by Yoshika Sangal | Oct 20, 2025 | Expertise, Safety Tips
As the boating season winds down, now is the time to start thinking about protecting your boat for the colder months ahead. Proper winterization protects your boat from cold weather damage and ensures a smooth, stress-free launch when spring arrives.
Winterization Basics
Boat U.S. provides a comprehensive playlist of videos, articles, and checklists to guide boat owners through the winterization process. Winterizing involves properly storing your boat, protecting the engines, and ensuring the plumbing is freeze-proof.
Start with Storage: Deciding where to store your boat is the first big decision.
- Indoor storage offers the best protection, especially in climate-controlled facilities.
- Outdoor storage on land works well if the boat is properly covered and supported with a cradle, trailer, or jack stands.
- In-water storage is also an option but requires a few extra steps. Close all thru-hulls (except cockpit drains), secure dock lines, and check the boat periodically.
Drain Systems: Remove water from every part of the boat, including the sea strainer, engine blocks, plumbing systems, and air conditioning units. Add marine antifreeze to the bilge, keel, and water tanks to prevent freezing and cracking.
Prepare the Engine: Flush the engine with freshwater to remove salt, dirt, and corrosion. Refill the coolant system with antifreeze. If you choose to store your boat with a full fuel tank, add a fuel stabilizer and replace the fuel filters to prevent buildup and contamination.
Battery Maintenance: Disconnect and fully charge the battery. Store it in a warm, dry location until spring.
Clean and Remove Gear: Remove electronics, clothing, and safety gear. Clean the boat thoroughly to prevent mold and corrosion.
Since every boat is different, it’s important to check your owner’s manual for any specific instructions. Winterizing might take some effort, but these steps will help keep your boat in great shape and ready to hit the water when spring rolls around.
For more information or to contact our specialists, visit https://www.intactspecialty.com/en/ocean-marine/home.page.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute and is not intended to take the place of legal or risk management advice. Readers should consult their own legal counsel or other representatives for any such advice. Any and all third-party websites or sources referred to herein are for informational purposes only and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Intact Insurance Group USA LLC (“Intact”). Intact hereby disclaims any and all liability arising out of the information contained herein.
Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions, Intact Ocean Marine, and National Marine Underwriters are marketing brands for the insurance company subsidiaries of Intact Insurance Group USA LLC. Our solutions are backed by the financial strength of Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Intact Financial Corporation (TSX:IFC), rated A.M. BEST A+ | FITCH AA | MOODY’S A1
Coverages may be underwritten by one of the following insurance companies: Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company, a New York insurer; Homeland Insurance Company of New York, a New York insurer; Homeland Insurance Company of Delaware, a Delaware insurer; OBI America Insurance Company, a Pennsylvania insurer; or OBI National Insurance Company, a Pennsylvania insurer. Each of these insurers maintains its principal place of business at 605 Highway 169 N, Plymouth, MN 55441.
by Yoshika Sangal | Aug 15, 2025 | Entertainment Insurance, Expertise
Planning a festival or cultural event? Whether it’s a music fest, or a cultural celebration, there’s a lot to coordinate—talent, vendors, food, and of course, your guests. But have you considered what could go wrong? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are the top reasons why getting insurance for your festival or cultural event is the best decision you can make (besides hiring the best caterer, of course).
1. Guest Injuries – Slips, Trips, and Falls (Oh My!)
Festivals and cultural events attract a crowd, and with crowds come unexpected accidents. Maybe it’s a misstep while walking through a wet spot or someone tripping over an unattended cord, injuries are one of the most common risks where the host may be held responsible. Event insurance is the perfect way to ensure that any slips, trips, or falls won’t leave you paying for a hospital visit!
2. Liquor Liability: The Party’s Not Over, But the Risk Is Real
Let’s face it: alcohol is often part of the fun at festivals and cultural events. But with great beer comes great responsibility (and risk). If you’re serving alcohol, you need host liquor coverage or liquor liability to protect against any potential incidents. Whether it’s a guest overindulging or an accident caused by too much booze, having liquor coverage ensures you’re not stuck footing the bill for alcohol-related mishaps.
3. Venue or Property Damage Can Be Expensive
Accidents happen, and festivals are chaotic! If the venue’s premises is damaged during your event, you could be on the hook for the repairs or replacements. Event insurance helps you avoid the shock of surprise bills by covering the costs of premises damage that occurs, ensuring your budget stays intact (and your venue stays happy).
4. Personal and Advertising Injury – Because Reputation Matters
It’s not just physical risks you need to watch out for – sometimes, the harm is in what’s said or written. What if someone sues for personal injury or defamation related to your event? It’s more common than you think. Personal and advertising injuries can include issues like slander, libel, or false claims about your event or its organizers. With event insurance, you’re covered from potential legal claims that could harm your event’s reputation and your pocketbook.
5. Venues Require Insurance More Than Ever
As venues become more cautious with their risk management, many are now requiring proof of event insurance before they’ll even let you book. This is their way of protecting themselves, and you! Having the proper coverage makes securing a venue much easier, and it’s often non-negotiable if you want to hold your event at a certain location.
Get Covered, Get Confident
When you’re planning a festival or cultural event, there are a lot of moving parts. With insurance, you’re not only protecting yourself from the unknown, you’re ensuring that the event goes off without a hitch.
Get your event insurance today and make sure your festival or cultural event is one for the books – not the insurance claims.
by Yoshika Sangal | Aug 8, 2025 | Intern Spotlight
Intern Spotlight Series: Introducing interns Ella Scimeca and Benjamin Shaar.
As we wrap up our Intern Spotlight Series, we are introducing our final featured interns Ella Scimeca and Benjamin Shaar. Throughout this we’ve shared the incredible journeys and aspirations of our talented interns, and today is no exception. Discover their goals and aspirations as they contribute to our company.
(more…)
by Yoshika Sangal | Aug 4, 2025 | Entertainment Insurance, Expertise
No matter how perfect your planning, unexpected mishaps can disrupt your event. Here are the top four things that can go wrong.
1. Damage to the Venue or Premises
It doesn’t take much to cause damage to a venue. A spilled drink, a damaged door, or stained flooring, can leave you with a large repair bill from the venue.
2. Guest Injuries
A spill on the floor or a blocked walkway due to improperly placed objects by the host, these incidents often lead to liability claims, leaving you financially responsible.
3. Alcohol-Related Incidents
When alcohol is involved, the stakes are higher. Overindulgence could lead to property damage, accidents, or injuries, which may result in costly lawsuits.
4. Personal or Advertising Injury
Advertising-related exposures, such as unintentional defamation or disputes over how an event was marketed, can create legal complications. Negative reviews or misunderstandings can expose you to unexpected liabilities.
Why Preparation Is Key
Proper protocols and insurance go hand-in-hand. Working with the venue to ensure safety measures, as well as securing the right insurance coverage ensures your event runs smoothly, even when the unexpected happens.
Don’t let the “what ifs” ruin your big day. Get a GatherGuard® quote today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re prepared for anything.
by Yoshika Sangal | Jul 31, 2025 | Intern Spotlight
Intern Spotlight Series: Introducing interns Anneliese Ladd, Vrisan Kuttin, Abdirahman Hashi, and James Reiss.
As we continue our Intern Spotlight Series, this week we are pleased to introduce Anneliese Ladd, Vrisan Kuttin, Abdirahman, and James Reiss. They each share a bit about their backgrounds, what led them to Intact, and what they hope to gain from their internship experience. We look forward to supporting their growth and impact this summer!
(more…)
