Increasing hard to find insurance. One wonders if many good old boats will become landfill as they are uninsurable... even for liability!
BoatUS covered my past wooden boat (cedar strip covered by glass). When sold the new owner was refused by BoatUS and others as the boat had a 'Z' HIN (This doesn't mean boat home built just has a HIN issued by the State of WA - my old boat WAS professionally built). BoatUS was even more interesting in they had, three days before I sold, renewed the policy!
The new owner was able to get liability from Markel American Insurance.
Each year I worry that my current boat will be dropped as the insurance companies increasing refuse to cover anything but new or exceedingly valuable classics. The average owner may be out of luck as the boats the middle class can afford to own and/or build are not 'safe' enough for the underwriters.
I have been very satisfied using Progressive Insurance for my 12’ SCAMP Noddy. I believe Progressive does not insure wooden boats but Noddy is a composite in the truest sense. They of course provide liability insurance coverage. I have had one bent alloy mast claim in the past (2015) and it was promptly settled.
I insure with Hagerty and although I haven’t made a claim, I find their prices reasonable and they’ve been pleasant. I needed liability insurance in order to use marina’s occasionally and I added hull insurance for peace of mind. Finding a company that understood wooden boats wasn’t easy. Best of luck.
Several of these companies (Hagerty, BoatUS/GEICO) recently told me that they aren't starting new policies for multihulls, although they don't list that as one of their disqualifiers.
Just to add to this knowledge base, had a reader tell me he had some trouble finding insurance for his owner-built, exposed engine powerboat in Canada, but eventually found insurance from: https://pacificmarine.ca/
This challenge and advice applies to "classic plastics", too. I have had several companies decline to insure my fiberglass boats over 40 years old, regardless of construction material, condition, value, etc.
In fall 2023, BoatUS/Geico wouldn't insure boats over 40 years old, but did offer me a policy through a "partner," American Modern. It is affordable, but I had to keep calling back, requesting status, and jumping through hoops to get it. And they wouldn't insure it for more than the purchase price- a real bummer of those of us that like to rescue or fix up older boats. Heritage Marine never responded to my quote request. Allstate won't insure boats over 40 years old.
I have a Homebuilt electric boat, Ginger. It’s a cruiser with about 80 miles of range. I rely on marinas to recharge overnight. But many marinas, particularly in Canada, require insurance. I haven’t had an insurance policy on Ginger since realizing that damage will most likely occur while she is on the trailer which is covered by my auto or home policies.
I’m planning a 2 week voyage from Anacortes to Vancouver thru the San Juan’s and Gulf Islands. I need insurance. So, using this article I began with Allstate, my car and home insurer, but they don’t insure Homebuilt boats. Neither does: Boat US/GEICO, Heritage, D’Agostino only writes policies for New Jersey residents, Lyle Insurance also won’t insure Homebuilt boats.
I’m waiting for a response from Hagerty, but I’m not optimistic.
Has anyone looked into just liability marine insurance? Looking at prices of the vast majority of home-built wooden boats, the replacement insurance is the least concern. I need more liability insurance and towing/salvage coverage. I've seen some marine liability agencies online but I'm wondering if anyone has used them.
I had a completely different result for my 20' stitch and glue sailboat. Easily obtained a policy and reasonably priced. We also have had coverage for other boats and have been pleased with their service for both rates and claims.
Increasing hard to find insurance. One wonders if many good old boats will become landfill as they are uninsurable... even for liability!
BoatUS covered my past wooden boat (cedar strip covered by glass). When sold the new owner was refused by BoatUS and others as the boat had a 'Z' HIN (This doesn't mean boat home built just has a HIN issued by the State of WA - my old boat WAS professionally built). BoatUS was even more interesting in they had, three days before I sold, renewed the policy!
The new owner was able to get liability from Markel American Insurance.
Each year I worry that my current boat will be dropped as the insurance companies increasing refuse to cover anything but new or exceedingly valuable classics. The average owner may be out of luck as the boats the middle class can afford to own and/or build are not 'safe' enough for the underwriters.
I have been very satisfied using Progressive Insurance for my 12’ SCAMP Noddy. I believe Progressive does not insure wooden boats but Noddy is a composite in the truest sense. They of course provide liability insurance coverage. I have had one bent alloy mast claim in the past (2015) and it was promptly settled.
What if my SCAMP Silver Belle was only fiberglassed to the waterline and along all joints and seems?
I insured my fiberglass SCAMP through AARP with The Hartford Nutmeg group. I am not sure if they insure wooden boats or not.
Your mileage may vary…. That sound like composite to me.
I’m familiar with Charles’ build of Silver Belle. It is a strong build and he is an amazing craftsman. You did well to buy it.
I tried BoatUS but was told they only insure professionally built wooden sailboats, not owner built.
I insure with Hagerty and although I haven’t made a claim, I find their prices reasonable and they’ve been pleasant. I needed liability insurance in order to use marina’s occasionally and I added hull insurance for peace of mind. Finding a company that understood wooden boats wasn’t easy. Best of luck.
Several of these companies (Hagerty, BoatUS/GEICO) recently told me that they aren't starting new policies for multihulls, although they don't list that as one of their disqualifiers.
Just to add to this knowledge base, had a reader tell me he had some trouble finding insurance for his owner-built, exposed engine powerboat in Canada, but eventually found insurance from: https://pacificmarine.ca/
This challenge and advice applies to "classic plastics", too. I have had several companies decline to insure my fiberglass boats over 40 years old, regardless of construction material, condition, value, etc.
In fall 2023, BoatUS/Geico wouldn't insure boats over 40 years old, but did offer me a policy through a "partner," American Modern. It is affordable, but I had to keep calling back, requesting status, and jumping through hoops to get it. And they wouldn't insure it for more than the purchase price- a real bummer of those of us that like to rescue or fix up older boats. Heritage Marine never responded to my quote request. Allstate won't insure boats over 40 years old.
I have a Homebuilt electric boat, Ginger. It’s a cruiser with about 80 miles of range. I rely on marinas to recharge overnight. But many marinas, particularly in Canada, require insurance. I haven’t had an insurance policy on Ginger since realizing that damage will most likely occur while she is on the trailer which is covered by my auto or home policies.
I’m planning a 2 week voyage from Anacortes to Vancouver thru the San Juan’s and Gulf Islands. I need insurance. So, using this article I began with Allstate, my car and home insurer, but they don’t insure Homebuilt boats. Neither does: Boat US/GEICO, Heritage, D’Agostino only writes policies for New Jersey residents, Lyle Insurance also won’t insure Homebuilt boats.
I’m waiting for a response from Hagerty, but I’m not optimistic.
Has anyone looked into just liability marine insurance? Looking at prices of the vast majority of home-built wooden boats, the replacement insurance is the least concern. I need more liability insurance and towing/salvage coverage. I've seen some marine liability agencies online but I'm wondering if anyone has used them.
That’s all I’ve been asking for, liability coverage, to cover the marina.
I had a completely different result for my 20' stitch and glue sailboat. Easily obtained a policy and reasonably priced. We also have had coverage for other boats and have been pleased with their service for both rates and claims.