BoatUS - "Port Risk Ashore"

[jimmcgee]

And if it hasn't happened to you yet, be prepared for a survey to be required every two or three years by your insurance company, if your boat is any older than 4 or 5 years old, for them to insure your boat.

Now that's a bit extreme. I've been with BoatUS since '08 and they've never required a survey.

That said our boat turns 20 this year and I wouldn't be surprised if that trips a requirement that we get surveyed before splashing this year.

We have an agreed value policy because of all the upgrades to our boat. I'm not sure how or if that plays into a survey requirement.

 

[Sanfelice]

Three years ago I was purchasing a 1988 Catalina 30. The surveyor cited two major issues, cracked fuel fill hose and an electrical connection in the bilge using wire nuts. Boat US provided insurance for the boat with the condition that it did not leave the dock. The marina required insurance to stay in the slip until I moved the boat to its' new marina. Boat US was very accomodating. I repaired both issues myself and provided pictures and receipts for the new hose. Boat was cleared promptly and I moved the boat.

Since then I think Boat US changed its insurance affiliation which may be why they are less lenient.

 

[Joe]

Now that's a bit extreme. I've been with BoatUS since '08 and they've never required a survey.

That said our boat turns 20 this year and I wouldn't be surprised if that trips a requirement that we get surveyed before splashing this year.

We have an agreed value policy because of all the upgrades to our boat. I'm not sure how or if that plays into a survey requirement.

I agree. I've had my current boat insured with Boat US since purchasing 15 years ago. Never had a request for an updated survey.

 

[gettinthere]

In 08 I had several issues from survey. Boat us said get them fixed and let us know. Zero requirement to provide a yard bill or new survey.

Wonder if this is from the change in insurance company at boat us?

 

[duality]

were you still paying a "full premium" or was the price discounted because you were only covered on the hard.

 

[atwhite2]

I ran into the same situation this past season with BoatUS and I was only covered in port. After talking with the adjuster, NOT the sales agent, I was able to send pictures of the repairs, before and after to satisfy the needed repairs I had done myself to remove the in-port restriction.

 

[Terry Cox]

Boat Insurance

Must be different here on the left coast. Our boat has had ACE (through an agent) coverage since we purchased her in 2002. It was surveyed at the time of purchase and the few minor issues were corrected by me. I let them know when and what I did to correct the minor issues. No survey since and ACE has always been very accommodating and easy to work with.

 

[centerline]

I ran into the same situation this past season with BoatUS and I was only covered in port. After talking with the adjuster, NOT the sales agent, I was able to send pictures of the repairs, before and after to satisfy the needed repairs I had done myself to remove the in-port restriction.

Yes... in some situations, it definitely does make a difference who you talk to.... and HOW you talk to them.
sometimes personalities dont mesh, sometimes the person on the other end is having a bad day, or maybe you just got the newbie who is only going by what they have been told.
....and when you escalate because no one understands or cares about your problem, it can only make things worse because nobody likes to deal with what they believe to be an irrational whiner, complaining about how unfair they are being treated....

always talk to someone else before it gets to that point and you will probably make headway...

 

[njlarry]

I believe that BOAT US does not want to insure anything but new boats. Don't know why as a hurricane will sink new as well as old and my '84 hull is as watertight as any newer boat.
When I purchased my boat I called US Boat first. Their application process was VERY involved and even included a credit check (on me-not them, although they were the ones taking on the finacial risk).
I found twice the insurance for half the cost with a simpler apllication from Allstate.
Call Lisa Valentine at 410-956-5700. She was a big help working with the underwriters and my survey approval.

 

[centerline]

I believe that BOAT US does not want to insure anything but new boats. Don't know why as a hurricane will sink new as well as old and my '84 hull is as watertight as any newer boat.
When I purchases my boat I called US Baot first. Their application process was VERY involved and even included a credit check (on me-not them, although they were the ones taking on the finacial risk).
I found twice the insurance for half the cost with simpler apllication from Allstate.
Call Lisa Valentine at 410-956-5700. She was a big help working with the underwriters and my survey approval.

I absolutely agree that boatus is not the most affordable insurance around... its another one of those things that has boat/marine in the title of it so its more expensive.....

I did the same as you, called around and found more for less... huge difference.

 

[Benny17441]

The sensible thing to do would be to calculate what would be less expensive, whether pay to have the repairs done or to do them yourself and pay for a new survey. If BoatUs did not want your business they would have sent you a notice of outright cancellation; it seems they are just requesting that you correct some deficiencies noted by the surveyor. There is perhaps one way to look at this and that is to consider yourself lucky that you may have gotten away for some time of having these deficiencies with no adverse consequences. This is likely not the best time to switch insurance companies as your insurance history record would show a notation of unattended survey deficiencies. Insurance companies routinely contact each other to document possible reasons for customer moves. If you want to change companies wait after the repairs are done and coverage is in good standing and then document your switching for reasons of coverage and rates. Don't take personal offense it is their business and sometimes we need to vow to their discretionary rulings to keep our boats insured at somewhat reasonable rates. I really get more upset when they raise the rates than when they ask for boat upgrades.

 

[VF84Sluggo]

And if it hasn't happened to you yet, be prepared for a survey to be required every two or three years by your insurance company, if your boat is any older than 4 or 5 years old, for them to insure your boat.

Now that's a bit extreme. I've been with BoatUS since '08 and they've never required a survey.

That said our boat turns 20 this year and I wouldn't be surprised if that trips a requirement that we get surveyed before splashing this year.

We have an agreed value policy because of all the upgrades to our boat. I'm not sure how or if that plays into a survey requirement.

I just applied to Boat US for insurance on a 1995 Catalina 30 MkIII, and a copy of my survey was required.

If now I'm also going to have to re-survey every few years to maintain insurance, I may rethink going through with this purchase.

 

[njlarry]

Shop for an insurance broker, let him manage the insurer. On-line direct insurers and call-center customer service sucks, as you have discovered.

Very true. Got the very best deal with all state through a broker.