Resources

Choose the option that works best for you. You will require your Aviva Client Account Number found on your policy document (page one, on the reverse). Your Account number is 13 digits. 

1. Online and telephone banking

• Log onto your bank’s Internet banking website or call your bank’s telephone banking number. Under your bill payee list, add payee “Elite Insurance Company” and enter your account number. 

2. Credit Card

• Pay securely by credit card through Aviva Canada’s payment portal. PAY BY CREDIT CARD HERE

3. Pre-authorized monthly payment from your bank account

• To enroll in Aviva’s monthly payment plan, complete the PAC form found in your policy documents. Complete, sign, and return to your broker, along with a sample cheque marked VOID or your financial instition’s PAD form.   

Choose the option that works best for you. You will require your Intact Policy number found on your policy documents (top right under the Intact insurance symbol on your invoice). The format for the account number is 0 00000000 0000. Do not include any spaces or additional characters in the policy number.

1. Online and telephone banking

• Log onto your bank’s Internet banking website or call your bank’s telephone banking number.
• Under your bill payee list, add payee “Intact Insurance” and enter your policy number.

2. Credit Card

Pay securely by credit card through Intact’s Insurance portal. Pay by credit card here. You will need your policy number and policy effective date.

• To update your credit card information or speak with an Intact billing specialist, call 1-844-574-7981 select option 4…1…3) – Monday to Friday, from 8:00am to 7:00pm EST.

3. Pre-authorized monthly payment from your bank account

• To enroll in Intact’s monthly payment plan, complete the PAC form found in your policy documents. Complete, sign, and return to your broker, along with a sample cheque marked VOID. 3% interest charges apply. Other fees may apply, please review your invoice from Intact. 

Choose the option that works best for you. Please reference the Invoice included on the first page of your policy documents for the required information required for your payments, and your account number.

    1. Credit Card

• Pay securely by credit card through PMU’s Insurance portal. PAY BY CREDIT CARD HERE.

     2. Online and telephone banking

• Log onto your bank’s Internet banking website or call your bank’s telephone banking number.
• Under your bill payee list, add payee “Pacific Marine Underwriting” and enter your account number.

      3. Cheque

• Mail your cheque payable to Pacific Marine with your invoice to Pacific Marine, 4853 Hastings St, Burnaby BC, V5C 2L1 

For all other Company’s/Insurers, please contact your Gallagher Skippers’ Plan Marine Specialist.  1.800.661.7211 

You’re purchasing a boat, or we’ve asked for a survey or photos with your policy or before we issue your policy.

Why do I need a survey or photos?

Marine Surveys have been a standard requirement in the boat insurance industry on older vessels (15-20 years and older), and we continue to recommend them if you are purchasing a boat. It may also be required.  Surveys provide boat buyers with peace of mind prior to purchase, identify potential safety and maintenance issues and can provide an up-to-date value of the vessel, which helps to determine if it’s over insured or under insured. And most importantly, the seaworthiness of the vessel. 

Our insurance companies request surveys when your boat is:

• Greater than 20 years of age, and
• 30 ft LOA, and greater, or
• $50,000 in value, and greater;
• Or maintaining Agreed Value Coverage from 15 years of age;
• Or Sea-Doo jet boats 

All collector & antique boats with Gallagher Skippers’ Plan will require a survey regardless of age.

A marine survey can be requested by an insurance company’s underwriting at any time. If the marine survey or valuation report is deemed unacceptable, they reserve the right to decline the risk / cancel the policy. 

A survey request is sent out one year prior to its due date. If your documents note that a survey is being requested, then you will have until the following year’s renewal date to have it done. Surveys are usually performed prior to launch or right after haul out as they must be performed while out of the water, and so we suggest scheduling your survey to be performed during one of those times within the next year. 

Surveys are valid for two (2) years for new policies, and for our existing clients and their renewals, Surveys will be requested every five (5) years from the last survey date. 

It means that the survey will be requested on that year’s renewal date and you will have one year to have the survey performed after being provided notice. For instance, if it says “Next Survey Required: 2025”, this means a survey will be requested on your 2025 renewal date, and you will have until the 2026 renewal date to have the report submitted to for review. Some insurance companies will then allow up to 2 years to obtain the survey given seasonality and limited surveyors in some parts of Canada.  

A marine survey is a detailed inspection of your boat’s exterior, rigging, interior, safety equipment, electronics, and mechanical components. As the surveyor inspects the boat, they’ll note any potential issues and present you with documentation that lists the current condition and seaworthiness of the vessel, as well as a value estimate. The surveyor will include many photos with their report. If a value estimate is provided, the value is not utilized by most insurance companies. (The insurable interest, the amount you purchased your vessel for plus tenders, accessories, improvements and betterments plus tax, is the value the insurance companies allow you and us to insure your vessel for). 

Your surveyor will note its importance to seaworthiness and safety. The insurer will require the urgent and non-urgent items to be addressed in a timely manner. Some issues may affect your insurability.  Your broker would reach out to you regarding these issues to discuss them further with you once the survey report has been reviewed with the underwriter. 

The cost of a boat survey for insurance is usually charged by the size of the boat, typically per foot. You can generally expect to pay around $20 per foot or more. In addition to vessel length, boat survey costs may be affected by the age of the boat, its construction type and location. 

Usually, the prospective policyholder of the vessel pays for the survey. An insurance company won’t pay for a survey needed to satisfy their requirements.

If you’re looking to buy a boat and want to survey it before you get it, you may be able to work something out with the current owner to have them cover some of the costs. But, generally, you should expect to foot the bill for any insurance surveys you need.

The cost of a haul-out isn’t generally included in a survey price, either, but you’ll likely need to pay for that, too, if it’s not already out of the water. This is another reason to know what your insurer expects before having the survey done. If you find out you’ll need to haul your boat for an inspection, you’ll need to organize it with the marina ahead of time. Most boat owners tend to schedule surveys prior to their Spring launch or right after their Autumn haul out, so be sure to schedule surveyors ahead of time as they are the most busy during those times of year. 

To find a boat surveyor near you, a good place to look is the American Boat & Yacht Council whose members have received their training, however we recommend an accredited member of either the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors or International Association of Marine Surveyors. They have databases by country, province and state, and you’ll be able to find one close by. Surveyors will often travel to survey a boat. 

Photos are an alternative to a survey when your boat is on an Actual Cash Value coverage form and:

• Greater than 15 years old, and
• Less than 30 ft LOA, and
• Less than $50,000 in value, and
• not a Sea-Doo jet boat 

Our insurance companies do require out-of-water surveys and photos. For Marine surveys, a surveyor will measure the moisture on your hull and deck. In order to have accurate moisture readings or soundings, they may recommend that your boat to be out of the water for seven (7) days or more.

Some surveyors will suggest to you to do a portion of the survey in the water, and an out of water portion on a different date. This is not an issue and is acceptable so long as the out of water portion is still extensive to cover all the related items of interest (for instance, moisture readings can’t be done in water and would still have to be included in the out of water portion). Please note that, if doing a survey in water and out of water, the full survey is required prior to the deadline to meet the requirement. Submitting only the in water portion of the survey and asking for an extension to do the out of water portion may not be granted. 

Photos of all exterior sides of the boat, the interior, the engine or engine compartment(s), electrical system(s), electronics, Hull Identification Number (HIN) and or Serial Number of the hull. 

In most urban centers and boating hubs, finding a surveyor may take some research to find a surveyor that your comfortable with. If your in a remote area of Canada and a surveyor cannot come to you, you will still need to obtain a value and condition report from a local marina or ABYC certified marine technician. The report will also include photos of your vessel. We will submit to your insurance company, however, the final call is with the insurance company. 

Survey’s may be sent to ibam.gsp.service@ajg.com. Be sure to include you r policy number or quote number with your email. 

Discover boating has a great article here. 

Agreed Value and Actual Cash Value refer to the settlement basis applicable to your policy in the even.

Agreed Value means that in the event of a total loss, no depreciation will be applied to the insured value listed on your policy. In the event of any partial losses (repairs) the insurance company agrees to pay to repair your watercraft with brand new parts not exceeding the limit of your insurance.

Actual Cash Value means that depreciation is applied to all claims (partial or total), so the amount you receive will be reflective of current market value of the whole watercraft or the part that was damaged, at the time of the loss. 

Less your deductible at the time of less (if applicable)

An “All Risk” policy is a type of insurance policy that provides coverage for a wide range of risks or perils, except for those specifically excluded in the policy. It is considered one of the most comprehensive forms of insurance coverage available. 

Policy’s issued by Canadian insurers will automatically renew each year about 60 days prior to the renewal date and there won’t be any lapse in coverage. If you wish to non-renew, your insurance policy can be cancelled by providing a signed cancellation form to us.  

The value of your watercraft listed in your policy covers the machinery, equipment, and electronics necessary for its operation and maintenance. 

However, it does not extend to extra items you may carry onboard, such as downriggers, fishing tackle, or trailers. Coverage for these additional items is available under separate sections of your policy. 

What is a “Warranty” or “Suspensive Condition” in a Boat Policy and Why Should You Care?

A warranty in a boat insurance policy is a specific condition or promise that the insured (you) must comply with to ensure the policy remains valid. These warranties are legally binding and are often included to reduce the insurer’s risk by requiring certain actions or precautions from the boat owner.

Why Warranties Matter:

1. Policy Validity: If you fail to comply with a warranty, the insurer may deny a claim—even if the breach of warranty is unrelated to the loss.
2. Risk Management: Warranties are designed to ensure that you take reasonable steps to protect your boat and reduce the likelihood of damage or loss.
3. Legal Obligation: Warranties are not just recommendations; they are contractual obligations. Ignoring them could leave you without coverage when you need it most.

Common Warranties in Boat Policies:

• Navigation Limits: Specifies where the boat can operate (e.g., inland waters, coastal areas). Operating outside these limits could void coverage.
• Lay-Up Periods: Requires the boat to be out of the water or stored during certain months (e.g., winter lay-up). Using the boat during this period may breach the warranty.
• Safety Equipment: Mandates that specific safety equipment (e.g., life jackets, fire extinguishers) must be on board and in working condition.
• Use: Mandates that the boat will only be used for Private Pleasure Purposes and not for any commercial activities. Such as Charter, carrying passensages for cargo for any type of compensation or renumeration, business purposes, charitable or voluntary use. Also that the boat will not used for racing (except sailboats) or any speed test. 

Why You Should Care:

• Claims Denial: Even a minor breach of warranty could result in the denial of a claim, leaving you financially responsible for damages or losses.
• Financial Protection: Adhering to warranties ensures that your coverage remains intact, providing peace of mind and financial security.
• Legal Compliance: Understanding and complying with warranties helps you avoid disputes with your insurer.

What You Should Do:

• Read Your Policy Carefully: Understand all warranties included in your policy and their implications.
• Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about a warranty or how to comply, consult your broker or insurer for clarification.
• Stay Compliant: Regularly check that you’re meeting the requirements of the warranties, such as maintaining safety equipment or adhering to navigation limits.

By understanding and adhering to the warranties in your boat policy, you can ensure that your coverage remains valid and that you’re protected in the event of a loss. 

If you have a trailer with your boat, please be sure to advise us as we can absolutely include physical damage coverage for your trailer with your policy.
 

Watersports are permitted by most insurers (i.e. Aviva permits watersports however has restrictions). Review your policy or contact us to review it for you.

You must ensure your watercraft is suitable to safely and legally participate in the activity. As an example, a spotter is required and seat(s) for tuber, skiier or surfer. This includes being towed by a PWC – example, only a three person PWC can be used for watersports.

Wakesurfing will only be covered on boats that are equipped with engines specifically made for wakesurfing – inboard engine, jet engine or forward-facing drives.

Tethered Flight is never excluded for all coverages. 

Boat policies condition a lay-up period given our harsh winters. A lay-up is typically a strict policy conduition that the boat will be laid up ashore, winterized and out of commission from November 30th to April 1st inclusive. 

Some policies allow boats to operate in waters that are normally ice free or unless other arrangements are approved by th insurance company. 

Winterization must be completed every season.

 Your policy is an annual policy covering your boat on land, in water, while in transit, and in storage.  

With the permission of the insuance company, vessels may be laid up aflaot however, there is no coverage against loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by – Ice, freezing or extremes of temperature. 

The insurer may also add a Freezing Mitigation Warranty, where you’ll need to use an agitator / de-icer / dock bubbler to protect the hull of the boat from damage caused by freezing or ice while the boat is afloat. It is also warranted that the agitator / de-icer / dock bubbler is connected to a functional back-up power supply.

Risk and costs to maintain a lay-up afloat boat during the lay-up period may exceed your seasonal storage and haul out/in costs. 

Anyone can operate your watercraft with your permission, provided they have a valid Pleasure Craft Operators Card, are of the required age to legally operate the watercraft, and are also based on its horsepower. 

For anyone to operate your boat, they must meet the following:   

• Have permission owner of the boat 
• Be of legal age to operate the boat-specific horsepower 
• Have a valid pleasure craft operator’s card 
• Not using the boat for rental purposes or remuneration of any type 
• Not using the boat for anything illegal  

When you lend your boat, you are still responsible for its care, custody, and control; claims will follow the owner of the boat. All policy conditions remain in full force and effect, including warranties and suspensive conditions . 

A claim affect your premium depending on the specifics of the claim and your policy.

Please call our office and we would be happy to review your policy with you.