For those of you crossing oceans out there. What companies do you recommend for offshore cruising? Do you have to go through an agent, or can you go straight to a good insurance company?
I think you're better off going through an agent. Staying in touch while cruising is tough enough without spending half of forever waiting while you scroll through electronic switchboards. If you have a problem theres no "press 6 now" bullshit while your call is transferred to Katmandu.
With an agent you can usually make direct contact without all the BS. Susan of the Seaknots member Mike & Susan is actually our agent and she does a fantastic job for us. She and her husband are also liveaboard cruisers so she has a good grasp of what we really need in a policy.
We need something, we Email her and have an answer that applies to our situation.
"Hi All,
french built 2010 43 has been very dry down below but now a slow leak has occurred which is showing at the limber holes under the floor board in forward cabin. Bilge pump goes every 3hrs for 20secs. Not sure if it’s fresh/rain water or…"