insurance

[David Knecht]

Happy Holidays to all- I would like to again draw on the experience of the group, this time about insurance.  The basic question is when it is worth submitting an insurance claim.  I know from car insurance that you don't want to submit relatively small value claims as they will raise your rates as a result.  My small genoa was destroyed in a late season noreaster and needs to be replaced.  A laminate racing sail is not cheap.  I don't want to ask the insurance company so I wonder if anyone has experience with this issue.  Dave

David Knecht

S/V Aries

1990 C&C 34+

New London, CT

[Eric Baumes]

Disclaimer I am not an insurance professional but I have had a few claims over 25 years of sailing and 3 boats. These were for big things. Lightning, Sandy, breaking the steering pedestal. 

I assumed you checked your policy for the extent of coverage for sails and under what conditions they cover damage/replacement. 

Also consider that some insurance companies are depreciating parts so you may not get full cost of a new sail even it they cover it. But you will have a claim. 

I hear you about the small claim vs rate increase. And to that point when I switched from boat US I took a $1500 deductible. 

I blew up a sail a couple years ago in a squall. It was a good sail, lightly used but old. I didn’t really think about an insurance claim, as the sail was old. 

If your insurance is through an agent (I use Gowry), I think it is fair to ask questions about your policy and the coverage. 

It’s just a gut feeling, but I would hope that they would be more responsive and honest as they should not be in the business of denying claims like the carriers are. I have experience through my boat club that our agent was great at answering questions about our policy along with the cost/benefit of insuring certain things. 

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 6, 2025, at 11:30 AM, David Knecht <davida...@gmail.com> wrote:

Happy Holidays to all- I would like to again draw on the experience of the group, this time about insurance.  The basic question is when it is worth submitting an insurance claim.  I know from car insurance that you don't want to submit relatively small value claims as they will raise your rates as a result.  My small genoa was destroyed in a late season noreaster and needs to be replaced.  A laminate racing sail is not cheap.  I don't want to ask the insurance company so I wonder if anyone has experience with this issue.  Dave

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[Cesar Vallejos]

Hello David,

I've gone thru a few sails in my racing experience, though none in a storm. This context might help:

Different case: I had a crew injured once, took her to the ER for stitches to her eyebrow, and later asked my broker if it was worth submitting a claim. He said no, so I just paid her medical deductible.

So maybe ask your guy. A $4-5K sail on a policy that's likely to be $1.2K/yr might not be worth it.

Also, check your policy for a windstorm endorsement, which may increase deductible amount in a claim.

Regards,

CJV

S/V Wild Blue

1991 C&C 34+

Huntington, NY

[Clark Trow]

Disclaimer:  I too am not an insurance professional.

I have heard that some insurance companies (in general, not specifically boat insurers) will jack up an insured's premium if the insured even inquires about a claim.  Whenever I ask my agent (homeowners and auto; fortunately I haven't had any boat claims...yet), I always preface questions with "I have a friend who is insured with xyz company who was wondering...."  Maybe I am overly cautious, but better safe than sorry.

Clark Trow

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[David Knecht]

Good advice.  And I will bet you all slept in a Holiday Inn Express last night.

David Knecht

S/V Aries

1990 C&C 34+

New London, CT

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[Francois Rivard]

Allstate covered my soft grounding a few years ago. There was no damage to the boat but the US Towboat bill was $550 - 600 bucks and that was part of my coverage package. (No deductible on towing). They paid it all.  

My customer service rep was very nice and helpful. She said to inspect at the next haulout and assured me they'd cover any additional damage if needed. The boat did come out for a new bottom a few months later and no damage was found.

The experience was better than expected, actually. The premiums have not increased abnormally since. 

-Francois 

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