This thread may better belong in the "insurance" forum, but given the recent discussion of insurance on a 33' OL I thought that it may be a good idea to post here.

In MI I can only use my boat about 4-5 months per year. I have progressive insurance. I have heard the nightmare stories about the company, but they all seem to be with high-dollar boats/claims. I only insure my boat for around $20K. It's paid off and I'm comfortable that I could replace it for that.

My question is this - This is the first year that I have actually maintained coverage for the whole year. My boat sits in locked storage all winter long, and I generally cancel the coverage throughout the winter months. I know Progressive provides a pretty big discount for having coverage all year, but I don't know if it would be cheaper to insure it all winter or not. It sounds silly I know (insure the boat longer for less $, but it seems to be the case with them).

I generally pay about $700 per year, but it only costs about $400-450 for the summer after I cancel the policy. My Step-Dad was paying $450 per year for a 38' Scarab with an agreed value of $40k.

My bro-in-law used to have a jet ski through Progressive. It's one of the few companies that allow you to cancel and reup as the seasons change.

SF does not work this way.

Some companies have a lay up. Where the boat is covered against fire, theft, etc, but not insured if on the water during the lay up period. This may be something to investigate with a short season in MI.

I canceled everything but liability over the winter, just so I can check out the "continuous coverage" discount. I'll post how it goes! It only cost about $220 to keep the coverage for the winter, so I figure it wasn't much of a gamble.

I have Ky Farm Bureau. Kinda like state farm i think. I pay 36 bucks a month for 21k full coverage. They have a "lay up" policy that you can choose for those winter months. The policy is something around Oct 1 through Apr 1 your boat will no be in use. It still covers the boat wherever its at also. Might be something to ask about.

Run Away From Progressive As Fast As You Can.

Do you have any contact information for them.


Jason, I have heard a couple stories about Progressive denying claims, but they were all for $30k plus. I'm really not worried about it. I should be an attorney by the start of the summer, and it would cost them more to fight my claim than my boat is worth.

Unless you like funding ultra liberal policy and one world govt.....via george soros!

Nothing like taking money from the few people who can afford boats to fund organizations thats purpose is to do away with disposable income so its all going to the poor.

That & they dont pay claims.

Progressive is only good if you need insurance to cover (in this case, car license plates and to get it on the road). And don't care about good coverage. God forbid you have a claim. They are terrible.

my $.02.....I actually had good luck with progressive a year ago on a claim. Had some damage on my deck, it got repaired in august of '09, put the boat away in winter storage, and had the paint work finished up in the spring of 2010 when I pulled it out of storage. No, I don't work for Progressive, I just had good luck.......maybe I lucked out with a good claims rep, I don't know. Appreciate the tip on the limited liability for the winter months.