Boat Insurance

Greetings! I'm going to the proud new owner of an '08 X-Star next week. I've been checking into the insurance options, and I notice that the rates seem to have jumped from what I was expecting.

I was going to use USAA/Progressive, but their rates were over twice what they charged me a few years ago.

Can anybody give me any info on insurance companies and/or rates? If anybody is getting a good rate on an '08 X-Star with a 400 horse engine, I'd like to hear about it.

Thanks!

I use Boat U.S. but, there are so many variabales you just have to shop around. I will say this, I had a claim with them and I could not have asked for better/faster service.

I was with Statefarm for my I/O and was paying about 300 a year. When I got my new boat, I switched to Boat US and it was not even double that price but the amount to be insured is double, almost triple. They were really patient with me on all the questions I had and insured me the same day and sent me a copy of the binder through mail and sent it that day in email. I have been impressed so far. I hope not to have a claim but I dont see any issues.
Also, just for reference, my I/O trailer had a hit and run last year at the dock while we were out, my insurance wouldnt cover it and said I needed to pay a $500 deductible....I looked at the Boat US policy and it is only a $50 deductible. Im hoping nobody hits this one or I'll be finding them lol

I use Ski-Safe. I believe it is the same company as Boat US. Very affordable rates and good coverage on paper. I havent had to make any claims with them yet.

I use an independent insurance agent for all my insuarance needs. He knows the coverages I want and shops around once a year for me. I have my house, two cars, two boats and two jet skis along with my umbrella policy and some add on's for my wifes jelwery thru him.

I think most of my insurance is thru travelers? I pay roughly $425/year on my 07 surpa 22.

I have State Farm but will changed to Boat US. I did an online quote and got a much cheaper price for better coverage

Westmar marine was the insurance company that was recommended to me. Their rates were very competitive. I haven't had to make a claim but from what I have heard, they are easy to deal with if you need to.
http://www.westmarinsurance.com/boat_yacht/

I have Westmar also and just compared with SkiSafe and I have $12K more coverage on the value of my boat / trlr with all the same coverages for $50 year less.

I had Westmar then switched to Boaters Insurance. They were much cheaper and plus they had a special deal for Malibu boat owners.

I use the same company my car &house policies are on, Safeco. The rates were competitive with the others & it's easier to manage. Ski Safe dropped us because we ride SkySkis.

A couple things to consider:

- Some companies will quote a rate for the season. Some for the year. If your planning on using your boat in the off season (like right now), then be sure your insured year round.

- Consider an umbrella policy. As boat owners, we do some crazy things & bring our friends around to do them too. And many of us are into other toys too, ATVs, dirt bikes, golf carts, etc. An umbrella will cover up to a set amount (ie; $1 million), regardless of what is going on & where. So if your buddy breaks his leg boarding behind your boat, or a girl scout bumps her head in a fall running down your front stairs, or you roll your ATV, your covered. And if it gets into some kind of litigation, then your insurance companies' cut throat, high dollar lawyers are working for you.