insuring trailer

[boatman37]

So how does everyone go about insuring their trailer? I didn't have separate insurance on my old trailer since it was 30 years old but this boat has a brand new Venture trailer ($4500). My main concern would be theft during the summer while it is sitting. I just called State Farm to add insurance to the boat but they had no idea how to insure the trailer separately so we left it go for now. Good chance I will shop around for insurance once everything is settled in but for now just had to get some coverage. They also asked me if I would be using it in the Great Lakes. I told them I have no plans to but might for a weekend. Apparently they charge a surcharge for Great Lakes usage?

 

[Thornton69]

Replacement and liability is covered with and for the trailer only on it's own plate here. The boat and vehicle are on their own. If the boat leaves the trailer in an accident any damages it causes is not covered under that plate as I understand it.

 

[KevinC]

So how does everyone go about insuring their trailer...

When I had the trailer for my 260 I had a rider on my marine policy with agreed coverage on the trailer.

-Kevin

 

[Stee6043]

You sure that's not a Great Lakes discount rather than a surcharge?

 

[Lazy Daze]

Call whomever your boat insurance is through and add the trailer that way. If the person on the other end of the phone sounds like they've got a "deer in headlights" look, change everything over to a new insurance company. This is not rocket science - it should be a very easy thing... most companies like taking more money from you.

 

[yobub]

You shouldn't have to write a separate policy for your trailer - it should be included under your boat policy but may have a separate declared value. I have a policy on a 24' trailer boat through BoatUS, and the trailer is listed under the policy with a declared value and a separate deductible.

Somebody at State Farm doesn't know what they are doing. As @Lazy Daze stated, this should be a very easy thing. If State Farm can't figure it out, maybe look for a new insurance company.

Also, My coverage includes inland lakes and the great lakes. If they are charging you a great lakes surcharge, maybe look elsewhere as well.

 

[BillK2632]

My Progressive policy specifically covers my trailer. I would not use State Farm for a boat - I have my home and auto with them and they are fine for that, but they never been able to even come close on the boat. You should be able to get a single marine policy that covers the boat, trailer and any other related equipment. Like Dennis said, it's not complicated and if they make it sound that way find another company. Over the years I have used Progressive, BoatUS and NBOA and have had not problems with any of them. Progressive seems to have the best policy for my small boat right now.

 

[The Bill Collector]

My trailer was included in the ski boat policy...

 

[Lazy Daze]

In addition to the other companies recommended above, I'mg going to mention Geico. When I insured my Grady, I had trouble with some companies because of the age and the value I wanted for the boat. I have a great relation with my rep at NBOA (I send him a lot of customers) and he flat out told me he would be too high because of the age of the boat and try Geico. I did have to have a survey done on the boat to prove it's seaworthiness, but given my profession I was able to do that myself.

 

[JVM225]

The trailer for our 18’ Bowrider is covered under that boat’s policy.

 

[boatman37]

State Farm called me back shortly after I posted this. She must have called somebody that knew and we added the trailer. It is a brand new 2016 Venture that the seller paid $4500 for so I wanted to make sure it was covered at least for theft while it is sitting all summer. Plan to do some shopping around this winter for better boat insurance but needed some coverage today for them to process the loan (just found that out last night). The seller still has coverage on the boat since they have a loan on it too.

 

[JVM225]

Make sure you’re getting an “Agreed Value” policy from State Farm.
About a dozen years ago my State Farm broker tried to convince me to put my boat, and my collector cars, with him claiming they write those policies.
A close look at what they were offering at the time revealed that they were not “ Agreed Value” policies.
There were some other shortcomings on their boat policy too at the time but I don’t recall what they were.
BTW: Both NBOA and Boat US will write the policy with a phone call and the answers to some typical questions.

 

[MonacoMike]

Run Forest run from State Farm. The advice in this thread is sound.

MM

 

[boatman37]

lol. it is 'supposed' to be agreed upon value that is a little higher than i am paying and at the lower end of where the survey came back at. the bank just told me thursday night that i needed to include the binder with everything i sent back yesterday and since we have home, cars, and our last boat through state farm i called them. but yeah, plan on calling around this winter.