Boat insurance

[stackenem]

Real good chance I'm getting the new Stratos so what Insurance do you guys recommend? How much do I need?

[djkimmel]

I have State Farm long-term. Been pretty good to work with.

The ones specializing in boaters are good options from what I've heard (like maybe through Boat US - I hope someone can help me remember some others...)

Watch out for speed and horsepower limits some companies have. Don't lie about the speed. One friend said his boat only went 45. They called the manufacturer and cancelled him because the manufacturer said 60.

Watch out for how they cover the things you semi-permanently attach to your boat (electronics for example) and the things you put in your boat. Some cover these as part of the boat and some will tell you these things are covered under your home insurance.

Some also have a very low limit in dollars for these things when they do cover them - possibly not enough to reimburse you for a large loss. I bought an extra rider just to be sure I had enough coverage.

If you fish tournaments, they may consider this a business use and not covered. Talk about this up front with your agent. Confirm you are also covered on the Great Lakes and other coastal waters. Some will not cover small boats on the BIG water.

[MBell]

I have progressive, because they are the only one who will insure me with my young age.  I have a triton tr-185 w/ 150.  I was canceled on another policy because of the speed thing.  Check out tourament rules for what you need to fish, the minimums on most policys are enough.  Like dan said, most policies only cover fish finders, tackle, etc. up to a certain ammount.  Progressive used to have a $500 limit but they now cover more as long as you have an inventory.  This year I paid $650 for my coverage.  Only thing I don't like is I only get $300 per towing, most are more than that.     
-Matt

[Savage]

Progressive has been great, but I have not put in a claim yet.....

[Roy Randolph]

Had progressive for 7 years filed one claim and took longer to get the parts then the check!

[blakstr1]

I've been using state farm, I have everything through them auto, home, life, and boat...my premium is very low because of the multiple policies..but the coverage is great!  But as others have said, I haven't made a claim yet either...

[McCarter]

I use Anglers Advantage.  They are the official insurance company of the American Bass Anglers.  They were the cheapest of the 5 i quoted.

I had to make a claim in 04 and they took very good care of me.  They even had the place  i took the boat to for repair start on the boat before i finished the paperwork.  They understand the needs of the tournament angler and cater to our needs.

And they didnt even raise my rates after the repairs were done.  I needed a brand new lower unit which wasnt cheap. 

I recommend them to everyone i know.  If you are interested in getting a price quote from them, shoot me a pm and i will reply the number and my agents name back to ya.

ABA members get a discount too i think.

PoorBoy himself

[smbassman]

I have state farm and the rates are reasonable.  I have only had one minor claim and the check was written immediately after I provided the info needed.  I thought it could have been handled differently to reduce my deductible that I had to pay, but that was my interpretation and not theirs.  Overall, I have been satisfied.

If you are buying new, I would suggest looking at Progressives full replacement policy.  This is a good idea for new boats so if anything serious happens to your boat, you get a new one - not a check for the depreciated value.  Otherwise you will typically go with an agreed value policy where you tell them how much you want the boat and additional equipment to be covered for.  And like they said above - make it clear the boat will be used in tournaments, state the expected speed, and make sure you have coverage for all your equipment.  Theft (like when you are at a motel for a tournament) is another thing you should be clear on and make sure it is covered.  Some policies assume that your home owners will cover the theft, but not if you are not at home.

Good Luck on the new boat!!!! 

[fishon1219]

I have used a company called Safeco insurance for 10 years now. I have never filed a claim with them, but i am sure they will come through if I need it. Just for rate info I have my boat insured for $10,000 full replacement in the event something happend. What that means is if my boat is damaged beyond repair, it is stollen or burned up in a fire they write me a check for 10g. My boat is now only worth about $3,500 because it is 20 years old but with the replacement cost of rods, reels and tackle that may be in the boat at the time of such an incedent I am well covered. My policy price is only $152 a year. I am looking at a new boat so when I get a price quote for that I will let everybody know how much that will be.

[Cy]

I use a smaller company in West Michigan called Michigan Insurance.  It was started by a guy from Citizens Insurance.  They have been very easy to deal with.  I have them covering my House, Cars and Boat.  I have had a Deer claim on my Tahoe right after I started with them and a claim on the boat after a run in with a submerged log.  They covered both with no problems and have been very nice to work with.  My boat is insured for $14,000 and it runs $235 a year.  I am about to bump the coverage to $18,000 and it will cost an additional $36 a year.  I found the company through a local agent, you can email me if you want his name and number.  cfruel@ameritech.net.

Cfruel

[yukonjack2]

I have state farm - again ditto to everyone above - make sure you cover agreed upon value - ie what you paid for it, plus addons, and make an inventory list with cost if you can - electronics, rods, reels, tackle, radios, ....you get the drill.  Also watch your deductables, and too high a deductable will have you in the hole on a small theft claim - say at a tourney.   I had one claim last year - (lower unit), and no prob - they cut a check right to the repair shop ASAP - and rates stayed the same.  Good luck on the new boat!

Jack

[stackenem]

Poorboy,Thanks for the tip on the ABA insurance. I just joined and will check it out if I get the boat it is still up in the air right now. Also thanks to all the others for their info also. It is great to have all this knowledge in one place instead of having to run all over looking for it. Thanks for the forum Dan.

[robtheboatman]

Stack
check the company you have your auto insurance with, otherwise all of the companies mentioned work well.  The only company I have seen a problem with has been Progresive.  They were the best, but the last few months, they have been a problem for tourney anglers. If anyone has any questions, feel free to contact me.
Rob Bakeman
rjbakeman@hotmail.com


P.S.  Stack...are you Bill H. 
Rob