Trip Protection is Coming to Dockwa. Here's What That Means for You.

We're giving your boaters more options at checkout. Your cancellation policy stays intact and your payouts are unaffected, whether they use it or not.

Trip protection for boaters is coming to Dockwa this May: Optional coverage your customers can add when they book a transient slip or mooring. If they cancel for a covered reason, ViCoverage reimburses their non-refundable costs. Your cancellation policy is unchanged. Your processes are unchanged. ViCoverage handles everything on the insurance side.

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What is Trip Protection Plus?

Trip Protection Plus is optional coverage boaters can add at checkout when booking a transient slip or mooring on the Dockwa iOS app or dockwa.com. Two plans are available - one that covers common disruptions like illness or severe weather, and one that adds a cancel-for-any-reason option. ViCoverage underwrites the policies, handles all documentation, and manages claims directly with boaters. Dockwa facilitates the offer at checkout. That's the full extent of Dockwa's role - and yours.

What Changes for Your Marina (and What Doesn't)

Your cancellation policy, your payouts, and your daily operations are unchanged. When a boater cancels, you enforce your policy exactly as you always have. Whether they file a claim is entirely between them and ViCoverage.

The one new thing you'll notice: For reservations with trip protection, you'll see a small section on the reservation details page in Dockwa showing the boater's selected plan, policy number, and coverage status. Informational only. Nothing your team needs to do.

How This Helps Your Marina

1. Fewer cancellation disputes

   Boaters who opt in to Trip Protection Plus have a path to recover their costs through ViCoverage, which means fewer conversations where your cancellation policy feels like the problem. Your policy still applies. They file a claim. The two don't interfere.

2. Boaters book with more confidence

   When boaters know they have a financial safety net, they're more likely to commit to reservations in advance. That means better fill rates and fewer cancellations for your marina.

3. Zero new workload for your team

   Your marina has no role in the insurance process. You don't explain coverage, look up policies, or handle claims. The entire insurance relationship is between the boater and ViCoverage.

    

What to Communicate To Your Team

If a boater asks about Trip Protection Plus or ViCoverage at check-in, the full answer is:

"For anything related to your trip protection coverage, including questions about what's covered or how to file a claim, please contact ViCoverage directly at support@vicoverage.com or customers.vicoverage.com."

That's all your team needs to know. If a boater is upset about your cancellation policy and has Trip Protection Plus, empathize, apply your policy, and point them to ViCoverage to file a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to sign anything or set anything up?
No. Trip Protection Plus goes live automatically for eligible transient reservations on Dockwa. There's nothing to configure, sign, or activate on your end.

Does this change my cancellation policy?
No. Your cancellation policy is fully intact. Trip Protection Plus and your cancellation terms are entirely separate. 

Does Trip Protection Plus affect my payout?
No. Your Dockwa payout is unchanged. Coverage is handled entirely by ViCoverage and has no impact on what you receive for the reservation per your cancellation policy. 

What if a boater's claim is declined by ViCoverage?
That's between the boater and ViCoverage. Your marina's cancellation policy still governs your side of the transaction. A declined claim doesn't obligate you to change your policy terms or issue additional refunds.

A boater is upset about my cancellation policy and has Trip Protection Plus. What do I do?
Apply your cancellation policy as you normally would. Acknowledge the situation, and let the boater know they can file a claim with ViCoverage at customers.vicoverage.com if their cancellation is covered. You're not responsible for the outcome of their claim.

What if a boater asks me to confirm their coverage?
Direct them to ViCoverage at customers.vicoverage.com or support@vicoverage.com. Your team doesn't need to advise on insurance coverage, and they shouldn't try to.

Is Trip Protection Plus available on all bookings at my marina?
Not quite. Trip Protection Plus is available to boaters booking through the Dockwa iOS app or dockwa.com. If your marina uses a Dockwa booking form embedded on your own website, Trip Protection Plus won't appear at checkout for those bookings.

Which reservations are eligible, and can trip protection be added after booking?
Trip Protection Plus is available on transient reservations booked through the Dockwa iOS app or Dockwa website. It must be selected by the boater at checkout and cannot be added after booking is confirmed.

Trip Protection is offered in partnership with ViCoverage, powered by Vertical Insure. Coverage is subject to the terms and conditions of the policy issued at the time of purchase. Marina cancellation policies are independent of and not superseded by Trip Protection. Dockwa facilitates the offering at checkout and is not a licensed insurance provider. For all coverage, claims, and policy questions, contact ViCoverage at support@vicoverage.com.