tow insurance

[Bait O' Eggs]

After being at Newport and seeing the vessel assist boat in the harbor, it got me to thinking about tow insurance. Problem is I am a trailer sailor and I know how to use my trailer. I could be in a port with Vessel Assist, or Seatow or ??? and dont want to buy insurance at all of them.

I checked my Boat US insurance and see I have the first $50 paid for with towing That will just about cover the dispatch for the tow boat headed my way.

I see where I can buy a rider on my boat insurance for $139/year and have unlimited towing. This seems to be my best option as it will work for what ever tow company gets sent my way if the CG doesnt come. And seems to be in line with what any of the tow companies would charge me per year for insurance.

Am I missing something with my thoughts on getting the tow coverage thru my boat insurance, except for the fact its mid July and the boat hasnt been tuna bloody yet, and blue water is over the horizon and then some.

[fyshndad]

About a month ago I upped my towing coverage to $2500 w/75 mile limit for $105 a year

And guess who won the Sea Tow package in the OTC raffle??

[Chromaflage]

It's my understanding that if you have Sea Tow and are in a port where Vessel Assist operates, you have to pay out of pocket first.....or it's vise versa....it's completely confusing.

[Gregotis98]

Originally Posted by Chromaflage

It's my understanding that if you have Sea Tow and are in a port where Vessel Assist operates, you have to pay out of pocket first.....or it's vise versa....it's completely confusing.

I'm glad I'm not the only one confused also. It almost seems like they want to keep you in the dark.

I need to read up more on when they can claim salvage rights to a vessel, but this is where they get into making their real money. Every thing about these towing companies feels dirty to me.

[croation2]

Wingman!

[tracker]

I just had pau hana redo my insurance. He gave me $5000 coverage. I pay out of pocket and am reimbursed. He was talking about some other stuff to in reference to the salvage and such. Maybe he can chime in here and enlighten us!

[TundraIII]

It just so happens that I needed some assistance last Saturday. I have SEATOW coverage. I lost steerage and was drifting on the Columbia about 1 mile downriver from Kelly Point park. We weren't in danger but I didnt have what I needed to get the problem fixed. I got on the VHF and hailed Seatow and a very nice guy by the name of Lyman showed up in less than 10 minutes. He knew exactly how to deal with my twin engine hydrolic steering and had me back in control in less than another 10 minutes. He was very courteous and had a great sense of humor....put us all at ease and passed on some great technical advice. I pay about 150 per year and I am covered offshore as well as inland. If you want just inland service it is about 90 bucks per year.
I will be renewing my service next year.

Oh.....if I hadnt had the SeaTow package....my bill for Saturdays service would have been $250.00......

[flapbreaker]

There was a discussion awhile back about this. It seems that if you use multiple ports you are better off paying for tow insurance. Yes, you do have to pay up front I believe but you do get reimbursed. I have progressive insurance and can add and delete features throughout the year. I had thought about adding it for the year and removing it during the winter when the boat stays put. Seemed like it was less than $100/year.

[Bait O' Eggs]

Originally Posted by TundraIII

It just so happens that I needed some assistance last Saturday. I have SEATOW coverage. I lost steerage and was drifting on the Columbia about 1 mile downriver from Kelly Point park. We weren't in danger but I didnt have what I needed to get the problem fixed. I got on the VHF and hailed Seatow and a very nice guy by the name of Lyman showed up in less than 10 minutes. He knew exactly how to deal with my twin engine hydrolic steering and had me back in control in less than another 10 minutes. He was very courteous and had a great sense of humor....put us all at ease and passed on some great technical advice. I pay about 150 per year and I am covered offshore as well as inland. If you want just inland service it is about 90 bucks per year.
I will be renewing my service next year.

Oh.....if I hadnt had the SeaTow package....my bill for Saturdays service would have been $250.00......

What good would Seatow insurance do me when I am out of Newport or Tillamook or CoosBay ...... and Seatow doesnt operate the tow service there?

[Grain of Salt]

My Seatow policy says it will reimburse you for towing by other tow companies where seatow does not operate....but you will need to front the money...bit of a grey area and should be brought up if/when you purchase a policy. I went with Seatow after some research with my own insurance company...I wanted as little complication as possible when needing a tow. Havent needed it but havent used the boat much either.

[Kabuki Joe]

...who offers this coverage from?...my insurance agent never heard of it...


Thanks,


Kabuki Joe

[Chromaflage]

I'd be worried about that....

Take a look at BoatUS, SeaTow, Vessel Assist

Also check with Pau Hana, he'll fill you in.

Originally Posted by Kabuki Joe

...who offers this coverage from?...my insurance agent never heard of it...


Thanks,


Kabuki Joe

[Bait O' Eggs]

I pulled the trigger on the tow insurance from Boat US where my boat is insured.

They had a 30% discount and it cost me $79 for a year. Free towing for up to 30 miles, if over 30 miles they pay the first $2500. Which should take the sting out of any of our local overpriced tow companies getting in my shorts, ....... uh... . I mean my pocket.

[Kabuki Joe]

...thanks for the info...I'll check into boatUS.com...


Kabuki Joe