Insurance claim

[495v]

I purchased a Boat last year and at the end of the season had it winterized only to find out the engine is out of alignment. I had it checked out before I bought it and the mechanic made no note about it. The only thing I can think of is one, I hit a log on the river which may have knocked it out of alignment or two, I spent a week riding some rough water in MN which may have had something to do with it. You can clearly see that the motor mount on the one side is loose and the engine has a little dip to it. I'm worried the insurance adjuster will blame it on lack of maintenace. Anybody have this problem before? Can your engine even get out of alignment from these things I discussed?

 

[Gold Bear]

Re: Insurance claim

Are we talking about an inboard or stern drive? Is there other signs of mis-alignment (such as a worn shaft bearing)?<br /><br />How many times did you have the boat underway last year?<br /><br />If you think you hit a log, is the propeller damaged?<br /><br />Hitting a log or rough water could contribute to a mis-alignment problem, but try to give us more information to work with.<br /><br />Looking forward to your reply.<br /><br />Regards, Gold Bear <br /><br />

 

[495v]

Re: Insurance claim

The engine is a I/O mercruiser. I ran it quite a bit last year but both of my incedents occured at the end of the boating season. There is no prop damage( run an ss prop) which leaves me to believe the rough water was the culprit as I sustained some other damage because of it.(2 broken windshields) How could I tell if there was a worn bearing. There were no odd noises or vibrations coming on the last run. The marine told me the engine may just be out of alignment but he also told me I may have ate up the coupler, which is why I got the insurance involved. I have an appointment tomorrow and the insurance adjuster is going to the marine for pictures. The adjuster's being nice about the whole thing, but I'm afraid their going to blame it on the lack of maintenance, which in my opinoin there was no lack of. Do you think I will have any troubles. Anybody have similar claims with their insurance.

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: Insurance claim

I would be as nice as you can to the ins. adj. and hope for the best. He can tell by the overall condition of the boat if you have done the proper maint.

 

[495v]

Re: Insurance claim

I really hope that's what he basis's his decision on because the boat looks like it just came off the showroom floor. Even the mechanic said it was impecable, except of course the alignment. Trust me, I have been very nice to the adjuster. I told him that if it was just the alignment I wouldn't even get the insurance involved and I'd hate to waste his time, but he insisted that it was his job and wanted some pictures of it anyhow.....Trust me, I'm praying for the best. It would be a real bummer to start the season off with a major repair.

 

[495v]

Re: Insurance claim

The news is in...First of all my worthless insurance adjuster didn't even show up. Secondly my praying did some good because there was no damage caused by the out of alignment. The marine charged me $125 to do the alignment and told me no damage to the coupler or anything else. Thank God.

 

[Sea Mitch]

Re: Insurance claim

I just bought a boat and I'm looking into insurance companies. This is just the kind of thing I was thinking of!!! I use Met for my house and cars, they're pretty expensive to add the boat. BoatUS is pretty cheap but if I have a claim, what's gonna happen! I've put through claims on my auto... I know the routine with Met! What's the routine with BoatUS or State Farm! Will they pay the claim or give me a hard time (will I even be able to find 'em!). Does anybody have any experience with insurance claims and/or recommend any companies. What does BoatUS mean by replacement cost.. are they gonna replace a '93 with a '02?

 

[495v]

Re: Insurance claim

Howdy their first boat. I've had this company( Country Co.) for my home, auto's and boats and have never had a problem, but then again, I've never put a claim in. I talked to the adjuster and he sounded friendly and was suppose to go to the marine for pictures but never showed. I plan on calling him and giving him the third degree. I just recently pulled my auto's from them because I got a much better rate. Now I'm thinking about pulling my home and boat policy as well. I don't think it really matters whether you go with a expensive or cheap company, There all alike in my opinion; Happy to take your money but not to happy to dish it out. I'm just glad I didn't have to get them involved. I would have wreaked havoc on this adjuster for missing the apptmnt.

 

[C17LoadSmasher]

Re: Insurance claim

I have had USAA for years, and just put my new boat with them. If you can get USAA, I recommend them. One drawback.. they do not have any local offices (unless you live in San Antonio, TX <G>_). 1-800-531-8080. (no I don't work for them.. haha.. they've been good to me and wanna pass it along).

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: Insurance claim

My bro-inlaw, had his boat broken into, and BOATUS, sent an adjuster, they paid for the damage repair, told him to get new equip, and paid the bill,minus His ded.If you go to them get their tow ins. package.I pay @300 for full coverage on a 1998,22'.

 

[Gold Bear]

Re: Insurance claim

Boats US is a good insurance company. They use independent Marine Surveyors throughout the country, so location should not be a problem.<br /><br />I work for a Shipyard now, but I used to be an independent Marine Surveyor. In my experience they were fair with their customers.<br /><br />Best Regards, Gold Bear

 

[495v]

Re: Insurance claim

Thanks for the info guys. Maybe I will call for a quote. I currently pay 320. By the way, the adjuster ended up showing up...I guess there was some miscommunication between the adjuster and the marine. I still may consider pulling my policy.

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: Insurance claim

State Farm is huge in this area, and has a better policy than most. I assume they're big there too. Haven't used their boat coverage, but if it's like their car claims, I suspect I'll be pleased.<br />In our part of the country, pollution coverage is a big deal. State Farm is the only one I found that covers it under their liability coverage, not under a separate, lesser coverage amount.

 

[495v]

Re: Insurance claim

No offense to you Capt Mike, but me and State Farm just don't get along. I've seen these guys ripping off everybody from my mom to my buddies. My mom had an auto policy with them for about 10yrs. When we talked about it, found out she was paying almost twice as much as I. She called them to cancel and when she told them why they were willing to match the new co. rates. Yeah sure, after you take advantage of the lady for 10 yrs.