Making a Hurricane Plan for your Insurer

Do your cruising plans have you traveling in the hurricane zone? Then your insurance company will want you to file a hurricane plan. Here’s why they require them now and what you need to include in yours.

What is a Hurricane Plan?

If you plan to cruise in an area where hurricanes strike, your insurance company will want to know you have a plan in place to keep your boat safe. They may give you a form to complete. Even if they don’t, you’ll need to create a document that convinces them their investment will be safe.

Whatever format you use, you’ll need to detail where you plan to take your boat in case of a storm and how you’ll secure it. 

Why Insurance Companies Require Hurricane Plans Now

Over the past two decades, cruising has become more popular. There are many more boats out there, and boats are much more expensive. When Dave and I began cruising, most cruising monohulls cost less than $100,000. Now the average is probably closer to $250,000. This increased financial risk has resulted in larger and larger losses when hurricanes strike populated areas. 

After a hurricane strikes, actuaries gather and study the resulting data. One clear result of the research has been that proper boat preparation decreases the amount of damage. So insurance companies want to be convinced you’ll ensure your boat is safe and that you know how to do it.

In addition, since no two harbors are alike, your hurricane plan must convince the insurance company that your plan is specific to where you’re cruising.

Securing Your Boat

If you choose to leave your boat in a hurricane zone, there are three main ways to secure your boat in the event of a named storm.

Haul Out

One is to haul it out and store it “on the hard.” Research has proven this to be a safe method of storage. However, the jack stands must be chained together and rest on sheets of ¾ inch plywood or on concrete. You must also strap down your boat to eyes in the concrete or to helical anchors. The straps should not have any stretch.

Tie to a Dock

The second method is tying to a dock. This method can lead to damage if you don’t tie your boat up properly. Data show that up to 50% of damage to boats at the dock during a storm could have been prevented with better dock line placement, larger lines, and chafe protection.

You need to double your lines and add chafe guards before the hurricane arrives. You can determine the appropriate diameter and number of lines based on the size of your boat.

For example, one company recommends:

• Boats 31-45 feet use 12 lines at a minimum of 5/8 inch diameter.
• Boats 45-60 feet use 16 lines at a minimum of 3/4 inch line.

Form a spider web of lines with some long and some short. Tie around a piling instead of to a cleat that could pull loose from the dock. Fire hose works great as chafe protection.

Anchor Tied Off to Mangroves

Finally, some cruisers anchor in a hurricane hole and tie off to mangroves. This is most common among cruisers who self-insure. Commercial insurers hesitate to leave their profits in the hands of a boat owner’s anchoring skills. However, if you choose this method, learn the skills to make it more likely to make it through a named storm in our course, Comprehensive Hurricane Prep for Boaters. Sharing the completion certificate for this course is one way to prove to your insurer that you’ve made the effort to protect your boat.

In addition to knowing how you plan to secure your boat, your insurance company will need additional information on your hurricane plan.

Information to Add to Your Hurricane Plan

Your insurance company will also require the name, address, and phone number of a person responsible for communication after the hurricane. If you’re leaving your boat, this should be someone nearby. He or she can report to you and the insurance company about how your boat fared. They should provide pictures and, if needed, arrange for repairs.

Don’t forget to authorize someone you trust to be able to move the boat, if needed. Good choices might include a dock master or another cruiser who lives in the marina or nearby. Regardless of your choice, make it well in advance of a storm. You’ll need time to familiarize your chosen captain with the boat.

Depending on your area, some companies may want to know your backup plan. When a hurricane is approaching, your local yard may be full. So what is your next best option?

Or what if a marina requires you to leave? Can you get to a hurricane hole? It is best to have a plan ahead of time so you don’t have any last-minute surprises.

Last Hurricane Prep Tasks

Don’t forget common sense things like removing all canvas and sails and any other loose items on the deck. Most companies will not cover sails or canvas left out, so take it all down and store it down below.

Some companies recommend sealing all ports, windows, and hatches with tape to prevent driving rain from entering and causing water damage down below. Ask your insurer about their special requirements well ahead of hurricane season. 

Finally, once you have secured your boat, take photos. Focus on chafe guards and multiple lines. Take general photos of the boat’s condition as well.

Submit Your Hurricane Plan to Your Insurer

Yes, your insurer may be requiring a hurricane plan. But it helps you as well. It’s an excellent way to get you thinking of how to protect your boat before you need to.

Fill out the insurer’s form (or create your own) as completely as possible. Don’t say you are going to do something that you can’t do. Be honest about your plans. 

If the company is not satisfied with your plan, you will be asked to revise it until both parties agree. This form becomes part of your policy. It’s a legal and binding document. It is also a good way to prepare calmly for an event you hope will never happen. But if the worst happens, your plan will guide you as you prepare for a storm.

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