Tow insurance

[Manny]

Hi All,A question about tow insurance - My Boat US tow insurance is expiring soon and I am considering going with SeaTow. The main reason is that in my sailing grounds I see a SeaTow boat out in the river probably thirty to forty percent of the time I'm out. I've only seen a Boat US boat out once this year. Interestingly the Boat US boat is docked at my marina and the only times when I've seen the operators there all they seem to do is work on the boat's starboard outboard. I have yet to compare the pricing but I am curious if anyone has had dealings with both companies and if there is much of a difference in quality of service or anything to watch out for?I am also wondering if it makes more sense to go with a company that seems to be more active in my area?Knock on wood, I have yet to call for a tow (but I probably just jinxed myself )Manny

 

[grigs]

Tow

Manny, I think you have it right, Its like any other business,I would go with the more active one in your area. I was going to change home ports and head to port in Maine and was told to go with a particular company for the reason you mentioned. Price ,,,,, I think you will find them within a $10.00 bill or so, but a couple of phone calls will clear that up. Have a good season Grigs

 

[Steve_Catalina]

Which Company?

Manny,If the coverage area and price is about the same for both companies the only conclusion that can be drawn with the details you provided is that BoatU.S customers have less mechanical troubles and do not gound themselves as much as SeaTow customers.If this is not the case and again, all things being about equal I would go with BoatU.S.My reason is.......If I ever needed them it will take SeaTow much longer to respond to me since they are busy with so many other unfortunate boaters.P.S Maybe SeaTow is busy with power boaters all the time and most BoatU.S. customers are sailors.Steve

 

[Paul Akers]

Grigs?

I am moving to Maine next season and need to know what company you are talking about, Yellow or Red? My experience shows only Yellow in Maine. Am I correct?

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

alternative

or you could simply add tow insurance to your boat policy which would cover the cost regardless of which company perform the tow.

 

[Manny]

Insurance company?

Don, I was not aware that a boat owners policy can cover the cost of a tow. Is it a matter of paying up front and then filing a claim?I will contact my insurance company (State Farm) and talk to them about it. Thanks for the alternative.Manny

 

[higgs]

How many don't have towing insurance

I wonder how many, like me don't have towing insurance beyond the $50 Boat US gives with a membership. I have never called a towboat in in 30 years.

 

[Bavaria 38E Owner]

It's a rare event for sailors

I've never been towed in 20 years of sail boating; but I have been towed in a couple of powerboats. The $50 that you get with BOATUS would be hardly enough to get you from your slip to the fuel dock in your own marina. If you do buy upgraded insurance (e.g., unlimited), ask yourself what you'd likely need it for and then justify the cost or not. The times that sailors need a tow is if they run aground and can't get off, have no fuel or a non-working engine and no or little wind and need to move, lose their helm, or have a collision that disables the boat in the same or some other way. Thus, what is your risk of these events, and how far from home port? For most of them, I'm sure you'd like a fast response, but I'd stick with BOATUS.BEO

 

[sonofasailorsailing]

Used it once

Two years ago, we were headed up the untracoastal when our engine blew, as in, BAM, THUNK...THUNK...THUNK,,, pssssssst. We made it to a dock at White City but there was no way we could sail home, It is just too narrow, barges, etc. So, we called our Tow Boat US number. We told them that we were fine, we were docked, we had food and water enough for three days, but we would need a tow. They sent one out the next day and towed us back to our home marina right to our slip. All we had to do was sign the form. The operator told us we had just paid for ten years of towing insurance. And he was right! We got the invoice and it was over $1,300. I am happy with their service and the operator was friendly and helpful. We will never be without our towing insurance. Best peace of mind we can buy.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Manny - insurance policy

some underwriters include towing as part of the base policy; others as an endorsement for a nominal fee far less than typical tow boat insurance. The hypothetical argument against this type insurance being that your insurance rate would increase as a result of a claim but that is only true when multiple claims for towing are submitted within a short time period or only by a "select" group of underwriters which you'd probably want to avoid regardless.

 

[Seattle Scott]

My Zurich policy comes with tow coverage

with a $500 limit, there is no special premium for this.

 

[Joe Mullee]

State Farm Policies Include $500 Per Tow

nm

 

[grigs]

Yellow

PAUL What area of Maine? I was set to put in at the Portsmouth Naval Yard. and yellow is the favorite color there. I spoke to someone at the tow company and he mentioned hardly a day goes by that they don,t pay a visit to the yard. I believe they are in the harbor which is also a quick run to Great Bay.  Grigs

 

[Manny]

Thanks Joe

Ironically I have the $500 Boat US policy. I'm calling my agent in the morning...I was talking to a powerboater on my dock a while back and he was having engine trouble when he first bought his boat and had to get it towed twice. If I remember correctly he said the State Police towed him one of the times and the Coast Guard the other. I figured the Coast Guard would do that but I didn't know the State Police would.Manny

 

[dancing bear]

Travelers Policy

My Travelers Boat Policy includes $400 to apply towards towing at no extra premium, and no deductible.

 

[Bob R.]

Markel Boat Insurance Tow Coverage

I checked my Markel Helmsman Yacht Policy, it includes $750 Aggregate for emergency towing as part of the base policy.UnfurledH356

 

[Alan]

me too!

Markel Helmsman yacht policy comes standard with $750. Never had to use it!

 

[Manny]

I contacted my insurance agent today

Joe, you were right, I have $500 towards towing through State Farm. The agent stated it was emergency towing to a "service facility". I discussed this with him about and he seemed to agree that the marina would be considered a service facility. What I'm paying for my insurance policy is not much more than what I'm paying for tow insurance. I think I'm dropping it this year...Thanks again!Manny

 

[sailaway78]

I think that those who tell you to go with who ever is more active in your area, are correct. If all other things are equal. Those who think that 500 or 750 through their boat insurance are covered, are dreaming. I have had Tow Boats for ever it seems. Never ever used it. But it gives me enough peace of mind to be well worth the 150 a year it costs.

 

[Tug]

$500 ain't what it used to be!!

Before you consider dropping your tow insurance consider that $500 won't get you very far today. If you are a long way out you will have to pay for the total time the towing vessel is responding not just the tow time. Ask your local towing company how far $500 is good for just to be safe. As for the Coast Guard towing you... If there is an active commercial salvage outfit in the area they are PROHIBITED from towing you!! If you are in true danger they will hook up. Once they danger is over they may turn the tow over to commercial salvage. It depends on lots of things but the days of USCG Towing are long gone in most places. Your current policy also may only cover towing in your local boating area, not a good thing if you are on a trip.