Do you need boat insurance in the winter?

If you finance your boat, your lender will likely require you to keep comprehensive and collision coverages on your policy for the duration of your loan or lease, regardless of whether your boat is in the water. Some marinas and storage facilities may require proof of insurance before they accept your boat or watercraft. Canceling your boat insurance policy may violate those agreements.

Fuel leaks, faulty wiring, and fires that start nearby can damage a stored boat, whether it's kept indoors or outdoors. A boat stored in a facility alongside other watercraft is especially vulnerable, as fires can spread quickly from boat to boat.

High winds, hail, falling trees, and ice accumulation can cause significant damage to a stored boat. These events are often unpredictable, making them more difficult to prevent. Find out how boat insurance may cover damage from severe weather.

Boats can be popular targets for theft or vandalism, especially if they're stored outdoors. Equipment, motors, and electronics are all susceptible to theft.

Boats in third-party storage facilities may be moved by staff and in the vicinity of heavy machinery, creating the potential for accidental damage.

Boat comprehensive coverage may protect your watercraft against damage from unexpected events out of your control, including fire, theft, vandalism, hail, wind, lightning, and falling objects.

Comprehensive coverage may apply to your boat year-round, even while it's in storage or sitting in your driveway, making it one of the most important coverages to keep active.

Boat collision coverage may pay to repair or replace your boat if it's damaged in a collision with another watercraft or object, such as a dock. While you're less likely to experience a collision while your boat is stored, your boat could incur damage if it's moved within a storage facility or involved in an accident during winterization or spring launch.

Boat liability coverage may pay for injuries or property damage you're responsible for while boating. While it's most relevant when you're on the water, some marinas and storage facilities may require you to carry it year-round as a condition of keeping your boat on their property.