An example of why you should choose the 'best' not the 'cheapest' insurer?

[petem]

No. the meaning of the word "including" is clear and does not convey such a meaning. There is a legal canon of construction (in Uk and derivative laws) called ejusdem generis which sort of says that if you want a clause to apply to something not on the "including" list then that something must be of a similar kind to the things on the list. But that absolutely does not create the undermining that you mention - indeed it does the opposite.

Thanks for taking the time to explain. To apply this to my original question I can't see how the accidental discharge of the fire extinguisher is of the same kind of risk as any of the ones listed in GJW's "including" list. In which case would you be back to arguing that the "including" list is not exhaustive?

All seems a lot more complicated that "Y's" policy that doesn't list the accidental damage risks; in which case all you'd have to argue was that the event was an accident in the ordinary meaning of the word (which of course an accidental discharge of a fire extinguisher would be).

 

[petem]

Y don't allow single handed sailing for more than 18 hours without stop, GJW does. Really depends on what you are looking for in a policy.

Might be worth speaking to "Y" to see if they would list the single handed restriction. I find them willing to help.

Personally I am changing the extinguishers to water mist this winter as they don't damage equipment and you can use them in confined spaces and breath.

Surely HFC227 / FM200 would be better as it uses a gas that is safe to breathe and also won't damage your equipment like water might?

 

[petem]

This is a subject that comes up a lot and I’m very interested in it. Do you think the insurance company would be concerned if you did change the fire extinguishers for water?

"Y" don't care whether it's powder, gas or water providing the system is automatically discharged or has a manual discharge facility from the helm or next to the engine room. Plus the system has to be properly installed and maintained. The words relating to this are easily found in the "Y" policy.

 

[jordanbasset]

Difficult to establish what the situation is without knowing the facts first hand, not even sure it involves GJW.
For example was the fire extingisher in date, was it installed properly, were there any other contributory factors etc etc
For the record I used to be with GJW and found they handled a sizeable claim by me (which was all my fault) quickly and without hassle.
I have since changed to Y insurance and although I have yet to make a claim with them have also found their admin re renewal etc very easy

 

[petem]

Difficult to establish what the situation is without knowing the facts first hand, not even sure it involves GJW.
For example was the fire extingisher in date, was it installed properly, were there any other contributory factors etc etc
For the record I used to be with GJW and found they handled a sizeable claim by me (which was all my fault) quickly and without hassle.
I have since changed to Y insurance and although I have yet to make a claim with them have also found their admin re renewal etc very easy

I agree and I wouldn't want anyone to read too much of this thread into a criticism of GJW (if it eve was them!) as we don't know all the facts.

However, with insurance it's always (what we call in IT) the "edge cases" that are interesting. So I'm not interested in the 99% of cases that a insurer pays without fuss, I'm interested in the 1% that they try and contest and the reasons why.

And also, I find the meaning of these policy subtleties interesting from a academic viewpoint.

 

[Assassin]

Petem, I think you raise a very valid point, going for the cheapest is always the easiest option and instead of going simply for the cheapest, people should change their viewpoint and go for the best value for money; and this applies to all forms of insurance.

Simply read the contract fully and understand it is the first port of call and this should be carefully followed with the point that JFM made about what is included and specifically included within the contract proposal form and then ask questions about anything you are unsure of as you can always E-mail the questions to an insurer and get a written response back which gives you evidence if required in any subsequent claims.

 

[lynallbel]

We changed boats, newer boat worth 3.5 times the old one and the insudrance was 100 odd quid cheaper, great company and I love talking to Claire.

We only started to use Y after JFM sorted out their policy wording and I read about it on here a few years back.