SkiSafe is an agency comprised of boat and watercraft experts that provides pre-tailored policy packages to meet the coverage needs of most boat types.
SkiSafe is a Sullivan &Strauss insurance agency headquartered in Lake Success, New York. The agency provides insurance coverage specifically for boats, jet skis, and power watercraft.
SkiSafe has serviced over 300,000 insurance customers in the United States.As an insurance agency devoted solely to boats and watercraft, SkiSafetouts itself as a leading organization that offers boating expertise to its customers.
SkiSafe policies are underwritten by AXIS Insurance Company. AXIS is based out of Chicago, Illinois and is rated an A+ by A.M. Best. Sullivan & Strauss is not BBB accredited, but does feature an A+ on its BBB scorecard.
Cost Annual cost of coverage | Premium rate is dependent on boat specifications and coverage needs |
Ease of enrollment Ways you can enroll | Boat insurance quotes can be acquired online or by phone |
Customer support Ease of access | Customer service is available via online chat, by phone and by e-mail |
Discounts How can premiums be reduced? | Boat safety courses,accident-free boating, good driving record |
Payments How are payments completed? | Payments can be made online or by phone |
Add-on options What types of coverage can be added to my policy? | Bodily injury and property damage, liability coverage |
Boats covered What types of boats are eligible for coverage? | Various types of boats are eligible |
Coverage What services are covered? | Policy packages are customized to fit the needs of various boat types |
Waiting period How soon can services be used? | Dependent on chosen policy effective date |
It is relatively difficult to navigate SkiSafe’s website as a first-time visitor. Links to additional details about specific coverage options are not labeled efficiently. Seniors would likely have to spend considerable time deciphering which pages to click to find the most relevant details (especially for those individuals who do not ordinarily spend much time online or on the computer).
Although SkiSafe does somewhat simplify the policy selection process by providing policy packages specific to boat types, the website content does not provide enough details to understand the full scope of these packages. It is difficult to determine which (if any) coverages are automatically included in policies, and which are optional additions. Seniors (especially those who are older) will likely need help to make these distinctions. Consequently, using the website may be less helpful to seniors than speaking directly to an agent on the phone, who can elaborate on each policy and coverage option.
SkiSafe does not provide discount opportunities tailored to seniors. There are few options for reduced premium rates, and these options may not be the most feasible. Older seniors who no longer drive may not benefit from discounts rewarded based on good driving records, for example. Taking boat safety courses may be reasonable for seniors who are still active, regularly travel, or often access the internet, but may not be feasible for seniors who would find it inconvenient to attend classes or who are uncomfortable completing a course online.
An extensive boat insurance policy may not be worthwhile to older seniors who spend less time out on the water. Likewise, seniors with certain medical conditions may not find it feasible to maintain a policy.However, seniors who are capable of and willing to continue operating their boats can benefit from the liability and medical payment coverage offered by Nationwide. These coverage options are also useful to seniors who do have medical conditions and wish to be proactive about incidents that may occur while out boating.
Roadside and towing options are also increasingly valuable for older seniors who may require extra assistance in the event of an emergency.
Pros:
Cons:
Bottom Line:
SkiSafe provides coverage options for a wide range of boats, including fishing and bass boats, leisure boats, sailboats and yachts. To simplify the policy selection process, SkiSafe offers its potential customer's policy packages designed to meet the specific coverage needs of particular boat types.
SkiSafe’s parent company, Sullivan & Strauss, is not BBB accredited, but does feature an A+ BBB rating. Moreover, the insurance underwriter for the organization, AXIS Insurance Company, has been rated an A+ by A.M. Best. Consumers generally report satisfaction with premium rates, noting their relative affordability in comparison to those of other agencies. Reviews pertaining to customer service experience and policy coverage options are also typically positive.
SkiSafe is likely well-suited for boaters who don’t require highly customized policies. The package options are ideal for individuals seeking simple and straightforward insurance options.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much will boat insurance coverage cost?
The cost of your coverage depends on your coverage needs, your policy package selection and your eligibility for discounted premiums. You can receive a personalized quote online on the SkiSafe website or by contacting a representative by phone.
How can I decrease my premium rates?
You can reduce your premium rates by enrolling in boat safety courses and maintaining positive boating and driving records.
What type of coverage am I guaranteed?
SkiSafe provides multiple policy packages designed to fulfill the coverage needs of specific boat types. These packages feature different coverages. However, all policies do include watersports liability coverage.
More Information:
Overview: SkiSafe provides boat insurance policy packages customized to meet the coverage needs of particular boats.
Package Details:
Fishing and Bass Boat
• Agreed Value coverage
• Tournament coverage to provide protection for boats involved in fishing tournaments
• Replacement Cost coverage
• Fishing Equipment and Gear coverage
Personal Watercraft
• All-Risk coverage to cover the cost of nearly all physical damage to the boat, trailer, and personal property caused by fire, storm damage, glass damage, theft, auto accidents, and collisions
• Replacement Cost coverage to replace a new boat that is totaled within the first 36 months after its purchase
• Towing and Roadside Assistance
• Medical payment coverage up to $10,000
Leisure Boat
For pontoons and other types of leisure boats
• Agreed Value coverage with no depreciation
• Towing and Roadside Assistance
• No-fault medical payments up to $25,000
Sailboat
• Agreed Value coverage with no depreciation
• Towing and Roadside Assistance
• No-fault medical payments up to $25,000
Yacht
• Agreed Value coverage
• Jones Act and Crew liability coverage for worker’s compensation payments
• Expert Marine Claims Service
Optional Accessories or Add-on Services
Liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage.
Contract Details: All policies are implemented on an annual basis and must be paid in a single lump sum.
Accreditations: SkiSafe policies are underwritten by AXIS Insurance Company, which has been rated an A+ by A.M. Best. Sullivan & Strauss, SkiSafe’s parent company, is not BBB accredited, but is rated an A+.
Company Details:
SkiSafe is owned by the Sullivan & Strauss Agency, which has been in business for approximately 40 years. The company touts itself as a unique insurance provider that can expertly cater to the needs of boaters.
SkiSafe
1 Hollow Lane
Lake Success, NY 11042
Tel: 800-225-6560
Website: https://www.skisafe.com/
6 min read
Sept. 20, 2019
