Storing Your Boat or RV for Winter in Central Texas: What to Check on Your Policy

When temperatures drop around Waco, many Central Texas families park the boat on its trailer or tuck the RV into storage until spring. Winter storage can change how your insurance applies, and a short review now can prevent surprises when you uncover the unit in March. Here is what to check before you put it away.

Review how your policy treats a stored unit

Boat and RV policies differ by carrier and by the way each one is written. Some allow you to adjust coverage while a unit is in storage, and others keep the same coverage year round. Ask whether comprehensive coverage stays active during the off season. If you have a loan on the boat or RV, your lender may also require continuous coverage, so confirm before you change or pause anything.

Tell your agent where it will be stored

A locked garage, a fenced yard, a covered lot, and a commercial storage facility all carry different risks. Ask whether the storage location affects your coverage or your premium, and whether the policy has any security requirements, such as a lock or a fence. Keep the details of the storage facility handy in case you need to file a claim.

Winterize to protect against freeze damage

Central Texas does not see hard freezes every winter, but when one arrives, water left in pipes, tanks, and engines can freeze and crack. Some policies treat freeze damage differently when a unit has not been winterized, so ask what yours expects. Follow the manufacturer's winterization steps: drain water lines and tanks, use antifreeze where it is recommended, and protect the batteries. Then keep a record of what you did and when.

Document what you own

Take clear photos of the exterior and interior, and write down the VIN or hull identification number. List the extras that matter, such as electronics, trolling motors, generators, awnings, and gear stored inside. Ask what limits apply to attached accessories and personal belongings, because these often differ from the limit on the boat or RV itself.

Plan for hail, wind, and theft

Texas weather can turn quickly, and stored units are exposed to hail and high wind, especially when parked outdoors. A good cover and a protected spot help, but coverage is what pays for repairs after a loss. Ask which causes of loss your policy includes and what your deductible would be for each one.

Talk with a local agent before you store it

Baker & Carey Insurance Agency is a family-owned independent agency in Waco, helping Central Texas families with auto, home, boat, RV, and renters coverage. Our team can review your current policy, explain how winter storage affects it, and look for options that fit how you use your boat or RV. Request a quote on our website to get started.