What Doesn't My B.C. Boat Insurance Cover?

August 11, 2025

Does my B.C. boat insurance cover everything?

You may not know that there are some exclusions on your insurance policy and they will depend on the type of boat coverage you have and on your boat insurance provider.

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What isn’t included in British Columbia boat insurance?

Generally, a standard marine insurance policy does not cover certain losses.

Wear and tear

Your boat will start to show its wear and tear over time on its propeller and on piston rings inside the engine, for example. Typically, your B.C. boat insurance won’t cover any repairs or replacements caused by natural wear and tear.

You are responsible for regularly maintaining and servicing your boat to keep it in good repair.

Saltwater corrosion is another common way that a boat can deteriorate over time and it’s typically not covered by boat insurance.

You can protect your boat from corrosion and rust by regularly giving your boat a freshwater bath to remove salt and other minerals that have built up.

Lack of maintenance

Boat insurance policies don’t cover machinery or parts that are damaged or need to be replaced due to a lack of maintenance or misuse.

Damage from rodents

That depends on your B.C. boat insurance policy. Some boat policies cover rodent damage and some do not. Be sure to ask your boat insurance expert about rodent damage.

Most boat insurance policies do not cover insects and mould. This means you can expect not to be covered for a loss if your boat is damaged by zebra mussels, barnacles, or mould.

You need to clean, drain, and dry all of your boat equipment after use. Getting rid of excess water and moisture helps deter marine infestations and mold.

Cleaning up any spills and messes on your boat will help keep away any animals or insects from coming back for more.

Improper storage and transportation

Your boat insurance is year round. Most basic boat insurance policies will protect your boat against fire, vandalism, theft, and winter storms in the off-season.

It’s important to note that your insurance provider generally won’t cover your B.C. boat if it’s improperly stored and transported in the off-season. For example, if you don’t properly tie your boat while driving it from the water to storage and the boat falls off, your insurance company won’t cover it.

Boats are covered when they are stored during winter. Specific storage and winterization requirements may be included in insurance policies, so it’s important to go over your B.C. boat policy’s details to make sure there are no gaps in coverage.

Boat accessories

Check with your British Columbia boat insurance provider to see what’s covered and what isn’t.

Navigation limits

If you are sailing on the ocean, most boat policies will cover you for a specific geographic region. If you sail out of your navigation limits or into off-limits waters, your boat insurance is not in effect.

Make sure you know your sea navigation area to understand where your B.C. boat is and isn’t covered on water.

Special trip endorsements

Your boat insurance provider should be notified if you will travel outside Canada or the United States, such as to Mexico or the Bahamas. Boat insurance policies won’t cover your boat if it isn’t in Canadian or U.S. territorial water.

You will need a trip endorsement for temporary insurance coverage for your boat while it is in international waters.

Competitions

Boat insurance usually does not cover your British Columbia boat for any races and other special events. Speak to your boat insurance expert if you are going to use your boat in races or competitions.

What else is typically not covered by boat insurance?

• Manufacturer defects
• Blistering
• Marring
• Scratching

Advantages of boat insurance

• Marine insurance provides financial protection if your speedboat, sailboat, or other type of watercraft is involved in an accident, is damaged or stolen.
• Marine insurance includes liability coverage in case you are responsible for another person's injuries or property damage.

Note that $3 million in liability coverage is recommended as part of your B.C. boat insurance to financially protect you from accidents and lawsuits.

In conclusion

You’ll need to carefully read your boat insurance policy to understand how you and your boat are protected in British Columbia. Always remember to ask your boat insurance expert the questions that you need answered.

5 FAQs

Is BC boat insurance all year round?

Yes, a B.C. boat insurance policy is typically 12 months, protecting your boat while it’s out of the water and from winter conditions.

Why is a float plan important for your B.C. boat?

In case of an emergency, a float plan (trip plan) provides critical information about your route and destination to search and rescue teams, which will help them locate you more quickly. It's a safety tool for all B.C. boaters.

Why is liability coverage an important part of boat insurance?

Liability coverage protects you from financial consequences if your B.C. boat causes injury or death to others or damages someone else's property. Boat accidents can result in costly legal claims, medical expenses, and property repairs. Liability coverage helps pays for these costs, including legal defense fees if you are sued, settlements, and court-awarded damages. A minimum of $3 million in liability insurance is recommended as part of your B.C. boat insurance.

Is B.C. boat insurance mandatory?

No, boat insurance isn’t legally required in B.C./Canada. If your boat is financed, your lender will likely require you to get boat insurance and marinas can require liability insurance for docking and mooring privileges.

Do B.C. boaters need a PCOC?

Yes, boaters in British Columbia need a PCOC. A Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) is often called a boating license. It’s a Transport Canada-issued card showing that you have completed a boating safety course and passed the related boating exam. It's proof of competency to operate a motorized pleasure craft in Canada. It’s often called a boating license.