Progressive did not require a survey when I added the N26 to my existing policy this past July.
Jon Lewit
N26 #115 - Inua - Kingston, NY
1 Like
I’ve been insured with BoatUS/Geico since buying our Nonsuch in 1998. Had to provide a survey then but not since. At my last renewal in April 2024 my premium was $334.
David Young
Bay Cat, 30U #402
Suttons Bay, MI
USA
Berkeley One charges me $1300 more or less for Pipe Dream, the inflatable and motor, trailer (not much use), personal effects, commercial towing and assistance, protection and Indemnity and uninsured or underinsured boater’s liability. They were good about paying for the inflatable and motor when they got crushed during a hurricane here.
Ned Chester
Pipe Dream
30C, #235
Portland, ME
I’d like to comment on two sub-threads in this discussion.
Re surveyors. I didn’t mean to imply that people should avoid getting a survey. To me, it’s a question of whether you feel enough confidence in your assessment of your boat or whether you feel you could benefit from an outside opinion. (And I certainly HOPE that no one avoids a survey because they’re deliberately neglecting a boat and plan to foist their boat off on someone else someday.)
Re insurance costs. Markel charges me $368, broken down as follows:
I have a 25 mile offshore limit, which is moot because the only destination in the southern California neighborhood more than 25 miles offshore is Hawaii. That’s a trip that would entail more days away from restaurants and hot showers than appeals to me these days.
Markel has never asked me for a survey. However, as I’ve mentioned, they did want one from my friend with an N36. We sail out of harbors about 30 miles apart, so it’s not the locale. It may be the size of the boat (26’ vs 36’), it may be the age (mine’s 37, his is 40).
– Bob
Me Gusta
Nonsuch e26U #233
Foremost is my insurance- about $ 225 for my 26 Ultra in Annapolis.
Richard Templeton
Lawyers and hurricane are a perfect storm for insurance companies. I suspect any insurer within reach of a hurricane is adjusting its exposure. We see the same thing with earthquake and water insurance here in BC. A good broker can make a difference.
Good Old Boat did a long article a while back in insurance and older boats. It’s not a surprise older boats may need a survey. Oddly cars and houses of similar vintage do not require similar inspections. You can buy a fire trap of a house or car with not so much as a whimper from mos insurers.
It is puzzling given the amount of unhappiness with the whole boat insurance landscape that Boat US has not taken some action…
Geco was an excellent choice but seems things have not gone so well in past years. Boat US was purchased by Geco in 2017 so Boat US is just an insurance company with a towing service tacked on.
A good broker is probably the best route these days and “Boat US Geco” probably no longer best in class.
Strongly concur, Thor.
– Bob
Me Gusta
Nonsuch e26U #233