Mid-Summer Marine Insurance Check

Is Your Coverage Keeping Up?

By mid-summer, boating season is in full swing across British Columbia. From the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island to the Okanagan and beyond, boat owners are spending longer days on the water, visiting busier marinas, and making the most of time with family and friends.

But as boating activity increases, so can risk.

Many boat owners review their marine insurance when they buy a boat or renew their policy, then do not think about it again until the following year. In the meantime, how they use their vessel may change. They may add equipment, complete upgrades, travel into new waters, or spend more time away from their usual marina.

That is why mid-summer is a good time to pause and make sure your coverage still reflects your vessel, your plans, and your actual use on the water.

Why a Mid-Season Review Matters

Boating activity often peaks during the summer months, which means waterways, docks, launch areas, and marinas can be busier than usual. With more vessels and more activity, there is a greater chance of accidents, damage, theft, breakdowns, and liability concerns.

A mid-season review gives boat owners an opportunity to ask a simple question: has anything changed since my last renewal?

Maybe you have upgraded your boat, added new electronics or fishing gear, changed where you navigate, or started planning longer voyages. While these changes may feel routine, they can affect whether your current policy still matches your needs.

Common Coverage Gaps to Watch For

One of the most common issues is outdated vessel value. If you have made upgrades, repowered, or added equipment, your boat’s insured value may no longer reflect its current replacement or market value. In the event of a claim, that difference can matter.

It is also important to check your Protection & Indemnity (liability) limits. If your limits were set years ago and prior to the latest revision to the Marine Liability Act in June 2023, you may be underinsured. A minimum Protection & Indemnity limit of $3,000,000 is needed today.

Boat owners should also review coverage for personal effects and onboard equipment. Fishing gear, electronics, water toys, safety equipment, and other personal items can add up quickly. Not every policy provides the same level of protection for these items, so it is important to understand what is covered, what limits apply, and where exclusions may exist.

Towing, assistance, and environmental liability coverage are also worth reviewing. A breakdown on the water can be expensive and stressful, especially during peak season. Environmental liability can also be a significant concern if fuel, oil, or other pollutants are released into the water after an incident.

Navigation Considerations

Summer is when many boat owners expand their travel. Some may venture farther along the coast, explore new lakes, or enter U.S. waters. Before doing so, it is important to confirm that your policy’s navigation limits align with your plans.

Marine insurance policies include specific territory restrictions, navigation limits, or duration limits. For example, coverage will apply only within certain waters, or there may be restrictions on how long your vessel can remain outside a defined area.

Business or Commercial Use

If your vessel is used for business purposes, chartering, paid excursions, or other commercial activity a pleasure craft policy will not automatically cover these operations. They may also matter if a longer trip takes you outside your policy’s approved navigation territory or duration limits. A quick conversation with your broker can help confirm whether your coverage matches your intended use.

Claims Prevention During Peak Season

Insurance is important, but preventing claims is just as valuable. During the busiest part of the boating season, a few practical steps can reduce risk.

Docking and marina congestion are common summer challenges. Taking extra time, being observant of surrounding traffic, and communicating clearly can help prevent incidents when entering or leaving busy areas.

Weather awareness is also important. Checking forecasts before departure and monitoring conditions while on the water can help avoid unnecessary risk.

Theft prevention should not be overlooked. Secure your vessel, remove valuable items when possible, and ensure equipment is properly stored. Marinas, docks, and launch areas can be busier in the summer, which can create more opportunities for theft.

It is also important to keep safety equipment current and accessible. Life jackets, fire extinguishers, emergency kits, navigation lights, communication devices, and other safety items should be checked regularly throughout the season.

A Simple Mid-Summer Self-Check

Boat owners can start with a few simple questions:

• Has my boat’s value changed since my last renewal?
• Have I added new equipment, electronics, fishing gear, or water toys?
• Are my liability limits still appropriate?
• Will I be travelling outside my usual navigation area?
• Do I have coverage for towing, assistance, personal effects, and environmental liability?
• Am I using my vessel for any business, charter, or paid activity?
• Have I reviewed my safety equipment recently?

If any of these questions raise uncertainty, it may be time to review your policy.

Keep Your Coverage Aligned With Your Season

Boating season is short, and the goal is to enjoy it with confidence. A mid-summer marine insurance check does not need to be complicated. It is simply a chance to make sure your coverage still reflects your vessel, your travel plans, and your real use on the water.

Before your next trip, take a few minutes to review your marine insurance. If anything has changed, or if you are unsure what your policy includes, speak with your Navacord advisor. A quick conversation now can help you avoid surprises later in the season.