Every year, thousands of Quebec boaters take their boats down to Florida, the Bahamas or the Caribbean to enjoy winter sailing. But sailing in the South comes with specific risks — hurricanes, international waters, U.S. marina requirements — that your standard Quebec boat insurance typically doesn’t cover. This guide explains everything you need to know to sail south with confidence.
BOAT INSURANCE FOR THE SOUTH
Sail south with confidence
Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean — our specialized brokers find the ideal coverage for your watercraft and itinerary.
Get my free quote→The 6 essential coverages for sailing in the South
Sailing in American or Caribbean waters requires specific coverage that your standard Quebec policy does not include. Here are the coverages to check with your broker.
Hull and machinery (Hull)
Opt for an agreed value rather than a market value. In the event of a total loss in the tropics, you receive the agreed amount — without negotiation or depreciation.
Liability / PI (Protection Indemnity)
Covers damage to others, pollution and wreck removal. Marinas in Florida often require a minimum of $1 million to $2 million USD in liability to accommodate you.
Named Storm clause
Essential from June to November. Covers damage caused by named storms. Requires a written hurricane plan (shelter, straps, removal of sails).
Rescue and towing
The cost of towing at sea in the South can be as high as $5,000 to $20,000 USD. Include Sea Tow or TowBoatUS in your coverage. Offshore rescue costs even more.
Equipment and personal belongings
Navigation electronics (GPS, radar, AIS), dinghy, outboard motor, fishing equipment. The total value of the accessories can easily exceed $15,000.
Extensive navigation territory
Your policy must explicitly include the southern shipping areas: U.S. East Coast, Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean. Each territory has specific geographical boundaries.
Quebec vs. South: what’s changing in your insurance
Sailing in Quebec and sailing in the South are not the same policies. Here are the main differences to know before you set sail.
| Element | Navigation in Quebec | Sailing in the South |
|---|---|---|
| Area covered | River, lakes, sometimes bordering | Canada/USAFlorida, Bahamas, Caribbean — strict geographical boundaries |
| Civil | liabilityC$1–2 million recommended | US$1–2 million demanded by U.S. marinas |
| Storms | Standard | CoverageMandatory hurricane clause + written plan + special deductible |
| Towing | Local | OptionsSea Tow / TowBoatUS — 5-20x higher fee |
| Wintering | Stored in winter (Nov.–April) | Year-round navigation — storage and location to be reported |
| Flight | Moderate risk at dock/trailer | Variable risk — required marina safety conditions |
| Typical | exclusionsCommercial use, shopping, alcohol | + Uncovered areas, hurricane season, night offshore navigation |
| Submission | DocumentsType, year, value, engine, mooring | location+ Itinerary, ports/marinas, duration in the South, hurricane map, countries visited |
| Annual Premium* | $500 – $2,500 CAD | $1,500 – $6,000 CAD (depending on destination and duration) |
* Indicative premiums for a 30-45 foot sailboat or engine. Your exact rate depends on your profile and your boat.
Hurricane Season: What You Need to Know
Official season: June 1 to November 30
Most policies impose strict conditions during this period. Without a hurricane plan approved by your insurer, damage caused by a named storm may be denied — even if your policy includes the Named Storm clause. Check your obligations before June 1st.
Your hurricane plan should typically include:
Designated shelter location — hurricane-rated marina, haul-out or approved secure anchorage
Securing procedure — removal of sails and biminis, additional straps, protection of openings, additional anchors
Timeline — the plan must be in place 48 to 72 hours before the storm is expected to arrive
Restricted Navigation Zone — Some insurers prohibit navigation south of latitude 24°N (Keys) during hurricane season
Popular destinations and their requirements
Florida
#1 destination for Quebecers. Marinas in Fort Lauderdale, Miami and the Keys require a minimum liability coverage of US$1 million. Learn more →
Bahamas
Crossing from Florida (80-160 km). Requires international water coverage and a cruising permit. Hurricane deductible often higher.
Caribbean
BVI, Grenadines, Martinique… Some insurers limit coverage to the Lesser Antilles only. Offshore navigation required in the font.
Surveying: mandatory to insure in the South
Before obtaining coverage for navigation in the South, your insurer will require a recent marine survey (expertise of the boat). This is a non-negotiable condition for most specialty markets.
What the survey assesses
- Structural condition of the hull (osmosis, delamination)
- Mechanical systems (engine, transmission)
- Electricity and navigation systems
- Rigging (sailboats) — cables, winches, mast
- Safety equipment (vests, flares, raft)
- Estimated replacement value
Typical Requirements
- Survey dating from 3 to 5 years maximum
- Performed by a SAMS or NAMS certified expert
- Cost: $500 – $2,500 depending on size
- Haul-out included in the inspection
- May reduce your premium if excellent condition
- Some insurers accept a self-survey for boats 26 feet
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Get my South → boat quoteFAQs — Southern Boat Insurance
Why go through an insurance broker for boat insurance in the South?
The boat insurance market for international navigation is specialized, and few mainstream insurers offer it. An independent broker like Assur360 accesses Lloyd’s markets and niche marine insurers, negotiates the best terms, and ensures that your coverage matches your exact itinerary.
The boat insurance market for international shipping is specialized and few mainstream insurers offer it. An insurance broker like Assur360 accesses Lloyd’s markets and nested marine insurers, negotiates the best terms, and ensures your coverage matches your exact itinerary.
