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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

problems with Boat US insurance

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dave holtgrave
Captain

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USA
427 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/27/2007 : 12:00:55

d high winds at carlyle last friday nite.
we park our boats on the trailers and anchor down to spots.

the boat next to me broke loose and landed on the side on my boat.

the other boat owner of the ranger 26 has Boat us insurance.
he was told not to talk to me or move his boat until the surveyor sees it.

well three days later we still nhaven't deen a surveyor (it is believed he is coming from out of town}. there were approximatley 25 boats off the trailers and all the insurance companies told their clients to get them back on the trailers ASAP.

saturday they all got one crane to come out and lift all the boats. they all shared the costs of the crane.

now the crane is supposed to come tomorrow????

what a waste of clients money.

i can't move my boat or even look at how much damage i really have.

i once thought about getting their insurance, but now there is no way.

while thew last three day haven't been high winds, what would have happened if it was,.

just wanted inlanders to know i don't need towing services on the ocean which they offer and i sure don't need their careless ways of spending their companies money.

the insured guy feels so bad about what happened.
i've known him 25 years and i will not let corporate america rein that relationship.

before you buy BEWARE

dave holtgrave
5722 sk/tr
pinned under a ranger 26 at carlyle lake in southern illinois

Edited by - on

johnsonp
Admiral

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USA
606 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2007 : 14:10:42

Dave
Things will get better

It will be interesting to see if this wind thingy was considered as an act of God by the insurance companies.

Well,if this thread is about insurance companies, I've had Progressive for 6 years and have had just one claim and was completely satisfied.
I still have BoatUS tow card ($50 tow insurance)until 2008. Their $2500 tow insurance cost $108 a year.
I now have Progressive's $2500 tow insurance and it cost $85 a year. I now feel that this is the right amount I should have had for the area I sail and type of sailing I do.
paulj

Edited by - on

existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2007 : 14:23:14

After my claim with BoatUS this year, all I can say is I will never do business with them again.

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2007 : 14:47:29

We too have Progressive, which was subbed out to us from our regular insurers, USAA. I was a bit worried about it at first, but so far so good. Admittedly we've had no claims yet, but I've been with USAA for as long as I can remember (Navy brat), and I trust them to not have steered us wrong.

Good luck with your claim, I hope it goes well for you.

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2007 : 16:23:15

I'm real sorry you guys have had such a bad experience. If the adjuster guy doesn't show up before the crane gets there, can you notify them that you can't wait, explain the situation, tell them you're taking lots of pictures including video of the crane work, sign off on the pics and video, and turn that over to the insurance guy when he does finally show up? Just a thought. Point is to notify them in advance what you are doing and why. It's inexcusable to have to wait that long for a claims adjuster.

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2007 : 22:44:15

Shoot them an email with a link to this thread!

We're BoatUS Insurance customers and would like to think better than this topic paints them. I know we are not alone. So go email them the link.

Paul.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3466 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2007 : 05:33:45

I have had Boat US insurance with my present boat and believe I also had it back in the 1980-85 period when I had my ODay 23. I have never had any claims and so my only real experience has been writing the checks for insurance each year. I know that at both times I went with Boat US, they were a whole lot cheaper than if I went with Nationwide who insures my cars and home. Nationwide also seemed to not have their act together (or at least the representative) when it came to talking about the boat specifics - probably deal with a whole lot more cars and homes compared to boats. The insurance cost was like night and day in cost but cannot remember the actual difference....went with Boat US.

Hopefully, most people never have to submit a claim but when the time comes, my thought is that there are probably many reputable companies out there and with most companies it will depend on circumstances surrounding the claim as to how well they handle it. This goes for car and home insurance as well. I am sure we have all heard of the cases where there was disgruntlement over a claim or how an insurance company dropped a customer after paying out big time for say damages due to a storm where the insurance company shelled out the dough to replace all the roof shingles, etc.

What we really need here is any recent study/review of boat insurance companies - The annual costs, services provided and customer satisfaction based on past claims. Then better able to determine quality of service. The sampling in this post of just a few experiences is not enough to make any conclusions.

What I see here is similar to what I would do when faced with my own personal experiences. It is sort of what I go thru when I purchase a product and forgo the extended warranty that is generally offered by Circuit City, etc stores. My thought is that if the product goes bad prematurely, then doubtful I will buy a product from that company again.

I guess for now, I note that there has been two that have had displeasure dealing with Boat US and two that have had good experiences with Progressive but one with no claims and myself satisfied with Boat US but with no claims. I also wonder as to the share of the boat market the various companies have which also has to be factored into how to weigh each of these singular reportings of good or bad service.

Anyone aware of any recent articles comparing insurance comapanies and service rendered to boat owners ?

Edited by - on

DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2007 : 07:49:57

I don't have anything to add to Larry's post, but would love to see a comparative study of boat insurance.
I did look in to BoatUS for insurance, they wanted around $920.00 a year (Daytona Bch)..... I laughed. Progressive sounds promising, think I'll look in to it.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2007 : 08:31:08

When my Hobie 17 was destroyed by a storm I took photos and put them up on my sailing site; I called the adjuster who told me that the storm caused a huge backlog and he wasn't sure when they could come and see the boat. I told him the url to the photos, he looked at the photos while we were on the phone and he sent my my check that day. He was thrilled with being able to handle it that way, it made him look very efficient; and he was.

Edited by - on

dave holtgrave
Captain

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USA
427 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2007 : 09:12:50

frank
we tried that.

the boat us representative told my friend to stop talking to me and get an attorney.

we've been friends for 25 years and now we can't talk to one another.

yea!! i'll make the adjuster look good!!
if and when he decides to come i will put under the right rear trailer wheel.

that'e where both the boats are located now.

waiting for insurance agent on carlyle lake in southern illinois
dave holtgrave
5722 sk/tr

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2007 : 09:43:26

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"> DaveR: I did look in to BoatUS for insurance, they wanted around $920.00 a year (Daytona Bch)..... I laughed. Progressive sounds promising, think I'll look in to it. <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

A bit off topic, but our Progressive insurance costs us about $325 a year in the Seattle area, and that's with the $500,000 liability that's required by our marina.

Edited by - on

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3466 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2007 : 11:18:17

The cost is going to vary tremendously based on the area and probably the payout they have had to make in recent years for that area or nearby. Areas in florida are going to be a whopping cost compared to elsewhere. Would think same is true for Louisiana area.

My policy believe is for $300,000 and cover shte Chesapeake and tributaries. I am located on the upper part of the Potomac River. I do not have my policy with me at work but believe it is below $200/year. I will have to check when i get home.

Edited by - on

Tradewind
Admiral

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USA
531 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2007 : 11:28:20

BOATUS handled my claim well when my 36 was totaled after IVAN in 2004 but refused to insure another boat for me for 3 years. I'd paid them mucho $$$ over the 20 years they insured my Cal.

Edited by - on

Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2007 : 20:33:41

Received my BoatUS renewal policy today. To my surprise they gave me a 20% discount(no lost credit). Total annual premium now is $193. Covers me on the US & Canada coastal & inland waters.

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 08/28/2007 : 21:27:01

I sent an email to boat us
[quote]
-----Original Message-----
From: (me)
Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2007 9:13 AM
To: 'mail@boatus.com'
Subject: Bad press for Boat US
http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=16111

And I looked up our ins fee.... $1140 plus $120 unlimited tow.

I guess that there are some costs with living in Paradise! (due, no doubt, to some villainous marine activity.)

Paul

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 08/29/2007 : 08:29:28

I've had USAA/Progressive since 1988 and have had nothing but good experience. My boat was struct by lightning one year and rammed by a power boat the next. Total cost of repairs including replacing electronics and batteries was over $3500. Progressive had an out-of-town agent looking at the boat within two days and paid for the repairs promptly. My premium is $231 a year and my wifes 17' Bayliner is $180 per year. Maybe I have the "multi-boat discount".

I don't know what I have for towing insurance except for the $50 BoatUS coverage. I've never needed it and I figure that with a cruising sail boat I can either motor, sail, or comfortabley wait for a passer-by.

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 08/29/2007 : 20:02:43

I believe policies allow you, maybe even require you to take action "to avoid additional damage". That is the key phrase, and I have read it in the fine print more than once.

Indeed if there is more wind and the top boat shifts more, there will be further damage.

I would call YOUR insurance company and tell them that BOAT-US is not allowing you to avoid addtional damage to their insured interest.

Then I would call an attorney.

Then I would take a LOT of pictures.

Edited by - Oscar on 08/29/2007 20:08:55

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 08/30/2007 : 08:01:16

Hmmm... If his boat fell on yours, it would seem he is liable (so his insurance pays). If his insurance co. instructs him not to move anything (perhaps to "avoid additional damage"), then I'd think any additional damage due to not moving anything would be on their shoulders. (I'm not an attorney, but I've stayed in a Holiday Inn Express...)

I'm guessing his insurance gave those instructions because they hope they can find the yard to be negligent, or want to avoid paying for additional damage inflicted when somebody moves things.

Edited by - on

Captain Bill
Navigator

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USA
148 Posts

Response Posted - 08/31/2007 : 13:48:15

I just renewed with BoatUS this month. Premium $225 after a $25 credit for no-losses. Been with them 7 years. Boat coverage $10,000, Liability $300,000, fuel $800,000, Medical limit $1,000, Uninsured boater $300,000. I don't mind the premium I just want sevice if I ever file a claim.

Maybe the problem is with the adjuster not the Insurance Company, but looks like they could have solved this problem much quicker. Most around this area who have experienced boat damage have received much better service.

A survey of available insurers would be very helpful.

Bill

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 08/31/2007 : 14:19:09

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Maybe the problem is with the adjuster not the Insurance Company<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

That's a distinct possibility.......Call the insurance comapany. You may have to fight your way past the $10/hr customer service person.....

I have been known to get the (public) corporate records, with mandatory phone information, and to start there, and, politely work my way down the food chain untill I find a sympathetic ear in middle management. (Some love to come out of their office and kick some butt...lol)

Has worked quite a few times. The pions never saw it coming.....

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 09/01/2007 : 07:40:49

Our boat policy is with Travelers Home and Marine Insurance Company (they also have my homeowners). Just got my renewal notice: coverage $4,500 on boat, $500 on motor, $500,000 watercraft liability, $500,000 uninsured boat (my umbrella liability policy kicks in after that), $500 personal property, $400 commercial towing-no deductible and $1,000 medical. Deductible on the boat is $100. Total premium is $152.

With toys I've added, I probably need to up the personal property amount.

Edited by - on

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