Winterizing Marinas: Insurance Considerations Before the Freeze

It’s cold out there, and as temperatures drop and operations shift into off-season mode, marina owners face a different set of risks than they do during peak boating months. This is the ideal time for insurance agents to reach out to marina clients proactively. With your help, they can prepare for winter weather exposures and verify that their marina insurance is comprehensive, current, and tailored to the seasonal shift.

Winter Weather Risks To Flag for Marina Clients

Winter introduces hazards that can quickly lead to costly claims if left unaddressed. One of the biggest concerns is water systems freezing and damaging pipes, pumps, and other components that are vulnerable to low temperatures.

Burst pipes can cause significant interior and exterior property damage, especially in unattended buildings. Agents should also remind clients that docks and piers take on additional stress as ice forms and expands. Fluctuating water levels and ice movement can warp, crack, or break dock structures.

Another everyday exposure is increased slip-and-fall liability. Ice accumulation on walkways, ramps, and parking areas creates a heightened risk for customers, contractors, and winter storage visitors. Snow and ice buildup on roofs further increases the chance of property damage or collapse during cold snaps or sudden thaws.

Meanwhile, the water at your marina is another hazard. The last thing you want is for a worker or guest to slip or fall into freezing water or sustain an injury.

Key Coverages To Review in Marina Insurance Programs

Ahead of renewal season, agents have an opportunity to walk marina clients through the essential insurance coverages that matter most when temperatures fall.

Property and Dock Structure Protection

Confirm that docks, piers, buildings, storage racks, and mechanical systems have adequate limits for winter hazards. Encourage clients to review the replacement cost of older docks or infrastructure that may not reflect the pricing they were covered for in an older policy.

General Liability & Business Interruption Coverage

Reduced operations do not eliminate liability exposure. Slip-and-fall risks can increase in colder months, and even minor winter events can disrupt operations or delay spring commissioning.

Pollution or Debris Removal

Frozen conditions can cause fuel leaks, debris accumulation, and unexpected environmental incidents. Many marina operators are unaware of how these clauses work or what limits they currently carry, making this an ideal education point during winter prep conversations.

How Agents Can Help Clients Reduce Winter Losses and Costs

Insurance is there to help protect your clients in the event of a claim, but it’s ideal if they can prevent such issues from arising in the first place. You can encourage marina clients to reduce claims and potential premium increases and keep everyone safe by:

• Conducting pre-winter inspections of docks, roofs, and mechanical systems
• Shutting off, draining, or insulating vulnerable waterlines
• Closing off docks that are unsafe or prone to ice movement
• Adding signage warning of icy conditions, restricted access, or limited staffing
• Reviewing snow removal plans and confirming vendor contracts are in place

Help Marina Clients Weather the Season With Merrimac

Winter is a natural checkpoint for agents to reconnect with marina clients, assess their evolving risks, and confirm that their insurance program is ready for the months ahead. Proactive conversations now can help avoid emergency calls or expensive surprises later.

Contact Merrimac Marine Insurance to help your marina clients prepare for winter with the right protection in place.

About Merrimac Marine Insurance

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