Should You Cancel Your PWC Insurance in the Off Season?

If your Jet Ski is parked for the winter, it might seem like a smart move to cancel your PWC insurance and save a few bucks. But before you pull the plug, it’s worth understanding what you give up—and what risks might still be floating around.

Here’s what to consider before canceling your PWC insurance during the off season.

You May Still Need Jet Ski Coverage—Even When You're Not Riding

Just because your Jet Ski is out of the water doesn’t mean it’s out of harm’s way. Off-season risks include:

• Theft: PWCs are lightweight and often stored in driveways, sheds, or unsecured lots.
• Fire: A garage fire could damage or destroy your PWC.
• Weather damage: Storms, flooding, or fallen branches can do real damage—even in storage.

Without coverage, you’re on your own for those losses. Most of these risks are only covered under a comprehensive insurance policy, which stays active year-round.

Canceling Your Jet Ski Insurance Could Cost You Later

Aside from risk exposure, canceling your insurance could have other consequences:

• Coverage gaps may affect your insurance history, potentially raising your future rates.
• You could lose multi-policy discounts if you’ve bundled your PWC insurance with auto or home.
• If you decide to take your Jet Ski out unexpectedly on a warm spring day, you’ll be uninsured unless you reactivate your policy first.

In short: canceling now could cost more later.

Consider Seasonal or Lay-Up Coverage Instead For Your PWC

Some insurers offer a seasonal or “lay-up” policy. This keeps your coverage in place for off-water risks (like theft or fire), but temporarily suspends liability and collision while your Jet Ski’s in storage.

It’s a good compromise—you stay protected without paying for coverage you don’t need.

Ask your provider if seasonal coverage is available. (We work with providers who offer this flexibility.)

How to Prep Your Jet Ski for Off-Season Storage

Even with insurance in place, proper storage goes a long way in protecting your PWC. Don’t forget to:

• Drain the fuel or add stabilizer
• Disconnect the battery
• Cover and lock your Jet Ski
• Store it in a dry, secure place

Some insurers may even require proof of secure storage to keep theft protection active.