Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

I am new to boating. I know for my motorcycles, there are companies that specialize in motorcycle insurance that sometimes are cheaper than the big name insurance companies. Wondering if there are any insurance companies that specialize in boat insurance I should look into as I look for insurance.

Around here, BoatUS is the cheapest as well as the best. Had them for years on both boats and no one else can touch their rates.

I also have Boat/US insurance. It was a lot cheaper than my house /car insurance company.

Realize also, that the true value of insurance is claims handling, not the rate.

OP beat me too it, in the last sentence. They don't necessarily have to be a large company, just a company you feel comfortable with. The last two claims I had with allstate went very smooth an quickly. Lots of people dislike them for one reason or another, but all in all I think they try an do the right thing. Unfortunately the companies have to protect themselves from fraud which costs us all. Sorry sounding like a commercial. Humane nature to want to go the cheapest route, just try an make sure they are honest an reputable. Think you are right to seek one that specialize in boats, most of the larger companies have pretty good exposure in dealing with boats
doc

OldePharte wrote:I also have Boat/US insurance. It was a lot cheaper than my house /car insurance company.

Realize also, that the true value of insurance is claims handling, not the rate.

Yep. BoatUS has fantastic customer service. When I had fuel problems last year, the adjuster was out in 48 hours and I was paid in a week. My rates didn't go up much more that the average yearly increase of a few dollars for either boat.

Thanks guys! BoatUS it is. Got a policy tonight. Now I can sleep better knowing our new toy is covered.

Wow... sounds like maybe I should have checked with boat us as well, although I was really surprised how cheap boat insurance is. My son has his policy thru progressive so I gave them a call and ended up buying a policy from them. 138.00 a year. I thought that was damn cheap.. I checked with the company that has my home and cars, and they were over 200.00 a year...

Venturous wrote:Thanks guys! BoatUS it is. Got a policy tonight. Now I can sleep better knowing our new toy is covered.

Good decision. Between liability issues an repair cost theses days. One day is too long to go without insurance. One thought or question....I heard if you are towing a boat your auto insurance is the primary coverage for the boat. Anybody know if that is right?
doc

That's right.... if your towing your boat, the auto policy applies!

And if it's parked at your house, your homeowner's covers it there. Boat insurance is generally in effect while only on the water. That's why they ask if it's slipped or at your house, where it's stored during layup, etc.

If it is parked at your house and stolen/vandalize...the boat policy would apply for the boat only (possibly some contents on the boat). If someone falls off of it at your house, then Ed is right... that's homeowners. Boat policies typically only apply during operation

Boat policies typically only apply during operation[/quote]


That was what i was thinking, so in essence we may have more coverage than most realize, provided you transport your boat an store it at your residence. Hmm now I am wondering if having different companies for boat, auto, an homeowners might be a good thing. Allstate has all three of mine...........
doc

I think while towing it falls under your auto insurance?...

I actually have all my insurance with the same company because I got a larger discount for multiple policies. I'm sure everyone is diffferent, it just worked out better for me to have everything with 1 company.

I have everything with one company as well. I am currently with Traverlers, and they may not be the best known insurance company, it is one of the many that my employers give me discount on, so they end up being cheaper. The are also good and quick with claims, as once I switched to them, I was hit with 2 policys' in a months time frame. Just my luck.