[C320-list] Boat Insurance

[Pat Tormey]

I’ll know more in a week

Last week my crew piloted Blue Skies into a well marked reef causing substantial keel damage. I arranged to have it pulled Tuesday at a local yard and called progressive(thru USAA). 

One agent did a ‘facts and numbers” phone interview before close of day as promised, confirmed that I was covered with no deductible and arranged the local agent’s time to see the boat in one call.

Their guy was able to meet me on short notice, and in time to inspect the damage while she was still hanging in the sling. He was also experienced enough to recommend that the repairs be made without removing the keel, citing that IF hull damage was found he would come back to adjust the claim. This not only saves $$ but also I’ll get the boat back a lot sooner. (They step the mast to pull the keel for stability).

I found the Progressive agent knowledgeable, responsive and easy to work with.   He is working directly with the shop to resolve the problem. SO I’ll let you know in a week how things went. Contact me personally for follow-up if you like but so far I’m very happy that I have Progressive.

Also THAT crewmember will never sail with me again.

Pat Tormey 
603.479.1363
ptormey at 4square.net
s/v Blue Skies
Newport RI

From: Michael Leschisin
Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2018 7:40 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Boat Insurance

Ok, I hate to open the whole pandora’s box about boat insurance, but….

I looked at some posts from 2017 and it looked like there was quite a lengthy discussion mainly centering around USBoat being underwritten by Geico.  I presently have Progressive since they are the underwriter for boats on my wife’s public school employee’s member benefits association which gives us some great coverage and rates on our home and cars, etc.. Progressive's rates are pretty competitive but can anyone speak to how they are as a company when it comes to filing a claim?  I know they are one of the bigger insurers of boats nation wide and their customer reviews online seem to run either hot or cold.  I guess I’m letting their ad campaigns get to me because I just don’t feel good about having my boat covered by a company that puts its image forward as "everything in life is a big joke”.  I know this is a bit of backward thinking since its really just advertising, but I’m wondering if anyone has any first hand experience as to their professionalism and handling of claims when the time comes.

Thanks for the help,

Michael









___________________________ 

Michael Leschisin | Photographer / Videographer / Director of Photography
Studio:  920.738.4080  |  Cell:  920.205.2070
1100 S. Lynndale Dr.  |  Appleton, WI 54914
www.imagestudios.com