Bored being on this COVID-19 stay at home order so I thought I’d share my experience with Progressive for those considering their insurance.
I’ve been with Progressive for more than 15 years being a responsible boat owner never making a claim. My boat is well kept and babied (washing, waxing, fine tooth comb inspection after every use, etc.). Well the time finally came this past year when I needed to make a claim and both were denied with the representative saying the opposite each time.
First incident my son and I got caught on the Potomac in a nasty storm with huge swells. We were pounded hard numerous times making it back to the ramp. After loading the boat on the trailer I did the usual wipe down and found cracks along the top of the boat along the port side. Called Progressive and a rep came out and looked at the boat. I explained how I had gotten caught in a storm on the Potomac and was hit hard several times by swells on our journey back to the ramp. Claim denied — representative said its normal wear and tear and likely was caused by towing the boat on the trailer and not by hitting large swells so it wasn't covered.
Second incident my son and I were returning back from a fishing trip and I hit a section of road that had a huge hole in the middle of the lane. There was no chance avoiding the hole. The resulting violent hit in the hole caused hardware on the trailer’s suspension to snap and I nearly lost control having an accident. The suspension completely snapped and came apart on the starboard side of the boat. After coming to a stop I inspected the boat and found a large crack right above where the suspension had broke. Called Progressive and their rep inspected my boat. Claim denied - representative said the crack was normal wear and tear and likely happened hitting a huge swell - he said the boat is protected on the trailer and would not be damaged. OK the last time the same rep said the complete opposite.
I question if Progressive would ever pay for anything. It seems they say whatever it takes to get out of paying out.