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One of the things we hear most often from Dockwa boaters: "What happens if I have to cancel?"
That's because planning a trip on the water is a risk. You find the right marina, lock in your dates, make sure everything lines up, and then hope that Mother Nature and everything else cooperates. Every cruiser knows that feeling.
When you book a flight, you can add trip protection. Book a hotel or a train, same thing. It's become a standard part of how people protect travel plans they've put real time and money into. Until now, that option didn't exist for cruisers making marina reservations.
Enter, Trip Protection on Dockwa.
Jump to Frequently Asked Questions here →
Trip Protection is now available to boaters at checkout when they book a transient marina reservation through the updated Dockwa app or website. It's optional, it's real coverage, and if something forces you to cancel or cut a trip short, you're not left absorbing a loss you didn't see coming.
What exactly is trip protection?
In simple terms, Trip Protection is optional travel insurance you can add when booking a transient marina reservation through the Dockwa app or website. It's offered in partnership with ViCoverage, powered by Vertical Insure. If you have to cancel a covered trip, Trip Protection reimburses your non-refundable marina costs.
When you opt-in your plan covers your entire trip, not just your marina reservation. It can reimburse up to 100% of non-refundable costs across your travel plans, including flights, hotels, and car rentals, if illness, injury, or other covered events force you to cancel or interrupt your trip. Coverage also extends to protection while you’re traveling, including medical expenses and emergency transportation if you get sick or injured during your trip.
How It Works
- Add Trip Protection at checkout when booking your slip through the Dockwa app or website. You won't be charged for it until the marina accepts your reservation. You always have the option to accept or decline coverage.
- ViCoverage sends your policy documents directly. Your marina reservation charge stays on your card as normal. The Trip Protection premium is a separate charge that appears on your statement as "ViCoverage" or "Vertical Insure".
- If you need to cancel or file a claim, go directly to ViCoverage at customers.vicoverage.com. Claims are independently managed by ViCoverage outside of the Dockwa platform.
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What's Covered
Two plan options are now available at Dockwa checkout:
Standard Trip Protection covers cancellation or trip interruption due to: illness or injury (you, a travel companion, or a family member), death of a family member, severe weather that makes travel unsafe, emergency damage to your home, jury duty or legal obligation, and other covered reasons as outlined in your policy.
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) adds coverage for cancellations that don't fit a listed reason. You just need to cancel before your trip and meet the terms of the CFAR option.
What's Not Covered
- Pre-existing conditions (unless your policy includes a waiver)
- Cancellations made after the cancellation deadline specified in your policy
- Costs already refunded by the marina
- Trips booked outside the Dockwa platform
- Costs above the coverage limit
Reservation Eligible
- Trip Protection is available on transient marina reservations booked only through the Dockwa iOS app or dockwa.com. It is not available through marina-embedded booking forms on other platforms.
- Total trip cost must be over $100 under $20,000.
- Coverage must be selected at checkout. It cannot be added to a reservation after booking is confirmed.
- CFAR is subject to state availability and specific terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before getting into the details, the most important thing to note about the processes behind Trip Protection on Dockwa is that ViCoverage handles everything after checkout. Policy documents, claims and customer support are all handled by ViCoverage. If you have a question about your coverage, need to update something, or need to file a claim, contact ViCoverage directly at support@vicoverage.com. Dockwa does not manage individual policies. The marina your booking at does not manage individual policies.
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Does Trip Protection replace the marina's cancellation policy?
No. The marina's cancellation policy still applies exactly as stated at booking. Trip Protection is separate coverage that reimburses your eligible out-of-pocket costs after the marina's policy applies.
Who is ViCoverage?
ViCoverage is the insurance brand that administers Trip Protection, powered by Vertical Insure. They handle your policy documents, customer support, and claims. Dockwa facilitates the offering at checkout, but your insurance relationship is directly with ViCoverage.
What does the charge look like on my bank statement?
You'll see two separate charges. Your marina reservation is charged by Dockwa as normal — that stays on your card regardless of whether you use Trip Protection. The Trip Protection premium is a separate charge from ViCoverage and will appear on your statement as "ViCoverage" or "Vertical Insure." If you cancel and file a claim, reimbursement comes directly from ViCoverage through their claims process — it is separate from your original booking transaction and unrelated to your marina charge.
Can I add Trip Protection after I've already booked?
No. Trip Protection must be selected at the time of booking. It's not available to add to an existing reservation after checkout is complete.
Can I change my coverage dates if my plans have changed?
The team at ViCoverage can help you get this updated - please reach out to support@vicoverage.com to update your travel dates.
Can I cancel my policy?
Yes - within 10 days of purchase, and if no claim has been filed. Contact support@vicoverage.com to request a cancellation and full refund.
How do I file a claim?
Claims are filed directly through ViCoverage at customers.vicoverage.com. Dockwa or the marina you're booking at are not managing the claims process. For support, contact ViCoverage at support@vicoverage.com.
What documentation will I need to provide to process a claim?
You’ll typically need proof of travel, and documentation of the event that caused your cancellation or interruption (e.g. a medical bill, police report, etc.)
Which plan should I choose?
Choose standard Trip Protection if your plans are set and you want coverage for common reasons people can't travel. Choose Trip Protection + CFAR if your plans are more tentative, or if you want the flexibility to cancel for any reason.
How can I get a copy of my policy documents?
Create a free Customer Portal account at customers.vicoverage.com using the email tied to your policy. You’ll also receive a confirmation email with your documents after purchasing coverage. Need help? Contact support@vicoverage.com.
Create a free Customer Portal account at customers.vicoverage.com using the email tied to your policy. You’ll also receive a confirmation email with your documents after purchasing coverage. Need help? Contact support@vicoverage.com.
What does "non-refundable costs" mean?
Non-refundable costs are the amounts you paid that the marina will not return under their cancellation policy. Trip Protection covers the gap — the costs you absorb after the marina's policy applies.
I'm a Florida resident. Is CFAR (Cancel For Any Reason) different for me?
Yes. CFAR reimbursement for Florida residents is 50% of eligible non-refundable costs, compared to 75% nationally. Standard Trip Protection coverage terms are the same regardless of state.
Does this cover my boat or gear?
Trip Protection covers your non-refundable marina reservation costs only. It is not a vessel insurance product and does not cover damage to your boat, gear, or personal property.
What if I have questions about my policy?
Contact ViCoverage directly at support@vicoverage.com or visit customers.vicoverage.com. Dockwa does not manage individual policies and cannot answer questions about your specific coverage.
