Q. What qualifies?
A. Typically most wooden boats, as well as high-quality non-wooden boats of traditional design. Please see “what qualifies” for more details.
Q. When do I need your kind of specialized coverage?
A. Many marine insurance policies have age limits – 15 to 20 years usually. They may also exclude or penalize wood boats. That’s where Hagerty can help. We insure more classic and wooden boats than anyone in the world.
Q. Do you offer immediate coverage for boats?
A. Yes. We can usually issue immediate insurance coverage for boats 26 feet in length or less. A completed application and photos are due within 30 days of a policy being issued.
Q. What information is required in order to insure a cruiser or sailboat over 26 feet?
A. Generally, we will need a completed and signed application; several color photos (interior, exterior, engine, and transom), a current out-of-water survey and a premium payment. Any additional information required will be listed in the letter attached to the quote.
Q. What is the difference between Hagerty's "Agreed Value" coverage and other types of insurance coverage?
A. There are three types of value related coverage offered in the marine insurance industry today:
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Actual Cash Value: This is the coverage type found most often on homeowners policies. It pays out a depreciated, “book value” in the event of a claim. The older the boat on this kind of policy, the less value it has.
- Stated Value: These policies are better than Actual Cash Value because they allow you to “state” a value for your boat greater than its depreciated book value. But, these policies can still depreciate vessels, because they usually allow the insurance company to pay “up to’ the stated policy amount.
- Agreed Value: Only Agreed Value polices guarantee you will get all of your insured value back in the event of a total loss. There is no depreciation of a vessel’s value with an Agreed Value policy, although many companies will still apply a deductible in the case of a total loss. Hagerty Classic Marine Agreed Value policies waive the deductible in the event of a total loss.
Q. How is Agreed Value determined?
A. For smaller boats, runabouts, utilities, skiffs and launches, we will generally cover you for the amount you request without further documentation. If the value is higher than the range we have experienced for that particular make and size, we may request additional information. It may be a special model or prototype, or have historical significance that would warrant a higher value.
Q. Does this kind of marine policy limit how much I can use my boat?
A. Unlike most regular marine policies and companies, Hagerty does not specify certain layup periods when your vessel must be out of the water. Nor do we limit the regions where you can operate your vessel. Many companies may require you to pay for additional endorsements should you travel outside of the areas listed in your policy. Not Hagerty. Our policy allows unlimited navigation and transportation in all U.S. and Canadian inland and coastal territorial waters.
Q. Is my rate lower if I don’t use my boat for 12 months?
A. Our rates are based on limited use. The annual premium rate takes into consideration the vessel will not be used frequently; however, there are no restrictions on personal pleasure usage.
Q. Do cruisers and yachts have special requirements and restrictions?
A. Yes. Most marine insurance programs – including Hagerty’s – will require an out-of-water value and condition survey for all vessels over 26’ that have any type of cabin.
Q. What is out-of-water port risk coverage? Is my boat covered during transportation if I have a restoration policy?
A. Out-of-water port risk is available for vessels that will be out of the water for a long period of time. It would cover virtually anything that would happen to the vessel out of the water, including during storage and land transportation.
Q. What happens if I have a claim for damage to my wooden boat?
A. You can call our in-house claims department. We are collectors and enthusiasts ourselves and have been helping people like you for more than 25 years. We will take your information, help you get estimates and issue a check for repair at a facility of your choice.
Q. Do I need to call to change coverage when I take my boat out of the water in the winter?
A. No, Hagerty does not have a mandatory lay-up period.
Q. Where do I find a list of classic boat shows?
A. A list of marine resources can be found in the comprehensive resource directory on our website.
Q. Do you write houseboats?
A. No, we are unable to offer coverage for houseboats at this time.
Q. Do you write liability only?
A. No. Hagerty offers a wide range of coverage options.