boat insurance

[BrownClown]

Tige/Boating gurus,

It looks like I'm finally ready to purchase the boat I have been found. My last boat was an old 20' I/O, so I had fairly minimum insurance on it. I've looked at Geico, BoatUS, West marine, and Shelter. They all have pros and cons and are similar in price. Here's my question...what levels of coverage do you recommend?

I'm getting the "agreed hull value"
What about liability/ property damage/bodily injury?
Fuel and other spill liability seems standard at 800k
Medical payments-limit per person each accident?
boat trailer(agreed value).
Uninsured boater protection-limit each accident?
Commercial towing assistance?

Thanks for the input!

Todd

[dogbert]

My recommendation is that you insure it through the same provider that you use for your car(s), house(s), etc. Usually, you can spread the liability across multiple policies and that will save you money in the long run.

Towing assistance is only useful if you plan to go on long trips in less than desirable areas. Do you have towing assistance on your vehicles?

Get the boat appraised, that's what the insured value should be...same with the trailer.

I'm not sure I've ever heard of fuel and spill liability...seems like an add-on charge. Unless where you boat requires it.

[Domsz06]

I agree with dog. I have mine with my car and house provider. It's pretty cheap and a very good idea since lots could happen on the lake.
also don't forget to make sure you have all your goodies insured. I added 20k to it to cover speakers, boards, amps etc. Most policies don't give much so be sure your water toys are protected too.

[dogbert]

One thing I forgot to mention is that I have a liability umbrella that covers pretty much everything. I can apply it to many things and it really helps save money.

[jbort]

Hi there:

I definitely agree with Dom6z on getting extra coverage for personal property for skis, ropes, dock lines, anchor, life jackets, wake boards and oher water toys. We had our prior boat stolen (Formula 280 SS) and had min coverage for all other stuff which we valued at 3 grand and this stuff costs a ton to replace today. JB