Marine survey for boat insurance

[Lucion]

I attended the gathering at Hales Barr this past weekend and enjoyed it thoroughly. We met a lot of nice people and saw some amazing boats. I did however forget to ask a pertinent question that is of particular importance presently. I have gotten every sticker, tag, license and document that the state of Virginia has required but when I went to the insurance company for boat insurance they want a marine survey of the vessel. I asked the Va. Game and Fish to do it and they sent over a warden who looked over the boat and said he would get back to me. I finally called and was told that his survey was just to attest to the fact that it was homemade. So my question is who performs this function and what are we talking about in dollars? Also what exactly will they be surveying for?

[kens]

I have looked into insurance from a couple different insrs companies.
It always came back to an 'agreed value' of the boat.
Hagerty is one company that comes to mind.
My home insurance will extend similar insurance or me.
You need to look into the 'agreed value' clause.

[hoodman]

You might just have to call around a couple of different insurance companies until you find one that will cover it. State Farm covers my Geronimo. They didn't ask for a survey.

[Roberta]

State Farm insures my Torpedo with no issues.

Roberta

[jamundsen]

Haggerty insured mine up to $50000 with no survey. If you want more they want a survey.

[Lucion]

Since I made this original post I made a lot of inquiries to insurance companies. I was trying to find insurance that didn't require a marine survey. The real shocker was that Geico, All State and Hagerty wouldn't insure a homemade boat period. I feel fortunate that State Farm will do it with a marine survey.

[curtgard]

When you are talking to insurance agents/insurance companies, don't use the word homebuilt instead use the word custom built. Your best bet will be what ever company you insure your home and cars with. I had no trouble insuring my True Grit design without a survey. The underwriter with the insurance company actually read my build blog on the Glen-L site. This is the same company that insures our house and cars.

Cirt

[jamundsen]

My Monte Carlo is insured with Haggerty. No problem at all.