Just last year Allstate quoted me a great rate for a boat I was about to purchase. Asked the agent if he was sure he could write it and was up front about the power and speed. They bound the policy and I bought the boat only to get a call two weeks later that underwriting was canceling the policy. I had one month to get insurance through Markel. That also included the necessity to take Tres Martin's Ultra Performance Course (worth it). I was prepared for the possibility that would occur with Allstate and rolled with it pretty easily. If buying the boat would have hinged on the insurance it would have been very upsetting.

He probably forgot to actually look at the underwriting requirements before he quoted it.

I have found that they will write "liability only policies" on HP boats. My neighbor has one on his 100mph cat, and I have been quoted for the Magnum for a very reasonable rate.

No hull value though.

I have had Allstate for my car and home insurance for over 20 years - never had a problem. Got $14k from them last summer for hail damage to the house (first home claim ever) and just insured my (new to me) 87 formula 242 LS w/ 454. 15k purchase price - $500 deductable, same liability as my auto insurance. $199 a year.

And here I thought I needed to take the Power Squadron safe boating class to get a little lower rate. He didn't even ask about it. Guess I'll still take the test

All State sells an Actual Cash Value policy (depreciation taken into account) so make sure that you request the Agreed Value endorsement for the policy. It will save you any back and forth crap in the event of a claim. Also, see if they will add extended partial loss coverage (replacement cost for partial losses). Just a couple pointers to help you get a good policy.

I've been with allstate over 20 years, car, boat, snowmobile, home and life. Only claims I've had were on my 1987 26' Chris Craft Stinger, my alpha drive blew apart, they pro-rated it by age so I didn't get much for it. I talked to my agent and added replacement cost option. A few years later my motor siezed due to overheating (picked up a plastic bag) they payed for the motor to be replaced and I was very happy with the settlement. I'm very happy with my agent and have no plans to change ins. companys.

Thanks, Stacey. I understand and that is very good advice.

Allstate tough period- they fight like hell (if they insure you and you make a mistake & they defend you-o.k.). If someone (you/your victim) is trying to collect from them, they are about the toughest out there. I have been involved in insurance litigation for the last few decades (and my dad is a judge & I'm not speaking for him-but anyone involved in insurance litigation will tell you they are about the worst to collect from). To verify what I am saying just call any personal injury law firm in your local area and speak to one of the attorneys.

FYI, Allstate also owns a regional bank....Their condition report looks acceptable,to me!

Their CD rates seem very competitive....It may be prudent to consider selling them a Jumbo or Super Jumbo CD, just more of the package.

Thanks to that, I was able to get your business.

Yep. Not sure how they handle their marine insurance but I had a guy run a red light and hit me in my Saleen 6 years ago and Allstate did everything they could to not repair the car properly. Forced the use of remanufactured parts and was generally a PITA. The car was never repaired properly. I would never insure through them after that experience.