Recreational Marine Insurance: Preparing Clients for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season presents serious challenges for the recreational marine industry, from vessel damage and marina closures to costly cleanup and liability exposures. Having the right recreational marine insurance in place before the first storm hits is critical.

Agents should act now to review policies with their clients, especially those with high-value boats or waterfront operations. Even a small coverage gap can lead to significant financial loss after a storm. Reviewing limits, deductibles, and exclusions can help avoid surprises when claims arise. A proactive approach now helps safeguard clients and strengthens long-term trust. 

Understanding Hurricane Season Risks

Hurricane season can lead to a wide range of risks across different segments of the recreational marine industry. Common exposures include:

• Dock and infrastructure damage: High winds and storm surges often destroy docks, pilings, boat lifts, and electrical systems, leading to major repair costs.
• Vessel damage or loss: During severe storms, flying debris, flooding, or even sinking can damage or even destroy boats stored in water or on land.
• Pollution liability: Fuel leaks and debris from damaged vessels or storage tanks can result in environmental contamination and costly cleanup.
• Business interruption: Marinas, boat dealers, and yacht clubs may lose income due to property damage, power outages, or mandatory evacuations.
• Liability claims: Injuries or property damage affecting third parties, such as customers or neighboring properties, can trigger legal and insurance claims.
• Loss of inventory: Boat dealers, in particular, face risks of inventory loss or damage when new or used boats are caught in a storm.

Merrimac Marine understands these exposures across all recreational marine segments and designs coverage solutions that respond to each industry’s unique risks. 

Policies That Provide Protection

To help protect against losses during hurricane season, agents should focus on several core coverage options commonly used in recreational marine insurance.

• Property coverage: Protects buildings, contents, and vessels from wind, flood, and debris-related damage
• Business interruption: Covers lost income and operating expenses when operations are halted due to storm damage.
• Pollution liability: Addresses cleanup costs and legal liability from fuel spills or hazardous discharge after a storm
• Mobile equipment: Insures forklifts, trailers, and other movable equipment often exposed during storm preparation and recovery
• Piers and docks: Covers physical damage to fixed or floating structures critical to marina and waterfront operations

Merrimac Marine works with both admitted and non-admitted carriers to build complete recreational marine insurance packages tailored to each client’s operations and risk profile.

Encouraging Clients To Prepare Early

Agents can help clients prepare by scheduling site inspections, documenting key assets, and reviewing policy limits before a storm hits. These proactive steps reduce the risk of underinsurance and make the claims process smoother when damage occurs.

Merrimac Marine supports agents with risk-management tools and access to experienced loss control professionals. When a storm strikes, our team works quickly to guide claims, coordinate adjusters, and provide on-the-ground support, delivering responsive, hands-on service when it matters most.

Helping Clients Stay Hurricane-Ready

An annual insurance review is essential for clients carrying recreational marine insurance, especially heading into hurricane season. Long-term disaster planning helps reduce financial disruption and strengthens a client’s ability to recover quickly.

Merrimac Marine supports agents in building long-term relationships through tailored coverages and hurricane-season readiness. Contact us today to discuss customized solutions for your clients before the next storm hits.

About Merrimac Marine Insurance

At Merrimac Marine, we are dedicated to providing insurance for the marine industry to protect your clients’ businesses and assets. For more information about our products and programs, contact our specialists today at (800) 681-1998.