Florida/Caribe Insurance

[SUNCAT365]

Hi,

We're sitting in Southern Virginia, waiting to exit south on the ICW. We're shopping for insurance as our current insurance is only good on the Chesapeake. It's proving challenging and I'm looking for your advice.

Current options :
1 - Seaworthy ( aka Boat US ). I once had a bad experience with a Boat US claim and am therefore hesitant. Also their deductible goes up to 10% of insured value during storms. Do you have Seaworthy and can you comment on their service ?

2 - Markel. I like them but they offer no wind insurance in FL Latitudes in summer and we likely need to stay there for family reasons. Can you comment on their service ?

3 - Osprey. They have a terrible reputation due to their aggressive depreciation schedule. Using their depreciation schedule my boat has little replacement value in spite of a week old survey. I'm likely avoiding them.

4 - Lemma. A bit of research shows a very small company and therefore a risk
if everyone gets hit at once. Do you have Lemma and can you comment on their service ?

Thanks for your help !

[eryka]

Suncat - We've liked Markel's service, but if you're in the hurricane "box" during wind season you are correct - you're SOL. (Disclaimer - the incident where we 'tested' Markel was later determined to be the other party's fault 100%, so we haven't fully put Markel to the test where they actually had to PAY a claim. They were supportive and their rep was knowledgeable in our case, we can say. You might try contacting IMIS for insurance - they're brokers, not agents, so they don't have any conflict of interest in recommending one company over another for you. Fair winds, -e.

[hellosailor]

I'd also suggest IMIS. Al will be the first one to say when he can't compete with a price, but usually that's because it doesn't offer the same value (coverage, exemptions, services) as what he will offer.

They play honest, no surprises later on.