Winter is coming. As the temperatures drop and you place your watercraft into storage for the winter, it’s easy to assume your vessel is safe and your insurance can take a break. Unfortunately, that assumption could cost you. Many boat owners don’t realize that the off-season is one of the most vulnerable times for their watercraft. Not all marine insurance policies offer the protection they think they do.
Even if your boat is tucked away in a marina, a storage facility, or your own driveway, the risks don’t disappear with the end of boating season. And your insurance shouldn’t either.
What Could Go Wrong in Storage? More Than You Think.
Just because your boat isn’t in use doesn’t mean it’s immune to loss or damage. Common off-season risks include:
Fire in storage facilities
Rodent or pest damage to electrical and mechanical systems
Theft of parts, electronics, or the entire vessel
Ice or water intrusion during freeze-thaw cycles
Collapsing storage covers, roof leaks, or heavy snow damage
In some cases, your boat may not even be covered during the months it’s out of the water, especially if you’ve suspended coverage to save on premiums.
The Off-Season Boat Insurance Coverage Gaps to Watch For
If you’ve reduced your policy to “storage only” or dropped certain coverages for the winter, here are a few things to check:
Is your boat still covered for theft, vandalism, or storm damage while in storage?
Some policies limit protection to “in-use” periods unless a special endorsement is added. Others may exclude damage at off-site storage facilities unless explicitly declared.
Are trailers, covers, or attached equipment protected?
Electronics, trolling motors, and trailers are often excluded or limited under basic policies. Make sure your policy extends to all components, not just the hull.
What about liability while transporting or storing the boat?
Many boat owners don’t realize that liability claims can arise even in the off-season from accidents while trailering to a fuel leak that causes property damage.
This Is Where Having a Marine Insurance Expert Matters
Most insurance agents can quote a boat policy. But not all can walk you through what really happens during a marine claim, including what typically gets approved, what gets denied, and what often gets overlooked.
That’s where Troy’s experience as a marine claims adjuster sets Navisure apart. He’s handled claims involving:
Storm-damaged vessels
Submerged engines
Dockside accidents
Environmental liability claims
Denials due to coverage misunderstandings or exclusions
Troy knows the difference between good coverage and good-enough coverage. He uses that insight to help boat owners avoid the common and costly mistakes he’s seen time and time again. Whether you’re a weekend boater or a serious yacht owner, his attention to detail can ensure your off-season boat insurance policy actually performs when you need it most.
Don’t Let Your Off-Season Coverage Fall Short
Boat insurance shouldn’t go dormant just because your boat is in storage. In fact, this is one of the best times to review your policy, check for seasonal gaps, and make sure everything from your hull to your electronics and trailer are protected until the next launch day.
Get Your Free, No-Obligation Policy Review
Before winter really sets in, let’s take a closer look at your current boat insurance policy. We’ll check for off-season coverage gaps, recommend updates where needed, and make sure your vessel is protected year-round.
Contact Navisure Insurance Group today to speak with Troy. You’ll get expert guidance from someone who knows marine insurance from the inside out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I still need boat insurance during the off-season or while my boat is in storage?
A: Yes. Many claims occur outside of boating season, especially during storage. Risks like theft, fire, rodent damage, weather-related damage, and even liability during transport can still occur. Suspending your policy or dropping certain coverages to save money could leave your boat unprotected when you least expect it.
Q: What coverage might I lose if I pause my boat insurance in the winter?
A: If you reduce your off-season boat insurance to “storage only” or drop it altogether, you could lose coverage for theft, vandalism, storm damage, or liability if the boat is being trailered or worked on. Some policies may also exclude coverage if the boat is stored off-site unless that location is declared.
Q: Will my homeowner’s insurance cover my boat while it’s stored at home?
A: Not usually. Homeowners insurance might offer limited protection for very small boats (under 25hp), but trailers, outboard motors, and larger vessels are typically excluded or capped at low limits. For full protection, a dedicated marine policy is always recommended.
Q: What kind of damage do you see most often in off-season marine claims?
A: Off-season claims often involve storm-damaged boats, flooded storage compartments, rodent-chewed wiring, and vandalism. One common issue is boats stored improperly or in unsecure facilities. Not all storage environments are treated equally in the eyes of your policy.
Q: Is there a way to reduce my premium without fully suspending my boat insurance?
A: Yes. Some insurers offer “lay-up” provisions, which reduce your premium during months your boat is out of use while still keeping key protections active. We can structure your policy with seasonal needs in mind.
Q: Can I review my current policy before winter to make sure I’m covered?
A: Absolutely, and you should. Even if you think you’re covered, it’s worth reviewing the fine print to check for off-season exclusions or underinsured items. Troy offers free, no-obligation policy reviews to help identify gaps and ensure your boat is protected year-round.
TROY VANDERMEER | VICE PRESIDENT
Troy attended Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI, and obtained a degree in Business and Technology. After graduating, he began his career as an insurance adjuster for a large-scale carrier. This included almost 10 years of experience, with roles such as property catastrophe, marine, and recreational vehicle claim handling. Troy learned the ins and outs of how insurance companies operate while also perfecting the technical aspects of the industry. This gives him an edge when working with clients regarding what coverage best fits their needs. As a proponent of leveraging technology, his goal is to simplify the process of getting insured without clients having to sacrifice their time.
In his spare time, Troy coaches high school soccer, enjoys golfing, fly fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.