General Insurance question

[swimnfit]

I am getting closer to my purchase of a sailboat after much research and patience. One of the questions I still have regards insurance. Basically, is it better to insure through an existing agent that carries Auto, Home etc? Companies like State Farm for example. Or is best to insure through a specialized agent like Boat US. I have gotten approximate quotes and both are very close. Has anyone had any experience good or bad with one over the other?
For what it's worth, my sailing grounds are Southern California, San Diego.
Thanks again for the wisdom!!

[sailingfool]

I have used BoatUS (CNA) for the last ten years and heartily recommend them...reasonable prices, friendly staff, and no BS. I would not buy marine insurance from a broker of general insurance services, unless its a significant part of their business...i.e. is MARIONE listed int he leaderhead and on the front door. there is a lot oif specialized requirements for marine insurance that completely escape typical brokers...

[Cruisingdad]

Boat US or other Marine insurance. I have also used Zurich through a broker. Been with Boat US most of it. Go with someone that understands boats.

- CD

[LarryandSusanMacDonald]

Saltwater Suzi (a former licensed insurance agent in Maryland and Pennsylvania) has some good information on our website, The Frugal Mariner.

You can pick up a couple of no obligation free quotes, too.

[swimnfit]

Thank you much, all of you. It basically confirms my gut feeling to go with someone who "speaks boat". Besides Boat US, in the San Diego area, what other type of marine specific insurance carriers are there likely to be? Are there any others and does it make a difference if they are located in another state than where the boat is sailed?

[Mauryd]

I am an Insurance Agent in Michigan. I do a lot of boat insurance. Of course I am a boater so I know boats and know marine insurance. Unfortunately for you I only write insurance in Michigan. My carriers write better coverage at a better price than boat u.s. Plus my clients have me around if they need me. I'm not just some voice over the phone.

While Boat U.S. has a good product they are not local to you. You can't go to your agent's office and sit down with him/her and get straight advice face to face. Believe it or not that's worth a lot. Look around for an agent who is located in your state and knows marine insurance. The other side to knowing boats and boat insurance is to know the State you are in. Each state has its own insurance laws,and coverage nuances.

Best Regards,

Maury