Insurance Problem

[basswest1]

I just recently damaged my new Optimax's lower unit......to the tune of $5000.00. :'(  Lets just say it hasnt been the best week.

Well, Ive never made a claim with a boat insurance company before.  

I have a $250 deductible and im with U.S. Insurance Services.  I talked to them and it seems like everything is in order.  My mechanic is going to fax them the damage quote.  

What  I would like to know is if anyone has a bad taste in their mouth about your own insurance claims...........or if you have had good experiences for the most part.

I realize that my insurance is problably going up........but what kind of increase should i expect?

This is a question that has many variables and every person's policy is different but id just like to know what to expect.

[Wayne P.]

If you have not had any claims before, your insurance should not increase.

[frogtog]

Hey Wayne P. I got 4 lower units last year and my insurance was great. After

the third one they dropped me. So I called the head office an told them that I

wasn't doing this on purpose and they reinstated me. I took a higher deductable

and my rates came down. : I don't think I can name their name on here but

they go by the initials FBI. I'am not saying that all insurance co. are like this but

mine did. 8-) I have a merc. and sometimes I think they are using cheap materials. Three of those times,you would'nt have even thought anything about

it. I just kind of bump a stump and there went the lower unit. :-/

[Redlinerobert]

You shouldnt have any issues, considering its your first claim.

[Jig Man]

My insurance goes up 10% for three years after a pretty healthy claim.

[WBFishing]

I work with an insurance company in alabama.  i know in alabama, the insured's protected from having the policy increased because of a single claim.  here after 12 months of providing insurance to a customer you cannot non renew the policy or increase the policy based on claims activity unless there have been a certain number of claims that exceed a certain dollar amount.

Not trying to sound like a know it all.  Have you thought about increasing your deductible to $500?  A lot of agents do not tell you but some companies give discounts on starting at a $500 deductible and increase it as the deductible goes up.  Especially, if the decide to increase your premium ask at what deductible they give a discount and this might be enough to offset any increase.

Will J