I rode my Evolve skateboard through a shallow puddle. Five minutes later, it shut off and never turned back on. I opened it up: water had gotten into the ESC (controller). I filed a claim with my specialty insurer for “accidental damage.” They asked for photos of the seals and then denied it, calling it “Wear and Tear” and “Negligence.”
Key Takeaways
- IP Ratings Matter: If your board is IP54 (splash resistant) and you submerged it, that is “negligence” or “operating outside manufacturer specs.”
- Sudden vs. Gradual: Insurance covers accidents (dropping it in a lake). It does not cover gradual corrosion from riding in damp conditions over months.
- The “Seals” Defense: If you opened the board previously (to swap battery or check electronics) and broke the factory water seal, coverage is void.
- Warranty Void: Manufacturers definitely won’t cover water damage. There are water-detection stickers inside the board that turn red.
The “Why” (Foreseeable Risk)
Riding an electronic device through water is a known risk.
“We do not cover loss caused by… dampness of atmosphere, extremes of temperature, or rust/corrosion.”
The Investigation: The Water Test
I checked policy language for water claims.
1. SquareTrade / Allstate Protection Plans
- Verdict: No. They cover drops and spills (like coffee), but “immersion” of an outdoor vehicle is usually excluded under “misuse.”
2. Specialty PEV Insurance
- Verdict: Maybe. If you fell into a river? Yes, that’s an accident. If you rode in the rain? No, that’s “operation in unsuitable conditions.”
3. Manufacturer Warranty
- Verdict: Hard No. Evolve, Future Motion, and others explicitly state water damage voids the warranty.
Comparison Table
| Scenario | Insurance Outcome |
| Board falls off bridge into river | Covered (Accident) |
| Riding in heavy rain | Denied (Negligence/Misuse) |
| Pipe bursts in apartment, soaking board | Covered (Peril of Water) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Badgering: If you are buying a waterproof board (like some high-end EUCs claiming IP67), save the marketing material. If insurance denies a water claim, show them the ad: “The manufacturer said it was waterproof, so riding in rain was not negligence.”
- Don’t Open It: If you suspect water damage and plan to claim “accidental flood,” do not open the casing. Let the adjuster/repair shop do it.
- Badger Proofing: Silicon sealant is your friend, but don’t expect insurance to pay if it fails.
FAQ
Does the “Badger” waterproofing kit void insurance?
Technically, modifying the board can void coverage. But it also prevents the damage in the first place.
[IMAGE: Photo of a corroded circuit board with a red water-contact indicator sticker]