Boat Insurance,,,,,,,,Are you covered?

Slugranch · 04-04-2003, 08:09 AM

Thought I'd better post this, as most of us need to check with our agents before venturing forth into the blue Pacific. Was Unfortunate enough (or fortunate) to be on my best friend's boat at the halibut beds off Garibaldi last season when we began taking on water and sunk his new 24' boat. He was refused coverage by his insurance co., as they only insure out three miles from shore. His agent had assured him that he was covered, but the insurance co. said no. Now is the time to find out, not after a disaster and you need the coverage. I think a lot of you will be sur :whazzup: prised. I know of 5 or 6 guys that were misinformed, and had to change their coverage.

corrirod · 04-04-2003, 08:18 AM

Wow, thanks for the heads-up. I'm going to call today.

love2fish · 04-04-2003, 08:21 AM

Slugranch,
Thanks for the heads up, I'm going to look into mine right now. Although I haven't ventured out into the big blue yet, I am hoping to give it a try this year. Did your friends agent offer to pay for his loss?

love2fish

fish assassin · 04-04-2003, 08:44 AM

I got my insurance through Northern Marine Insurance, INC out of
Lynnwood WA. The agent/President of the company is Mike Miller. Nice
guy. He and his staff search *lots* of different companies to get you the
best deals. I was able to get insurance (yacht insurance

) for up to
75 miles out. He's been really fair to me and treated me really well,
so far (two years).

His toll free number is: 1-800-553-3634.

He was able to handle my special circumstances (part time commercial
fishing) and cover me to 75 miles. Really went the extra mile(s) to
get me the coverage I needed!

No connections, just a happy customer!!

-assAssin-

HawgJaw · 04-04-2003, 09:12 AM

Last year, after hearing about the 24 footer not being insured, I called my agent to ask about my coverage (I had Harford). He said he was sure I was covered anywhere. He called me back two days later and said that I wasn't covered in the ocean at all (this is after two 26 mile out halibut and a dozen ocean salmon trips). As it turned out he was able to switch me to Safeco for less money. Get it in writing. HJ

skein · 04-04-2003, 09:23 AM

I'm insured by SeaSafe but since I haven't had my sled out over the bar, I don't really know. Thanks for the heads-up and you can bet I'll be covered before I venture out.

Skein

seasquid · 04-04-2003, 09:43 AM

I'm with a company called Mid-Century -- I'm covered for the entire Northern Hemisphere. I checked after I had heard there was some question as to insurance coverage.

Slugranch, I was dead off your bow last year when you capsized -- I was just heading over to get you guys when the charter pulled up. Obviously, I was happy to see you guys were okay....

ss

Pitch Pocket · 04-04-2003, 10:58 AM

Chubb insures for the ocean with no mileage limit too.

fishwhenican · 04-04-2003, 04:39 PM

Why is it every time I am going to post a question someone beats me to it

I am in the process of changing insurance. I found that the boat was covered for 12 miles out, but not crossing the bar and not against swamping, only if you hit something (not a wave). I'll try the insurance companies listed above. What I have found so far is either very expensive, or spotty coverage or too many limitations.

Any other contact info would be appreciated.

CrazyFish · 04-04-2003, 08:05 PM

Thanks for the info everyone. I'm insured with State Farm, I'll check Monday to make sure that I'm covered.

Marty · 04-04-2003, 09:25 PM

I have state farm and was told last week that their coverage was to 75 miles.

Marty

Lepper · 04-04-2003, 09:54 PM

THanks for that one marty.. I to have state farm and this thread got me thinking about my insurance.. Although I am still going to call and find out for sure... you eased my mind so I can sleep tonight.
dave

Slugranch · 04-05-2003, 04:25 AM

Answer to questions,,,,,,,My buddy had insurance and like me is insurance poor. Used the same agent for all insurance for his co. home(s) boats, airplanes, snowmobiles, and vehicles. His agent really dropped the ball on the issue of offshore operation, and his agency was at fault because the insurance company had told them their guidelines, but they (the agency) hadn't passed it on. He hired an attorney, and took it to court. The insurance agency and agent settled out of court for considerably less than the loss, but at least he realised something out of it.
We weren't picked up by a charter, we were picked up by a 42' private boat (Tolly), and given a nice warm smooth ride back to the dock. Lost my electric reel and two other bottomfishing rods, and a box of tackle, but I came home,,,,,,

CrazyFish · 04-10-2003, 12:30 PM

Marty and Lepper,

I checked my pollicy and it does read 75 miles off shore. :grin:

Mello-Yello · 04-10-2003, 07:14 PM

I'm good out to 50 miles, USA and Canada. I guess that means if I lose power in a storm and start drifting west, I'll have to pull the plug and sink her at the 48 mile mark... [img]graemlins/stupid.gif[/img]

[ 04-10-2003, 10:45 PM: Message edited by: BananaBoat ]

Mello-Yello · 04-10-2003, 07:24 PM

[ 04-10-2003, 10:48 PM: Message edited by: BananaBoat ]

corrirod · 04-10-2003, 10:07 PM

I've got the 75 mile State Farm policy also.

Lepper · 04-11-2003, 06:39 PM

ACtually sat down with the lady today and talked with her.. she couldn't remember if it was 50 or 75 miles for my state farm... But If I go past the mexico border more then 50 miles I ain't covered.. dang it!!!
d

WP · 04-12-2003, 06:02 AM

Just initiated my State Farm coverage and it is valid up to 75 miles from the nearest point of land. North to some point in Alaska and sputh to the Mexican territorial waters (Mexico has a Napolianic legal system an only recognises Mexican insurance...always get that if you are going into Mexican waters!) The price quote I got was for $208 per year...does that seem reasonable? (2002 20" boat with 130 Honda and kicker). I need to sign up soon so responses apreciated!
WP :smile:

Lepper · 04-12-2003, 03:16 PM

they base it on the $ amount you have insured on the boat.. For me I hae a 19' alumaweld with a 90hp 4 stroke, I have that insured for 18k Then on top of that I have my electronics and trailer.. my rate is 160a year. If you have your safe boaters card taht will knock the price down.. My wife just got hers and it cut our price by 20$ a year.

Hope this helps dave (oh ya i'm wi th state farm!!)

Miss B Haven · 04-13-2003, 07:13 PM

You should be able to get temp riders for anywhere you go. It's cheaper to do that than cover yourself for Mexico or the entire west coast transit. YOu just call up and let them know when/where you are going. They'll be glad to send you a bill!

WP · 04-14-2003, 10:24 AM

Woo Hoo!
Thanks to Lepper I got a reduction on my insurance of $21 a year! Covered now for 75 miles (wonder if that includes running out of gas!) and Alaska to the Mexican border. Stae Farm actually has reasonable coverage, I am pleased with it.
WP :grin: :grin: