Does Your Boat Insurance Cover You Year-Round?

Boat insurance is often top of mind during the warmer months, but what happens when your vessel is not on the water? If you’re storing your boat for the off-season, it’s essential to understand how your insurance works during that time.

Most Coverage Doesn’t End With the Season

Many boat insurance policies are designed to stay active all year, not just during boating season. Even when parked in a garage or marina, your boat can still face hazards that might result in costly repairs.

Before assuming you’re fully covered, take a closer look at the terms in your policy. Some plans include lay-up periods (or require notification if your boat is out of use for an extended time). During these periods, coverage may be limited to storage-related risks only. Using the boat during a declared lay-up time could affect how a claim is handled.

What to Look for in Off-Season Coverage

When reviewing your policy, pay attention to whether it includes the following:

• Theft and vandalism coverage during storage

• Coverage for storm-related damage, even while docked or trailered

• Liability coverage that remains active (especially if your boat is accessible or docked in shared spaces)

• Requirements for winterization or maintenance during lay-up

If your policy restricts use or coverage during certain months, it may be possible to adjust it based on how and where you store your boat. In some cases, year-round coverage offers better coverage and eliminates the risk of forgetting to reactivate coverage when spring arrives.

Learn More

Budget Insurance can help review your current boat policy and determine whether it provides year-round coverage. Contact us at our Huntsville office today to talk through your options before the next off-season.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.