I am about to get insurance for a new Hunter 410. I would like to ask for suggestions on a broker that offers good service and prompt settlement of claims at a reasonable price.
Check the Feb 1 issue of Practical Sailor for an excellent article on shopping for boat insurance. They recommend Boat/US or West Marine policies for best rates and coverage. If you don't have access to Practical Sailor, the Newport Beach West Marine store on PCH has all the back issues available for reference. (you can't buy 'em, you have to read 'em in the store.)
First 3 years no problems, then 2 claims in the last 5 months. BoatUS provided what you are looking for, good service and prompt settlement of claims at a reasonable price. They provided relief in what was a painful situation. I highly recommend them.
If you are a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary then there is a substantial discount given. Many times the discount is far greater than the dues paid to be a member of the Auxiliary. An even greater discount is given when you get trained as a Coxswain. This in addition to all of the other great reasons to join.
I'm using Gowrie, Barden & Brett. Their available at 800-262-8912. Had them for two years. One claim paid without incident or hassle and no increase in premium after the claim. They have all the bells and whistle PS suggested looking for. Cost competitive with Boat US with better coverage, i.e. hurricane haulout at no added charge Bryce S/V Spellbinder H410
I got a quote from Boat US last year and was surprised to find them about 15% higher for a little less coverage than the independant broker I use here in Houston. I always heard BUS was cheaper than everyone else, but was very disappointed in their quote. Has anyone else experianced this rate hike??? Ron/KA5HZV
I also got a quote from Boat U.S. that was more than using West Marine. In my case, it was about 20% more, and didn't include the Bahamas. Also, West Marine did not require a survey on my 1983 h34, as long as I valued it below $37k. And as much as it is pricless to me...Ron DagueS/V Finesse, h34www.ExploreScuba.com
I got several quotes when I purchased my '73 O'Day '27 (valued at $7600) ranging from $253 to $512. West Marine (with towing) and US Marine Underwriters (without towing) were $253 and $257 respectively. I settled on Underwriters (which offered towing for an extra premium) because they didn't require me to get a $300+ survey but West Marine did. At the time, I didn't want to shell out for the survey. All my sailing has been in protected waters so far. I will probably switch soon so that I get the towing coverage before I go into the Gulf.JimC"Dream Chaser"
After being hit by lightning twice with 2 different boats in 3 years. Boat/US is opening a store this May in my home town to make things easer for me next time my boat gets struck by lightning!!!Really though, for the most part, they have been just wounderful in handling the claims. The last time was a little bit difficult in settling but it all worked out in the end.West Marine Insurance is $100.00 per year higher than Boat/US with the same coverage.Steve,s/v The Odyssey (H310)
For my 1993 Legend 37.5 I'm insured with The Pier Group, New Haven Ct. at1-800-652-5116 and the policy is with the ZURICH Co. I shopped Boat US and they were higher in premium cost and more restrictive in sailing coverage. my coverage is from Maine to Fla Keys including the Bahamas. and includes automatic hurricane haul-out protection, rental reimbursment coverage, and three yea loss free premium guarantee. Please note that I have never had a claim. Hope it helps.Capt. Ron
John,I have found terrific coverage at a savings through the U.S.Power Squadron. You might want to check it out. Of course, you have to join the Power Squadron, which you probably should do anyway. (I had Boat/US previously)PAT
I know it sounds highfalutin, but it was the best deal when I was shopping for coverage last fall. The broker is Interamerican Insurance Brokers in Ft. Lauderdale, (954) 677-0787.I pay about $1400 for $120,000 hull value, and navigational limits from Maine to the Caribbean (including the Bahamas but not Cuba). There is a separate (higher) deductible for named-storms.
For my 1984 Catalina 36, West was about $200/yr. cheaper for very comparable coverage. I've benchmarked with Boat US for the two years that I've owned the boat and West is still a couple of hundred $ cheaper.Russ
Thanks for all your suggestions. I ended up going with a private broker in Newport Beach; Mike Hayden of Hayden Ins. He gave me super coverage, more than BoatUS, at the same price, about a $100 a month. And, he allowed me to pay monthly with 20% down. I'd recommend him to anybody. My boat will arrive next Wednesday from Florida. Needless to say, I'm going to get a severe case of the stomach flu and won't be at work!
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