Insurance & Safety
How insurance, payments, and incidents work on DockItUp.
This page provides general platform information only. It is not legal or insurance advice. Consult your insurance provider and legal counsel for guidance specific to your situation.
Platform Overview
DockItUp is a marketplace that connects dock owners and boat owners. DockItUp does not provide, sell, or guarantee insurance, and does not determine liability in the event of incidents. Each user is responsible for maintaining their own appropriate coverage.
DockItUp's Role as a Marketplace
DockItUp:
- Helps dock owners and boaters find each other
- Provides booking and payment processing tools
- Stores booking records and communication logs
- Allows users to exchange information such as insurance documents
DockItUp does NOT:
- Act as a party to rental agreements
- Provide, sell, or guarantee insurance coverage
- Verify or validate the authenticity of insurance documents
- Inspect docks, vessels, or safety conditions
- Investigate accidents or determine fault
- Mediate insurance claims or disputes
- Communicate with insurance providers on behalf of users
DockItUp's role is limited to providing the technology platform that facilitates connections and bookings.
Insurance Expectations
Boat Owner / Renter Responsibilities
Boat owners renting a dock should maintain active boat insurance that includes liability coverage.
Typical policies should cover:
- Vessel liability
- Damage to docks or surrounding property
- Damage to neighboring vessels
- Environmental incidents such as fuel or oil leaks
Boat owners should ensure their policy covers the location where the boat is docked and the duration of the rental.
Dock Owner Responsibilities
Dock owners should maintain appropriate property or dock insurance coverage.
Dock owners should verify with their insurance provider that:
- Their dock is covered for third-party vessel docking
- Their policy allows rental or commercial use if applicable
- Liability coverage is sufficient for potential incidents
Important: Insurance requirements vary by policy and provider. Users should consult their insurance provider to confirm coverage.
Insurance Document Sharing
DockItUp allows users to upload and share insurance documents for transparency between dock owners and boaters. These documents are provided by users and stored for informational purposes only.
DockItUp does NOT:
- Verify the authenticity of insurance documents
- Confirm policy validity
- Guarantee that coverage is sufficient
Users are responsible for reviewing and verifying insurance details with each other when necessary.
Payments & Payouts
All payments on DockItUp are processed by Stripe, a third-party payment processor. DockItUp is not a bank, escrow agent, or financial institution and does not hold funds on behalf of users.
Renters are charged at booking confirmation. Payment is captured through Stripe's secure infrastructure.
Dock owners receive payouts to their connected Stripe account. Payout timing depends on Stripe's standard payout schedule and the booking's payout conditions.
DockItUp deducts a 10% platform fee from each booking. Owners keep 90% of the agreed rental amount.
Refunds, if applicable, are processed through Stripe. Refund eligibility is governed by the cancellation policy displayed at booking.
Disputes related to charges must be addressed through your Stripe dashboard or Stripe support. DockItUp does not process payment disputes directly.
If Damage, Injury, or an Incident Occurs
Immediate Steps
- 1
Ensure safety first
Contact emergency services if anyone is injured or in danger.
- 2
Contact your insurance provider
Notify your insurer and begin the claims process.
- 3
Document the situation
Take photos and record relevant details of the incident.
- 4
Exchange information
Share insurance and contact information with the other party involved.
Most insurance providers require prompt notification after an incident.
Platform Limitations
DockItUp does not:
- Investigate incidents, accidents, or disputes between users
- Determine fault or liability
- Participate in or mediate insurance claims
- Provide, sell, or guarantee insurance coverage
- Independently verify the authenticity, validity, or coverage limits of submitted insurance documents
- Inspect docks, vessels, or safety conditions
- Communicate with insurance providers on behalf of users
Platform Records & Legal Requests
DockItUp securely stores platform records including:
- Booking details
- Communication logs
- Listing snapshots
- Acceptance timestamps
These records may be used for:
- Platform integrity and compliance
- Resolving platform issues
- Responding to lawful requests such as subpoenas or court orders
DockItUp provides factual records only and does not provide interpretations or opinions regarding incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is boat insurance required to use DockItUp?
Yes. Boat owners are expected to maintain active boat insurance with liability coverage while using docks listed on DockItUp. Dock owners may request proof of insurance before accepting bookings.
What if damage occurs during my rental?
Contact your insurance provider immediately. Exchange insurance information with the other party. File claims with your respective insurers. DockItUp does not investigate or participate in damage claims.
What if someone gets injured at the dock?
Call 911 immediately if medical attention is needed. Report the incident to your insurance provider. Dock owners and renters are responsible for handling all injury claims through their insurance.
Does DockItUp verify insurance documents?
No. Insurance documents uploaded to the platform are user-provided and for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for verifying each other's insurance directly.
Can DockItUp mediate disputes between users?
No. All disputes must be handled between the parties directly or through their insurance providers and legal counsel.
Will DockItUp provide records for legal proceedings?
Platform records (bookings, messages, listings, acceptance logs) may be provided upon lawful request such as a subpoena or court order. Records are provided as factual data only.
What insurance do I need as a dock owner?
You must maintain property/dock insurance with liability coverage. Your policy must permit commercial dock rentals. Consult your insurance provider to ensure adequate coverage.
What insurance do I need as a boat owner?
You must maintain vessel insurance with liability coverage. Ensure your policy covers the rental period and location. Consult your insurance provider for specific requirements.
Emergency Contacts
For urgent situations on the water — save these before your stay
Emergency Services
Call 911
Life, safety, fire, or crime
U.S. Coast Guard
VHF Channel 16
or 1-800-368-5647
Maritime distress
Your Insurance
Claims line on policy
Keep card in your vessel
Legal Notice
This page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, insurance, or financial advice. DockItUp is a marketplace platform that facilitates connections between dock owners and boaters. DockItUp does not provide, broker, or guarantee any insurance coverage, and is not a party to any insurance policy.
All insurance, liability, and dispute matters are governed by the terms agreed to by users at the time of account creation and booking. Users are solely responsible for maintaining appropriate insurance and complying with applicable laws and regulations. Consult a licensed insurance professional or legal counsel for guidance specific to your situation.