Looking for guidance if anyone has experience. My fishing boat recently had an issue with the transom (manufacturing defect not covered for second owner) that cost me $2500 to have repaired by an independent repair shop. I have receipts. The boat shop that carries that brand said min of $5K to fix. My insurance has a $250 deductible for comprehensive claims. The policy costs me $120 per year. I've never had any claims - boat, cars, house.

Should I file a claim to get back the $2250? How much will my premium increase? Will they drop me?

I've had to use my boat insurance one time for a claim


Sucked up a rock into the impeller and toasted the impeller and boot.


Somewhere around 1500 bucks in repairs.


My premiums are still the same.

Use it that's why your paying for it

Check your policy for "inherent vice" under exclusions. A manufacturing defect would be an example of this. Pretty typical for a policy not to cover that.

I used mine once also. No change in premium.

Insurance will not cover a defect. It covers accidents, acts of God and theft, if your coverage applies. If it's under warranty and the manufacturer declined payment because of defect then they could help subrogate the funds if possible. If you are going to make a claim you need to do it before repairs unless you have solid proof of the damage. They will want to inspect the damage to confirm it is "accident" related. One of the biggest mistakes people make is getting repairs done and then try and get reimbursed.

I'll add, for example your engine catches fire due to a defect. The problem is diagnosed to be a failure from an electrical system. It will not cover the electrical system but will cover any damage caused as a result of that.

It isn't going to cover it anyway,BUT if you are scared to use your insurance WHY you got it ??????????????

Thanks for your responses. Didn't know to file a claim before repair scheduled, so good (expensive) lesson. Thought this defect would have been covered, so probably saved me from a pointless fight.

The primary reason I have insurance is for liability protection - forgot comprehensive was included in the policy until the renewal showed up.

Rainy lake is full of rocks,everywhere.
Lots off lower units get trashed every year,I have had three claims in fifteen years.The last time I got a estimate and faxed to insurance and had check in bank in three days.