Boat US Towing Insurance

tom&shan · Joined: 21 Sep 2006 Posts: 316 Photos: Dakota

What's the opinion on purchasing the annual Boat/US Towing Insurance?
Recommend it ? Don't need it ?

Tom

C-Hawk · Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 6:17 pm Post subject:

That would be a personal decision.

I have the unlimited gold Vessel Assist through Boat U.S.- but then again, I cruise our Channel Islands.
I haven't had to use it, but consider it cheap insurance if I did need it.
I also carry Good Sam RV emergency road service for when we are in the motorhome.

JamesTXSD · Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 6:52 pm Post subject:

Like Roger, we have the Unlimited Boat US towing insurance. Haven't needed it (yet), but I've talked with those who have... sign the paper and thank the nice towboat guy. If you only use it once every 5 or 6 years, it will have paid for itself.

We don't have twin engines on our boat... I figure this is much less expensive. Wink

Valkyrie · Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:08 pm Post subject:

We also have the unlimited insurance, as well and are very happy with it.

However, we just got our renewal notice and it mentioned a 70% reduction for unlimited service. In reading the fine print I noticed that we were limited to fresh water only on the unlimited, but we boat in salt water, too.

I called them and got put back on the previous plan. They noted that we live in Ohio, which has a dearth of salt water and they assumed that we wouldn't need the salt water coverage. I guess that they were trying to do the best thing for us, but if I hadn't caught the change, it could have cost us big time.

Nick
"Valkyrie"[/i]

Belltown · Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:19 pm Post subject:

As a new boat owner, and being new to boating, I want to make sure I have our bases covered. I purchased what I believe to be good, comprehensive, yacht insurance (Chubb). I told our broker I also intended to the Boat US coverage.

He said, "Why? You're covered up to the full value of your boat. We want you to do the right thing. Get the assist you need, pay, and you'll be reimbursed within a week."

Does this make sense? It seems to (naive) me, the carrier would much rather I pay the $100+. Do insurance carriers pay negotiated (lower) rates to vessel assist vendors, on behalf of their insured?

Cheers,

Bruce

C-Hawk · Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:29 pm Post subject:

20dauntless · Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 11:05 pm Post subject:

I bought it this year for the first time. Check out Richard Rodriguez's blog at the link below:

http://captrichardrodriguez.blogspot.com/

I figured the $150 was worth it since I have a single without a kicker. And it's valid on both the C-Dory and the Whaler, so I am not on the hook for a big towing bill if there is a problem.

Will-C · Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 5:13 pm Post subject: Boat Us Towing Insurance

Hello,
I wonder if you had a large towing bill if it would affect you insurance on next years insurance premium? For what unlimited towing insurance costs, I for one would be inclined to keep it separate from any insurance policy that was covering the boat for damages thefts etc. for fear of what might happen rate wise down the road. If you ever shopped for a better rate with a different insurance the dreaded question come up have you ever filed any claims with your current carrier?
D.D.

Valkyrie · Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 7:00 pm Post subject:

Dave,

I'm not sure about others here, but my boat insurance is with Progressive, while BOAT US towing insurance is merely part of my membership in the organization, so they can't raise my premiums.

I had BOAT US insurance on my boats for years, but their quote on Valkyrie was nearly triple that of Progressive for the same coverage.

Nick
"Valkyrie"

Doryman · Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 12:38 am Post subject:

I've signed up for the premium package as well (including trailer coverage, which isn't included in my AAA membership.) LIke others have said, it seems like cheap insurance, especially since we can't count on the USCG for breakdown help these days.

Warren

dave · Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 12:59 am Post subject:

I just received my renewal notice for BoatUS. They claim that is more than 30% off the regular price. Last year the unlimited package with the trailer assist was $99. This year it is $108. I sure am glad I got a 30% discount!

CatyMae n Steve · Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 10:09 am Post subject:

The only words of caution I'd give are "check to see if they cover the areas in which you boat. No sense paying if they don't have vessels in your area to help you Wink

Caty

Fun Patrol · Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 10:45 am Post subject:

Ever wonder how people got by before they invented (for profit) towing insurance? Totally needless in my view. Just about the only reason you would need to be towed is if your motor quit. The most usual cause of that is running out of gas. I think it is best to be self-sufficient. Things like paying attention to your fuel supply and having a backup, a spare prop and a 2nd motor should take care of it.

We wander off the beaten track as much as possible. Maybe way back in a canyon in Lake Powell in the off-season. I suppose you could call Boat US if you had a satelite phone, but it would be much easier and faster to just fire up the kicker and take care of yourself. I've towed a few boats in over the years. Sailboats run out of wind or get swamped. Power boats quit. I enjoy being a good samaritan and find that most other people do too.

Have fun out there,

Roy

NORO LIM · Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 11:20 am Post subject:

I don't have separate towing insurance. Look at Boat US coverage areas. The insurance is pretty much useless precisely where it would be most important to me, i.e., Northern BC coast and S.E. Alaska.

In fact I had to search a bit to find general casualty insurance for a 22 foot boat travelling up the Inside Passage. I was told by more than one broker that their carriers simply do not insure small boats in Alaskan coastal waters, or on the BC coast beyond the Vancouver and Southern Strait of Georgia vicinity.

Do most of you in Alaska just go without insurance (casualty or towing) on your boats?

Doryman · Posted: Sat Jul 19, 2008 5:03 pm Post subject: