Bertram33 User Forum

I just got notice from National Marine Underwriters informing me that they will not renew my insurance policy. I haven't made any claims. At least I have until Nov. to find new coverage. Does anybody know of anyone who is insuring boats in NC? Buzz Buzzk 1988 Bertram 33 FBC Buzz OFF Morehead City, NC

Buzz, Is your boat gas or diesel? Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

Doug, I have 1999 Cummins 315. Buzzk 1988 Bertram 33 FBC Buzz Off Morehead City, NC

They won't insure because.....? Bill 33 FBC Ipswich, Ma. [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... a_Rose.jpg[/img]

The reason given. Quote, "we no longer have a market for vessels in your county greater than 30 ft. in length and 15 years of age". I keep the boat behind my house on a well protected deep water creek, but that doesn't mean anything to them. I don't understand the over 15 years when I have a clean survey and I've seen newer boats that I wouldn't trust in the sound. At least they gave me notice now rather than 30 days before it expired. Buzz buzzk 1988 Bertram 33 FBC Buzz Off Morehead City, NC

Seems like they have a market, just not a willingness to serve it. I'm really getting sick of all these insurance companies crying foul when a disaster strikes. They have to pay one year, and then their profits are a few billion dollars less that particular year. Boo hoo. State Farm just got approval to raise their rates ~50% across the State of Florida, all the while hurricane deductibles are now huge. Cited reason: 2004 Florida hurricane losses. Their bottom line in 2004? Turned a profit. Just less of a profit than they expected. So the worst disaster year ever for the State, and they still managed to turn a profit, yet they have to raise their rates by 1.5 while raising deductibles and stop writing new policies. These guys go too far while stealing everyone's money, but nobody seems to notice or give a damn. I'm considering taking PI lawyers down a notch, and put these insurance guys at the top of my list of the worst bastards ever. The whole point/philosophy of insurance in general was to spread the risk across a huge number of people, so there would always be money to pay disaster claims and still turn a profit. These guys are just greedy now, not making enough so they want out of perceived high-risk markets or outrageuos premiums/deductibles to stay there. Sean Burlingham "Island Time" 1987 Bertram 33 SF Melbourne, FL SBurlingham@cfl.rr.com [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... d_Time.jpg[/img]

I couldn't agree more Sean. I don't mind companies making money, but gouging is a different matter entirely! Regards, Doug L. 1986 33 Bertram FBC Queen Elizabeth Marblehead, MA [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... sabeth.jpg[/img]

You know there are enough older Bertram owners here that we could explore setting up our own insurance as an association, using re-insurers to offset some of the risk exposure. If there is a strong interest here, I have friends who have started or headed some large insurance companies whom I could as for help with doing this. 1979 Bertram 33' FBC ALEXANDRA Port Richey, Florida [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... xandra.jpg[/img] HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR BERTRAM PRIDE '06 yet? DO IT NOW... SPACE IS LIMITED!

You can count me in Capt. Mike

You get my vote. I've come to the conclusion, that I need to pay off my House and Boat. Carry the minimal Liability, and screw the rest. Put my money somewhere that it is working for me. It's cheaper to get a morgage and rebuild than pay this stinking windstorm insurance. My deductable for my house is now $18K. Gene Dugan

Buzz, Try Travelers. I just renewed....$40.00 less than last year. Rick Ticket 85 SF Falmouth, MA

Well USAA is no longer writing new marine policies. This could be the beginning of general companies discontinuing writing in house policies. 1979 Bertram 33' FBC ALEXANDRA Port Richey, Florida [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... xandra.jpg[/img] HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR BERTRAM PRIDE '06 yet? DO IT NOW... SPACE IS LIMITED!

Hey Ya'll I just got my renewal for my Marine coverage and jumped it $1900 to a stagering $4700! With 3% deductable Ouch. I am glad to have an agreed value policy though. I'm glad fuel is coming down at least....you don't think that is politically related in any way do you? Any other 33 ers feeling a bit squeezed? Looking so forward to the Bertram Pride event. Happy Holiday weekend.

Chris, $ 4,700 for boat insurance. You guys do pay to be in paradise. If you don't mind me prying, what was your agreed value of your boat and how much does it depreciate per yr. Mike

Chris, that is a big OUCH! Have you shopped it yet? 1979 Bertram 33' FBC ALEXANDRA Port Richey, Florida [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... xandra.jpg[/img] HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR BERTRAM PRIDE '06 yet? DO IT NOW... SPACE IS LIMITED!