Wrapping Up Boating Season: Your Insurance Guide
Boating can be pleasant in October, but you may want to get a jump on the weather and get your boat ready for winter.
Properly cleaning and winterizing your boat is necessary to help prevent any damage over the winter months. It’s also a smart way to protect your investment in your boat.
Western Financial Group, a 100% Canadian company, can help you navigate your boat, car, home, and business insurance during this period of economic uncertainty.
Here’s your guide to getting your boat ready for winter
What about my 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 boat insurance policy protects you during boating season and during the off-season when your boat is stored. Leaving a boat exposed to snow and ice, not draining water systems, or failing to use a proper cover would all risk a claim being denied for resulting damages.
Did you know? Year-round marine insurance protects your boat from theft, vandalism, fire, and weather-related damage during boating season and during the off-season.
Why do I need to securely store my boat during the winter?
If a boat is not stored securely or properly winterized during the off-season in Canada, a springtime insurance claim for damage can be denied.
Most Canadian boat insurance policies require that boats be winterized and securely stored as a condition of coverage. Failure to do so is often considered neglect, which can void boat insurance coverage for damage that could have been prevented.
What if a marina doesn’t properly store my boat and there’s damage in the spring?
If a 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.
A marina typically carries 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 boat insurance usually cover snow load damage?
Boat insurance policies 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 covers, 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.
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 marine insurance experts can get you customized boat insurance at the right value for you.
What about rodent damage to my boat over the winter?
Yes, rodent damage is covered under Western Financial Group's 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 boat?
- Indoor storage: This offers the best protection from the elements but is usually more expensive.
- Outdoor storage: You can keep your 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 marinas can 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 boat?
Clean your boat
You need to thoroughly clean the interior and exterior of your boat before storage. Give your boat a fresh coat of wax because it will help shield it from moisture and other elements during storage. While you’re cleaning, check the hull of your boat for blisters, cracks, or other damage that may need repair.
Change the oil and oil filters
Changing the oil and filters before storage is needed to prevent water and contaminants from corroding your boat’s engine. Use marine oil instead of car oil because it’s formulated for the harsher conditions of a marine environment. After the oil is changed, apply fogging oil to the engine to protect it from corrosion and moisture over the winter months.
Flush the cooling system
Dirt, debris, and salt can cause damage if left in your boat’s cooling system over the winter. Flush the cooling system with fresh water and then add antifreeze to make sure there’s no water left in the system that can freeze and cause damage.
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 to extend its life.
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 boat's materials.
Cover your boat
Protect your 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 boat, including all crumbs in hard-to-reach areas like the bilge, to avoid attracting critters over the winter.
Fuel stabilizer
Add a fuel stabilizer to your tank to prevent ethanol buildup and keep the fuel fresh.
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 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 boat.
Final thoughts
Protecting your boat during the winter protects your investment in your boat. Remember that in the spring, you’ll need to inspect your boat for any damage over the winter months.
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5 FAQs
Is there any flexibility on boat insurance premiums in the winter?
Year-long boat insurance in Canada 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 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 was insufficient to 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.
Can a snow load claim be denied on boat insurance?
Yes, a snow load claim on boat insurance can be denied. If your boat insurer determines the boat owner failed to properly maintain or winterize the boat, such as not removing heavy snow from the cover or not adequately securing the boat, this can lead to claim denial because damage was determined to be preventable negligence.
What proof do boat insurers require to show proper winterization?
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 services for my boat to protect it?
Yes, if you’re not comfortable with your skills to winterize your boat and you can afford it, you should get your boat professionally winterized to protect it from harsh weather.
