How lay-up cover can enhance your boating experience

When the weather is cooler it doesn’t seem enticing to launch the boat and head out for a day on the water. Your boat may be sitting in the garage awaiting the warmer weather or longer days. You may be thinking about cancelling your insurance cover since you aren’t using your boat.

Lots of things can go wrong if you aren't using your boat and don't have insurance cover. You could end up paying the full cost to replace your boat in the event of a loss. Some common events that can cause loss to your boat while not in use are:

• Theft of your boat or equipment like your motor while its parked up or in storage
• Fire
• Weather events such as a storm or flood that can cause damage to your boat
• Malicious damage by vandals

Fortunately, some insurance policies have an optional benefit, often referred to as Lay-up cover. This benefit is available for runabouts, trailer sailers, and personal watercraft (jetskis) and reduces your premium for each month you won’t be using your boat. That way you can still enjoy cover for events like the above, plus you'll get a discount on your annual premium. You must store your boat within the gates, walls, or fences of your home or alternate location as specified on your certificate of insurance.

Whilst you won’t have cover if you use your boat during the layup period, it still provides some cover if you need to take your boat to and from the workshop for servicing or maintenance. This includes any repair work undertaken during a claim.

You may find during the colder seasons that the weather is good and you want to head out on the water to give the boat or ski a good run. If you do decide you want to use your boat you just need to call or email us, let us know when you will be using the boat and pay that month's premium. Then you are good to go.

Boating is a great kiwi pastime and should always be hassle free, so likewise your insurance cover.