Why Kiwi boaties should keep their boat insurance year-round

It's a fair question that comes up time and again: "Why should I keep paying for boat insurance year-round when I only use my boat during the warmer months?" We get it – when your pride and joy is sitting under a cover or tucked away in storage, it might seem like you're paying for protection you don't need.

But here's the thing: your boat faces risks all year round, and going without cover during the off-season could end up costing you big time. Let's dive into why year-round boat insurance isn't just a good idea – it's essential for smart boaties.

Marina and storage requirements haven't changed (But they're strictly enforced)

If you're moored at a marina or planning to use their facilities – whether it's the travel lift, hardstand, or just wanting access to their services – you'll need to show proof of insurance. Most marinas require a minimum of $5 million third-party liability cover, and they're getting stricter about checking.

Marinas are becoming more diligent about insurance verification. Many now require annual proof of coverage renewal, and some are implementing digital systems to track policy status. Miss a renewal, and you might find yourself locked out of facilities you've been using for years.

Your finance company isn't negotiating

If you've got finance on your boat, your lender almost certainly requires year-round insurance coverage. This isn't negotiable – it's written into your loan agreement. Since the interested party is making an investment as well, they must ensure that their investment is protected all year.

Skip your insurance renewal, and you could be in breach of your finance agreement. That's a conversation with your bank you definitely want to avoid.

Mother nature doesn't take a holiday

While you might put your boat away for winter, the weather doesn't follow the boating calendar. Here in New Zealand, we know all too well that severe weather events can strike any time of year.

The risks that never sleep:

• Storm damage: High winds can turn loose objects into missiles that damage hulls, screens, and canvas
• Flooding: Even boats stored "safely" on trailers can be affected by flooding events
• Hail damage: A sudden hail storm can cause thousands of dollars in damage to gel coat and canvas
• Trees falling: Storm-damaged trees don't care if it's boating season or not

Just ask any boatie who's returned to their stored boat after a big winter storm. The damage can be devastating, and without insurance, you're facing a massive repair bill right when you want to be getting back on the water.

The uninvited guests - rodents and pests

This one might make you cringe, but it's more common than you'd think. During the off-season, boats in storage become attractive real estate for rodents looking for shelter. Mice and rats love to make themselves at home in your pride and joy, and they're not considerate guests.

They'll chew through:

• Electrical wiring (creating potential fire hazards)
• Upholstery and canvas
• Hoses and rubber components
• Anything that looks interesting to a small, destructive mind

The damage can be extensive and expensive to repair. Good boat insurance typically covers this type of damage, but only if you're covered when it happens.

Theft and vandalism don't follow the boating calendar

Unfortunately, thieves and vandals don't take the winter off. In fact, boats in storage can be attractive targets because they're often:

• Left unattended for long periods
• Located in areas with less foot traffic
• Filled with valuable electronics and equipment

From stolen outboards to smashed windows and stripped electronics, the financial impact can be enormous. Even if your boat is stored "securely," these incidents happen more often than most boaties realise.

The hidden cost of cancelling and restarting

Here's where many boaties get caught out financially. If you cancel your boat insurance mid-term and then want to restart it for the new season, insurance companies typically treat you as a new customer.

What this means for your wallet:

• You'll likely pay current market rates (which may be higher than your previous premium)
• You lose any loyalty discounts you've built up
• You might face new application requirements and inspections
• No claims bonuses could be reset

Modern boats mean year-round risks

Today's boats are packed with expensive electronics, and many boaties are keeping sophisticated equipment on board year-round. GPS units, fish finders, stereos, and battery systems don't get cheaper to replace just because it's winter.

If you're upgrading your electronics or making improvements during the off-season, something many boaties do to get ready for the new season, you want to make sure all that new gear is covered from day one.

Peace of mind is priceless

Beyond the dollars and cents, there's something to be said for peace of mind. Knowing your boat is protected year-round means you can:

• Sleep easy during winter storms
• Plan modifications and upgrades without worry
• Enjoy your time away from the boat without constant concern
• Focus on other things without boat-related stress

Making the smart choice

The bottom line is this: boat ownership comes with responsibilities, and protecting your investment year-round is one of the most important ones. The relatively small cost of continuous coverage is nothing compared to the potential financial impact of a major loss.

Plus, maintaining continuous coverage often means better rates, loyal customer benefits, and no hassles when the new season starts. You can spend less time worrying about insurance and more time planning your next adventure on the water.