facility. This kind of storage provides protection without the high cost of indoor storage.
What maintenance should I do to winterize my B.C. boat?
Clean thoroughly
You need to clean the interior and exterior of your B.C. boat before storage. Give your boat a fresh coat of wax because it will help shield it from moisture and other elements during storage. Check the hull of your boat for blisters, cracks, or other damage that may need repair.
Engine care
Change engine oil and filter, fog the engine cylinders with fogging oil to prevent corrosion, and flush cooling systems. Add fuel stabilizer and fill tanks to near full to prevent condensation and fuel degradation.
Charge and disconnect the battery
You’ll need to fully charge your boat’s battery before storage and then disconnect it to prevent it from draining over the winter. Store the battery in a cool, dry place.
Prevent mould
Use a mold prevention product and spray the inside of the hull and any smooth, hard surfaces. Be sure to read the label carefully to ensure proper use and avoid any damage to your B.C. boat's materials.
Cover your boat
Protect your B.C. boat from snow, ice, and debris by using a high-quality cover or tarp that fits snugly around your boat. Winter boat storage shrink wrap is a popular option because it forms a tight seal and provides excellent protection.
Remove food
Thoroughly clean out your B.C. boat, including all crumbs in hard-to-reach areas like the bilge, to avoid attracting critters over the winter.
Remove personal items
Take gear, cushions, linens, electronics, and valuables off your boat to protect them from moisture and pests.
Consult your engine manual
Check your engine manual for specific winterizing instructions. This ensures you're following procedures that are tailored to your engine and other systems on your B.C. boat.
Propeller inspection
Remove and inspect your boat’s propeller for any damage. Repair or replace it if necessary to avoid surprises in the spring.
Did you know? An all-risk boat policy provides comprehensive coverage for a wide range of potential losses, except those that can be specifically excluded in the policy. Ask your Western Financial Group boat insurance expert about an all-risk boat policy for your B.C. boat.
In conclusion
Protecting your boat during the winter protects your investment in your B.C. Remember that in the spring, you’ll need to inspect your boat for any winter damage.
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5 FAQs
Is there any flexibility on B.C. boat insurance premiums in the winter?
Year-long boat insurance may come with cheaper costs during the winter months due to what's called a "winter layup discount" or "seasonal rating." When a boat is laid up for consecutive months in the off-season, insurers usually recognize the reduced risk during this period and may offer savings on the overall annual premium while maintaining full insurance coverage year-round.
What if I covered my B.C. boat during the winter and there was still snow damage in the spring?
If a boat is covered during winter but still suffers damage from heavy snow, it usually means the cover or the covering method couldn’t handle the snow load. A proper boat cover can prevent snow accumulation on the boat’s surfaces, reduce moisture buildup, and protect against UV damage. A boat cover must be high-quality, durable, properly fitted, and well-supported to prevent snow pooling and structural damage.
What proof do B.C. boat insurers require to show proper winterization?
Boat insurers typically require maintenance records and receipts, photos or videos showing maintenance being done, winterization checklist compliance, and regular maintenance logs.
I have a boat but I’m not very handy. Should I get professional winterization and cleaning services for my B.C. boat to protect it?
If you can afford it and you’re not comfortable with your skills, you should get your B.C. boat professionally cleaned and winterized to protect it from harsh weather.
What’s the most common boat claim in B.C.?
The most common boat insurance claim in British Columbia is damage caused by hitting an underwater object, like a rock, log, or debris. This type of accident usually happens in shallow or unfamiliar waters and can result in significant damage to the hull, propellers, or mechanical systems.
