BE. I’m the one HMT2 mentioned above. I had progressive Insurance a few years back. Lost my mast during an offshore regatta. Had new standing rigging installed 6 months prior and the rigging inspected and documented. Due to hunter design on my boat, the only way to inspect the rod/chainplate was to cut a hole into the liner. The area that was invisible (About 4” x 2”) showed surface rust. I decided not to do further destructive examination. here’s where it gets tricky with insurance policies. You need to carefully read the exclusions part of the Policy. With progressive my policy had an exclusion for rust, wear, tear and fatigue. Because there was surface rust on the Rigging connection point, they denied my claim. Keep in mind my boat is a 30+ year old boat so there’s bound to be rust, wear, tear and fatigue. if u change insurers I caution anyone to Quiz the agent/underwriter on exclusions ahead of time On the exclusions part and to obtain a copy of the policy if possible Ahead of time. If u do make the change In insurers, then do as Sailme88 mentioned and keep ur existing policy until you have had time to examine the exclusions in the new policy. Progressive has great rates but if u need to make a major claim, you need do to so with eyes wide open. Likely with any insurer. You may wind up getting denied.
One other item to think of is the agreed value policy vs one that is depreciable, especially if you own an older boat. Depreciable policies could leave you with a total loss when you’re not expecting it. Agreed value policies cost more but it may give you more peace of mind when/if it comes to a major claim. I know you lost ur boat during Katrina so I‘m probably preaching to the choir. Good luck. Jerry