A basic consideration is your cruising waters and limits. Most policies
impose restrictions to a geographic area and also a distance offshore. If
you are going to hang around San Diego, maybe go out to Catalina Island or
Mission Bay, then most of the general insurance companies can deal with
that. But if you are going to be going down to Mexico or further, then that
can be a problem. I sailed a boat from Seattle to the South Pacific (via San
Diego and Mexico). All with fine with my company when in the Puget sound,
until I asked for extended coverage for the trip to San Diego. The company
(known best for car insurance) just couldn't handle that. I ended up with
a broker who dealt with marine policies and a policy underwritten by an
English firm that operates similar to Lloyds. Whenever I wanted to extend my
range, I just added an endorsement (and sent them more money).
Currently I have my Vega insured though a policy with an organization I
belong and write courses for -- the United States Power Squadrons (largest
boating education organization in the world, with fantastic classes on
everything from piloting through celestial navigation and engine maintenance
to weather - great courses). Anyway I like this policy because of the
geographic area I can sail to. While most policies in the Puget Sound area
limit the area on the north to somewhere about mid-way up Vancouver Island
and allow only a few miles offshore, the policy I have through USPS has no
geographic limits and allows me to go 150 miles offshore. That means I could
sail to Alaska or San Diego with no additional coverage (this is important
as I am often tempted to hang a left and just sail west down the straits
again).
By the way, those of us on the US west coast really have it pretty easy. I
have friend in Florida who can't buy insurance at any price because their
boats are older. Seems that the loss of older boats during Katrina was off
the scale and companies just won't take the risk anymore.
From:
AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com [mailto:
AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf
Of jbergman888
Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2007 6:41 PM
To:
AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [AlbinVega] insurance
Hi,
I just purchased #169 Cygnet. I live near San Diego and am shopping
for insurance....any suggestions???
Thanks,
Bruce
