I own an older Ranger 26, and I am completely new to sailing. I want to take some friends out, and I want to insure them against any injuries that may occur. I would not want something that should be fun turning out to be something less than that, thus I am not concerned about the boat so much as the well-being of people who come aboard. I tried to get a quote from GEICO on-line, but for some reason they want me to call, and I don't want to enter into discussions with a sales type. Where do I start to get a "ball park" figure? Then what?
What is appropriate for insurance?
- Thread starter ibincuft
- Start date
You need to talk to an insurance agent... they won't bite and they will answer you questions in specific terms and amounts. Many here use Boat U.S. How you store your boat is important. If you are in a marina there will already be minimums in the lease agreement.
You don't have to buy anything when you talk... tell them you want a quote. The quote will be based on your needs.
The important part of protecting your guests should be that you know how to properly operate your boat. Insurance will come into play after they are injured. Prevent that at all costs. If you are completely new to sailing as you mentioned, wait awhile before you take you friends out for a sail.
A lot of insurer's don't want to insure older boats. I ended up with Progressive with my '72 run about which was arranged by my general broker. There are also specialist brokers for marine insurance.
Also, at 26' you may be able to slide this into your homeowner's policy. Check with your broker.
Also, at 26' you may be able to slide this into your homeowner's policy. Check with your broker.
With BOATUS there is an "agreed hull value", probably what you paid for the boat, medical for each person/event or aggregate, and liability. Towing is optional beyond a nominal amount such as $50 worth that is included; there is some [oil] spillage coverage included as well I believe. Marinas in So Cal typically want at least $100,000 on the liability unless that's been changed recently (I can't remember; could be $300,000 now.) The bulk of the premium is the last two fixed items-medical & liability. Count on likely at least $300-$400/yr, possibly as high as $600/yr, for your boat in So Cal; my thumbnail ESTIMATE. Call BOATUS.
http://www.boatus.com/
Talk with your home insurance agent first. You may already be covered for a small boat like that or it will be a small additional premium. Do you also have your cars with him?
Back when we owned cars and homes we had everything with one agent. Only with that bundle would he give us a blanket liability policy that kicks in when the mandatory minimums of the car or home policy are exceeded. That was for property and injury coverage.
Back when we owned cars and homes we had everything with one agent. Only with that bundle would he give us a blanket liability policy that kicks in when the mandatory minimums of the car or home policy are exceeded. That was for property and injury coverage.
Insurance
I have Boat US for my 1980 Wilderness 30. They have a pretty good online quote system and rates are competitive. Better than Geico and Progressive and better coverage.
The BEST insurance for your friends is a competent skipper.
I have Boat US for my 1980 Wilderness 30. They have a pretty good online quote system and rates are competitive. Better than Geico and Progressive and better coverage.
The BEST insurance for your friends is a competent skipper.
FIRST: if you are New to boating and have not taken a safe boating course do so before you have anyone out on the water. SECOND: have an experienced person review your boat with you, for all required safety items as well as a sea worthy vessel. And to handle the boat without passengers. THIRD: approach the insurance in an effort to learn what the coverages are, not just price, as other good advice mentioned above. In short understand that you should be in control of your boat, it's operation and provide a safe environment for your passengers. Boating can be a great joy but it requires personal responsibility. Keep in touch with this board.
The reason they want you to call is that there are many variables that go into boat insurance and they need to be able to match your needs with a coverage before they can quote a premium. You can go to your automobile insurance agent and see what he can find for you and this may be the way to go if you are just looking for liability coverage. On the other hand you may contact a strictly marine insurer like BoatUs and get the best coverage for a sea going vessel. There will obviously be difference in overage and pricing between the two insurers
I will do just that. A lot of replies to my query have come in and given me a lot to think about, and I appreciate your interest.
I think it might, but I'm unsure. Like I said originally, my original post was intended to get an idea of the cost involved, but I should, as several have suggested, speak with an agent.
OK, thanks. I sometimes am seduced by the attraction of immediate replies to questions I have via the internet, as has been the case here.
Several folks recommend BoatUS, so I surely will have to follow that advice. Thanks. Also, I am currently moored offshore, so I'm not subject to any marina requirements except for a safety inspection.