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 Why you must carry towing insurance		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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windsong
Captain

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USA
318 Posts
Initially Posted - 08/23/2010 :  13:28:34  Show Profile
Motors quit. Shrouds break. Shoals form mysteriously beneath your keel. And in my case, a rudder fell off. My cost for 5-hr tow: $0

Michael Hetzer
"Windsong"
2009 Catalina 250 WK HN984
Myrtle Beach, SC
Edited by - windsong on 08/23/2010 13:29:25

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9087 Posts
Response Posted - 08/23/2010 :  14:34:15  Show Profile
Got it--"unlimited". 30 years with no incidents, but I won't be out there without it.
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SEAN
Admiral

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USA
772 Posts
Response Posted - 08/23/2010 :  14:40:10  Show Profile
what do you guys use ??
the basic coverage ?? or more
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jbkayaker
Captain

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USA
299 Posts
Response Posted - 08/23/2010 :  17:27:33  Show Profile
I go naked. But then that is consistent with my policy of accepting risks on things I can afford to lose or pay for. I haven't carried <b>hull</b> insurance or the equivalent on a car more than 3 years old, an airplane, or a boat for the last 40 years. Not having towing insurance is really a minimal risk by comparison. I take many times as much risk in my investments. If you consider all the overhead expenses of insurance companies you will realize that you pay far more than just your share of the loss payments. You pay your share of thousands of people's salaries, building costs, profit, etc. And you pay with money that has been taxed. It's a high return "investment" to go without insurance where you can stand the loss IF it happens.
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pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts
Response Posted - 08/23/2010 :  17:29:16  Show Profile
What do they do if you need to pay a couple of drunk bass fishermen a boat unit for a tow across a lake?
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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5416 Posts
Response Posted - 08/23/2010 :  18:29:25  Show Profile
I just got a notice from the United States Power Squadron that offers Boat US towing. It did not seem very expensive, but a potential $1400 tow bill sure does. How far was that in miles, about 20?
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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9087 Posts
Response Posted - 08/23/2010 :  19:30:57  Show Profile
I don't consider it simply "insurance"... or a dollar-to-risk calculation. Going on some war stories I've heard over the years, I've come to believe (right or wrong) that a towing "membership" is worthwhile not just to cover the cost, but also to get faster and perhaps better service. You call, give your nunber and location, get whatever you need (a tow, some fuel, or whatever), sign something that says you got it, and have a nice rest of the day. For "non-members", things apparently don't always go so nicely... I won't name a specific service here, because I don't remember enough details to back up any allegations, and I've known of some TowBoatUS members around here have had good experiences.

None of these comments is based on first-hand experience, but I figure when things are already going badly, adding a bad experience with a towing service is not what I need. I'll pay a few bucks in advance for turn-key service when and if I need it. Keep in mind that I'm in a coastal area that can be very dicey--strong tidal currents, granite shoals, commercial and naval traffic, etc. <i>"Submarine approaching The Race, this is motor vessel Sarge... My vessel is disabled between Race Point and Race Rock Light, but you can squeeze through by leaving me to Starboard..."</i> That'll get me some "service" from some black gunboats.
Edited by - Stinkpotter on 08/23/2010 19:50:29
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bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1797 Posts
Response Posted - 08/25/2010 :  12:22:38  Show Profile
. . . " Not having towing insurance is really a minimal risk by comparison. I take many times as much risk in my investments."

The issue is really not loss of property -- it's about preventing loss of life. Towing insurance is really to make sure that if anything happens the crew gets home safely!

There are several levels and the coverage needed really depends on where you sail. If you are on a large lake or coastal area go with the max!
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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5416 Posts
Response Posted - 08/25/2010 :  14:40:46  Show Profile
It's not inconceivable for me to be up to 80 miles from my homeport on LI Sound or coastal New England.

Even if conditions are not perilous or life-threatening, think about what 1 day of missing work can cost you, or your guests! For consultants, it can be very expensive, and even for regular employees, you stand to lose a vacation or personal time off day.

I have 100 mile auto tow for my family members and me on our AAA-Gold card, and with my kids and my wife getting stuck for one reason or another, we've used it! They don't owe me a dime.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.