Hurricane Delta (Category 3) was tracking straight for my marina in Florida. The Dockmaster sent an urgent email: “Mandatory Evacuation. Haul your boat or lose your slip.” I paid a crane operator $1,200 to pull the boat and block it on high ground. The storm swerved and missed us. The boat was safe. I sent the $1,200 invoice to my insurer. They sent me a check for $600.
Key Takeaways
- Named Storm Share: Most marine policies have a “Named Storm Haul-Out” benefit, but it is often a 50/50 co-pay. They pay 50% of the cost, up to a limit (e.g., $1,000 max).
- The Trigger Matters: Coverage usually only triggers if the National Weather Service (NOAA) issues a “Hurricane Watch” or “Warning” for your specific area. If you panic and haul it out for a Tropical Storm watch, they might pay $0.
- Deductible Saver: The $1,200 you spent hauling it out is infinitely cheaper than the $5,000 deductible you’d pay if it sank. Some insurers waive the hull deductible if you successfully hauled it out according to a storm plan.
- Availability is Key: In 2026, finding a haul-out spot 48 hours before a storm is impossible. You need a “Reserved Haul-Out Contract” with a yard, or the insurance money is useless because you have nowhere to go.
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Preservation of Property.”
The insurer expects you to take “all reasonable steps” to protect the property. If you leave it in the water and it gets crushed, they might investigate if you were negligent (though they usually still pay the claim).
The Haul-Out benefit is an incentive, not a full reimbursement. It is designed to share the cost of risk mitigation.
The Investigation (I Compared Benefits)
I checked the “Haul Out” clauses for 2026.
BoatUS / Geico Marine
- Benefit: They pay 50% of the haul-out cost, up to $1,000 per storm.
- Trigger: NOAA Hurricane Watch/Warning.
- Bonus: They have a “Catastrophe Team” that helps coordinate, but they prioritize their own customers.
Pantaenius (Yacht Policy)
- Benefit: Often higher limits ($2,000+) and covers the “relaunched” cost too.
- Trigger: More flexible. They want the boat safe.
Progressive
- Benefit: Check the specific endorsement. It’s often capped at $500 or $1,000.
- Reality: In 2026 inflation, $500 covers the travel lift for about 10 minutes.
Comparison Table
| Carrier | Reimbursement % | Max Payout | Trigger |
| BoatUS | 50% | $1,000 | Named Storm Watch/Warning |
| Progressive | 50% | ~$1,000 | Named Storm Watch/Warning |
| Chubb (Masterpiece) | Up to $2,500+ | Flexible | Threat of storm |
| No Coverage | 0% | $0 | N/A |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Read the “Named Storm” Clause: Do this in June, not October. Know your limit.
- Keep the Receipt: The yard will be chaotic. Get a physical or digital receipt for the “Haul, Block, and Launch.”
- [IMAGE: Photo of a marina service invoice highlighting ‘Hurricane Haul Out’]
- Submit Immediately: Do not wait for the storm to pass. Submit the claim as a “Prevention Cost.” It usually does not count as a “loss” claim that raises your rates (check with your agent).
- Create a Hurricane Plan: Many insurers give a discount if you file a “Hurricane Plan” (e.g., “I will haul to XYZ Yard”) with them in advance.
FAQ
If I leave it in the water and it sinks, am I covered?
Usually yes, but your “Named Storm Deductible” will apply. This is often 5% or 10% of the Hull Value (e.g., $10,000 deductible on a $100k boat). Spending $1,200 to haul it is math that makes sense.
Does it cover the strap-down straps?
Usually no, just the labor and lift fees.