---
title: "Boat Insurance and Winter Storage: What to Check"
description: "What to check in your boat insurance before winter storage: lay-up periods, freeze damage, storage ashore, theft, and the liability cover marinas ask for."
url: https://boatparking.ca/guides/boat-insurance-winter-storage/
last_updated: 2026-10-23
---

# Boat insurance and winter storage

Most boat policies cover storage ashore, but the details matter: lay-up dates, freeze damage, theft from yards and what the marina requires from you. This is a checklist, not advice. Ask your broker.

## Five things to check

- Lay-up period: Some policies have a lay-up period when the boat must be out of the water. Using it then may not be covered.
- Freeze damage: Often excluded if the boat was not properly winterized. Keep the invoice or your own checklist.
- Storage location: Tell the insurer where the boat is stored. Some ask about fencing or indoor storage.
- Liability: Many marinas ask for liability cover, often $1M to $2M, and to be named on the certificate.
- Theft of gear: Electronics and engines are prime targets. Check limits and deductibles for equipment.

## Questions

**Does the marina’s insurance cover my boat?**

Usually not. Marina insurance covers their liability. Your boat needs its own policy.

## Related

- [Questions to ask before you book storage](https://boatparking.ca/guides/questions-to-ask-a-boat-storage-yard/)
- [Boat winterizing checklist](https://boatparking.ca/guides/boat-winterizing-checklist/)
- [Winter boat storage](https://boatparking.ca/storage/winter-boat-storage/)

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