[C320-list] Insurance Survey

[David Nolte via C320-list]

So among the end of year holiday cards mail I got a letter from GEICO requiring a Condition and Valuation Survey before my policy renewal in April.

I’ve been with GEICO nine years. They have never asked for a survey, in fact did not when I switched to them.

I just called and they won’t budge, in fact said that they will be requiring surveys about every three years going forward.

Not looking forward to paying for those, also not looking forward to what a surveyor may itemize for fixing on a 33 year old boat that I may be willing to live with but GEICO won’t. I have never submitted a claim.

What other insurance companies are people using these days? Annual cost? Survey requirements?

If I go with a survey does anyone have Surveyor recommendations in the Annapolis area? The one I used years ago has passed on.

Thanks!

David Nolte
Beach House 0004

[David Nolte via C320-list]

Beach House 0004
David Nolte

[David Nolte via C320-list]

Sorry John I apparently sent this to you only initially…

I resent to the group

Best,

David Nolte
Beach House 0004

David Nolte

[Kim Chapman via C320-list]

My Canadian underwriter requires a survey every five years for a Florida
boat (Catalina 400). And they require all findings to be corrected.

Kim Chapman
C320 #416
Sanity
Toronto

[John Brennan via C320-list]

I use Progressive in hurricane-prone Florida, and it does not require a survey.

Personally, I do not like Geico, although I could probably extend that dislike to every insurance company I've ever dealt with.

I've supported myself through investing these last 17 years, and there is an investors' axiom about companies such as Geico that are owned by Warren Buffett: Always buy their stock, but never do business with them. The reason is that they are cut-throat about maximizing profits.

I dropped Geico about five years ago when I had my boat in a friend's slip, and a tropical storm caused about 4K in damage to the pilings. Geico originally agreed to cover it, then basically told me: Sue if you want to collect.

The claims agent correctly figured out it was cheaper for me to fix the dock myself than go to court to collect what I rightfully hadcoming to me.

My philosophy these days is to insure only against catastrophic events that I can't or don't want to pay myself. That means getting lower rates in exchange for high deductibles, copays, etc.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tiwerra Verde, Fl.





________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of David Nolte via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 10:32 AM
To: c320...@lists.catalina320.com <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Cc: David Nolte <dcn...@mac.com>
Subject: [C320-list] Insurance Survey

[Jarrett Henderson via C320-list]

I use State Farm for my 1995 #236. I am on a fresh water lake though (Lake Texoma). I pay about $400 a year for $65,000 in coverage. I’ll have owned the boat for 6 years this coming June and have never had a survey. I’m sure if I was in saltwater all this would be extremely different. I don’t have to worry about hurricanes but the occasional tornado happens often.


> On Jan 12, 2026, at 10:26 AM, David Nolte via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> So among the end of year holiday cards mail I got a letter from GEICO requiring a Condition and Valuation Survey before my policy renewal in April.

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

Our annual premium for our 1994 C320 with State Farm (we have used State Farm since the 1970s)  is under $200/year based on $500 deductible, a declared original boat value of $48,000 (that we haven't reduced) with $300,000 liability.  This recognizes the Safety Course and Diesel discounts (and should matter since we have home and auto with them too). 
I have never (hope that stay the same) been asked for a survey (even when we originally arranged it in 2017). 

Dave Hupe 
1994 C320 #32
Holland MI 

Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer

On Mon, Jan 12, 2026 at 1:12 PM, David Nolte via C320-list<c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote: So among the end of year holiday cards mail I got a letter from GEICO requiring a Condition and Valuation Survey before my policy renewal in April.

[Michael Stumpfoll via C320-list]

Boat towing company and local yard both recommended Progressive to me for best claims handling and no survey required. I might switch from Allstate to them. Allstate asked me to get a survey for new C320 purchase, but after I argued they let me go without.

Thanks,
Mike Stumpfoll

On Jan 12, 2026, at 1:35 PM, John Brennan via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:

I use Progressive in hurricane-prone Florida, and it does not require a survey.

[KEN GEIGER via C320-list]

Kim,  why not say who your underwriter is??
Ken Geiger#765 Northern Dream On Georgian Bay 

Sent from AOL on Android

On Mon, Jan 12, 2026 at 1:38 p.m., Kim Chapman via C320-list<c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote: My Canadian underwriter requires a survey every five years for a Florida

[Hunt Bartine via C320-list]

I'm on the Chesapeake and use State Farm who has not required a survey...best.
-h1997 Catalina 320, Northeast, Md. 
 Hunt Bartine | 21 Southridge | Kennett, PA 19348215-630-7471 mobile
"WORK HARD, STAY HUMBLE,  BE THANKFUL"

[bobwyllner--- via C320-list]

I have GEICO and pay $722 for $65K on my 2005 (Hull1039). Perhaps I need to shop it. I have not been requested to have a survey completed as of yet.

A friend has an older Oday (don't recall the year exact year but pre-2000's for sure). He's been hit for a survey as well and was told it's become a practice now by the insurance companies for boats over a certain age. Don't know where they draw the line on age but would guess it may vary by company if not boat make and model as well.

Bob
________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Jarrett Henderson via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 12:44 PM
To: C320...@catalina320.com <C320...@catalina320.com>
Cc: Jarrett Henderson <jarretth...@icloud.com>; c320...@lists.catalina320.com <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Insurance Survey

[Dan Winsor via C320-list]

Every three years after 30.....
Lucky Devil #109

[Tim Van de Water via C320-list]

I'm using Progressive and no survey, ~$500/yr.

*Tim Van de Water*

*S/V Coda #537 '98*404.790.2208
tj.van...@gmail.com

[--Bill via C320-list]

I’m using Progressive. No survey. Agreed value $49k. Never had a claim.
—Bill Ackerman
1995 C-320 #240
Gulfport FL

> On Jan 12, 2026, at 4:29 PM, Michael Stumpfoll via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> Boat towing company and local yard both recommended Progressive to me for best claims handling and no survey required. I might switch from Allstate to them. Allstate asked me to get a survey for new C320 purchase, but after I argued they let me go without.

[Brian Hill via C320-list]

I am using Progressive. I am a new owner as of December (closed escrow Dec.
9) and I already had an auto policy and a dinghy policy with Progressive. I
had a survey done during the sale, but Progressive did not ask for it. *Knot
to Worry* is a 2005. CTYC1052E505. Good luck, David, and I guess the rest
of us will be interested to hear what you find. ~Brian

Knot to Worry 1052
Brian Hill

[Greg Flanagan via C320-list]

Just for the information, my insurance was renewed every year from 2006-2024 for approximately C$250/yr. I treated it like declining life insurance, that is the payout coverage decreased with age so the premium remained stable. Note my Marina and all reciprocal moorage around here requires $2million in liability coverage. Last year my insurer quit insuring pleasure craft due to increased risk. My broker found a new insurer at +C$500/year and required a survey (another$500). The survey indicated hull repairs that cost $10,000. So yes, the insurance industry is changing—responding to an increased risk (climate change) environment. This will likely add to the reduced opportunity for a next generation of sailors and therefore resale values of our boats.

Greg
Hoop Dancer #1076
Sidney, BC

> On Jan 12, 2026, at 1:28 PM, KEN GEIGER via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> Kim, why not say who your underwriter is??

[Colleen Clay via C320-list]

I also had to survey my Cal36 in the water only to maintain insurance. I did it this year because I am too busy with the C320 right now to have it hauled for a new insurance company. But GEICO will not be my insurance provider much longer.

Colleen Clay
SV Legacy
1995 #273
Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 12, 2026, at 14:14, Dave Hupe via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> Our annual premium for our 1994 C320 with State Farm (we have used State Farm since the 1970s) is under $200/year based on $500 deductible, a declared original boat value of $48,000 (that we haven't reduced) with $300,000 liability. This recognizes the Safety Course and Diesel discounts (and should matter since we have home and auto with them too).

[Anthony Sessa via C320-list]

I did have to supply a survey upon insuring a new purchase 1994 #58 for Geico.
________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Hunt Bartine via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 2:07 PM
To: c320...@catalina320.com <c320...@catalina320.com>
Cc: Hunt Bartine <hbar...@yahoo.com>; c320...@lists.catalina320.com <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>

Subject: Re: [C320-list] Insurance Survey

[Jeff Smith via C320-list]

I use Progressive through their affiliation with USAA. My premium went down
with no survey. My buddy had GEICO. He purchased a trawler, but he kept his
sailboat insured so he could sell it. They told him they required a survey
to reinsure, so he had the boat cut up to avoid the cost. I think gEICO is
requiring new surveys for many of their boat owners.

Jeff

[Jack Brennan via C320-list]

In Florida, surveys are largely a joke. There is no certification or standards. Anyone can create a web site and hold themselves out as a professional surveyor.

Personally, I've paid for three over the years, and all were a waste of money. They don't inspect engines or rigging. Two did little more than flip switches and give cursory glances at the boat. The third tried hard, but just wasn't good. All three missed several items that ended up costing me substantial amounts of money.

I'm confident that anyone in Florida could pay for an "insurance survey" and get a clean bill of health, as long as the check didn't bounce. At the very least, an insurance company should provide a surveyor at a reasonable price, for its benefit as well as the owner's.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320

Tierra Verde, Fl.

________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of bobwyllner--- via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 3:53 PM
To: C320...@catalina320.com <C320...@catalina320.com>
Cc: bobwy...@comcast.net <bobwy...@comcast.net>; c320...@lists.catalina320.com <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>

[Mike Paris via C320-list]

Geico requires a survey for boats 30 years old or older.

Mike P


> On Jan 12, 2026, at 5:43 PM, bobwyllner--- via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> I have GEICO and pay $722 for $65K on my 2005 (Hull1039). Perhaps I need to shop it. I have not been requested to have a survey completed as of yet.

[SARA SCHROEDER via C320-list]

I'm in the same situation as Bob.

Sara
Wandering Star
Seattle
#707/2000

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

Greg-
What did you do in response to the new insurer your broker found and the $10k hull repair that the survey stated was needed?

Dave Hupe 
1994 C320 #32

Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer

On Tue, Jan 13, 2026 at 12:13 AM, Greg Flanagan via C320-list<c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote: Just for the information, my insurance was renewed every year from 2006-2024 for approximately C$250/yr. I treated it like declining life insurance, that is the payout coverage decreased with age so the premium remained stable. Note my Marina and all reciprocal moorage around here requires $2million in liability coverage. Last year my insurer quit insuring pleasure craft due to increased risk. My broker found a new insurer at +C$500/year and required a survey (another$500). The survey indicated hull repairs that cost $10,000. So yes, the insurance industry is changing—responding to an increased risk (climate change) environment. This will likely add to the reduced opportunity for a next generation of sailors and therefore resale values of our boats.

[Louis Friedman via C320-list]

I'm using progressive as well, though higher than $500 / yr. I might need
to re eval. !
no survey so far.

Lou
s/v MissAdventure #623

On Mon, Jan 12, 2026 at 10:24 PM Tim Van de Water via C320-list <

--
Louis Friedman, DO, FACP
Woodbridge Medical Associates
www.woodbridgemed.com
732-634-0036

[Allan Field via C320-list]

I last comparison-shopped policies in 2022 for my C387. The Geico policy
was 1/3 in premium more than Progressive. I wound up staying with Geico for
two main reasons, other than I had been with BoatUS companies since 1988.
The Geico "Fuel and & Other Spill Liability limit each occurrence" was 1M
while Progressive's was 500K. But the chief reason for staying with Geico
is that I negotiated "Agreed Value" while Progressive was "Actual Cash
Value." Progressive, when I talked with them, had an "Actual Cash Value"
significantly lower than what I was seeing online and what Geico, after
lots of discussion/negotiation and further review on their end, agreed
with. For me, the extra premium was well worth staying with Geico. In the
last 3 years, the Geico premium has increased by $13.00 (1.4%).

Another difference is that my Geico deductible is $5,625 vs. $5,000 with
Progressive. The deductible I went with was a % of the "Agreed Value." My
analysis does not reflect how we agreed to the negotiated % but my aging
memory is that I had 3 options with the higher % chosen actually lowering
the premium.

Our auto, home and personal umbrella policies have been with Erie for at
least 30 years. I used them as a comparison and despite the highest annual
premium, would only address whether or not there was coverage for fuel
spill once they understood the extent of the spill!!! It was fairly obvious
that Erie, while excellent and highly recommended by us for everything
else, had little to no experience with the boat insurance market.

I guess that the point of all this is that it takes time and effort to
fully understand how different insurance companies approach marine
underwriting. I would be glad to share my Excel analysis; just send me a
private email and I'll send the analysis back - AllanF...@gmail.com.

Hope this helps!

Allan S. Field
*Sea Shadow* - C387 #103 (formerly C320, #808)
Columbia, MD


On Tue, Jan 13, 2026 at 2:58 AM SARA SCHROEDER via C320-list <

[Greg Flanagan via C320-list]

Hi Dave,
I needed insurance, my broker said it was the best policy (with Loyd’s) he could find, so I took the policy which they gave subject to a survey within a period of time. So I had the survey done which found previous damage. The damage unknown to me was not that serious, however I had to fix it, and with today’s rates ended up being C$10,000. So I was good to go. I hope for a few more years before I retire from sailing (I’m 75).

Cheers,

Greg Flanagan
10460 Allbay Road
Sidney, BC V8L 2P3
250 665-7245

> On Jan 13, 2026, at 2:43 AM, Dave Hupe via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> Greg-

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

Greg-
That "required" repair investment for "not so serious damage", on top of the survey and premium,  would do me in. I really hope I don't face such a situation.  If so, my boating days will quickly be done. 
It is bad enough that I don't  know what the demise of Catalina will do to my boat value. 
Thanks for the feedback.

Dave Hupe 
1994 C320 #32
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer

On Tue, Jan 13, 2026 at 12:02 PM, Greg Flanagan via C320-list<c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote: Hi Dave,

[John Bennett via C320-list]

I use Amica. They didn't ask for a survey on my previous boat. (A Catalina
22, so maybe too small to worry about.)

I purchased Brandywine (#486) in fall 2024. When I called Amica I said
something about my survey. The rep said they don't usually ask for one, but
because I had mentioned it, they required it.

Once they reviewed it, they asked if I was going to fix everything the
surveyor noted. Fortunately, I was already planning to do so.

-JB

On Tue, Jan 13, 2026, 8:24 AM Louis Friedman via C320-list <

[Ken Spiro via C320-list]

Concur. Anchored a bunch in skippers bay and red house cove. Also been up to friend’s house dock on dividing creek. Great area!

Sent from my iPhone

[Charles Holbrook via C320-list]

Dave:
State Farm for 10 years now.  I don't remember if they required a survey when first insured but no survey requirement for the past 10 years.  Annual premium is $292.00 for my 1995 Cat 320  for $50,000.00 coverage with $500.00 deductible on other losses and $100.00 deductible for personal property, $100,000.00 Watercraft liability.
We sail on Lake Erie (fresh water).  Don't know if that makes a difference.
Charlie Holbrook, Port Clinton, Ohio "Nautigirl"

[Mark Seyler via C320-list]

I've been with Progressive for about 3-5 years now, and they have never required a survey for my 1995 320. I did shop the policy just before it renewed this month, including the GEICO/Boat US program. But GEICO only offered me $26,900 in coverage for the boat, vs $43,000 agreed value with Progressive, and lower limits on liability and fuel spill. And when I asked to increase the GEICO coverage to the same limits and agreed value as my Progressive policy, GEICO would have cost about the same amount, and wanted a survey to justify the value. Progressive was very easy to deal with on my only claim (when a lightning strike on a dock neighbor fried some of my electrical equipment in 2023). So I stuck with Progressive.

The bad news is that with the coverages required by my marina, I'm paying about $1,500 a year here in New Orleans. But to be fair, I'm in the water and sailing year round, and we have had so many tropical storms and hurricanes since I bought the boat in 2011 that I can only remember the names if they were Cat 4 or higher (Ida in 2021) or the eye actually passed directly over me (Zeta in 2020). And I still remember the horrifying pile of broken boats in the corner of the harbor after Katrina in 2005.

Mark Seyler
S/V Reality,
Catalina 320, #232
New Orleans, LA

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of Charles Holbrook via C320-list
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 5:14 PM
To: c320...@catalina320.com
Cc: Charles Holbrook <charles...@ymail.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Insurance Survey