Need Help With Insurance Issue

ian6460 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-30-2004

We''re purchasing a ''83 Brewer 12.8. We want to put it on the hard for 12-18 months while I upgrade the electrical, plumbing, refinish some woodwork and add new electronics. I can''t find anyone who will write the coverage because I don''t have experience with refitting boats or an marine electrical license.

I understand why an insurer may be cautious with such a project, BUT who the heck do they think puts on your new electronics, installs replacement hoses, repairs wiring, etc etc etc. Are there exclusions in your policies that prevents you from doing your own maintenance. Everything I intend to do should have already been done as a matter of routine maintenance!

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks

gunnyman · #2 (**permalink**) 08-31-2004

Try going with declared value and less inormation to the insurer. May be the best approach as I see it.

Irwin32 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-01-2004

I have found Allstate to be willing to insure w/o a survey. I have also found them to be very good with claims.

WHOOSH · #4 (**permalink**) 09-06-2004

Ian, why not contact Al Golden or talk with one of his staff at 800 541-4647. They are International Marine Insurance Svcs, independent broker representing numerous carriers, are former cruising sailors with many years experience, and receive routine rave reviews from their customers. I''ve used them for the last 7 years and suspect that, if there''s a method of insure your boat and/or coaching you can benefit by, they will be able to provide it.

I don''t think it''s at all unusual for a carrier to require a full survey before covering the boat, no matter who has done what, and you should expect that. Moreover, your insured boat will need to be resurveyed every few years (5 has been the norm in my experience), for just the reason you mention: things change, equipment is repaired, replaced or modified, and the carrier has a right to confirm the boat remains compliant with good marine practices, remains in the same state of repair, and/or can instill a method by which poorly done work is redone properly.

Good luck on the project!

Jack Tyler
WHOOSH, now lying Ramsgate, England