Any insurers not requiring a survey?

[RivalRedwing]

Another Y now Topsail customer. I've just had the boat surveyed as per their expectation. This thread is providing some useful ammunition for my next renewal.... I may not remain a valued customer of Topsail....

 

[Tranona]

Another Y now Topsail customer. I've just had the boat surveyed as per their expectation. This thread is providing some useful ammunition for my next renewal.... I may not remain a valued customer of Topsail....

It is not Topsail that is the issue, but the underwriters they use . It is the underwriter , be it HKJ/Amlin, NG or whoever else they recommend that sets the condition. As you have seen from this thread just about all insurers who offer the best policies have this condition, either age related for existing customers or almost universal for new applicants for older boats without a recent survey. Of course some make exceptions on an individual basis, but just because they do it for one person/boat it does not set a precedent for others.

One has to recognise that insurance has changed dramatically in the last 3 or 4 years following a number of years of losses, leading to many withdrawing from the market and those remaining re-assessing the level of risk they are prepared to take, even though the criteria they use may be crude.

 

[Koeketiene]

Have you considered Damian at Morbihan Yacht Surveys?

I have not employed him myself but I have corresponded with him regarding a possible tonnage survey and he responded quickly to my enquiry and seemed enthusiastic.

Unfortunately, I can't remember who recommended him to me.

View attachment 128775

Chap who bought my previous boat used Damien Likely.
He was very pleased with the service provided
He's also employed Damien to oversee some work currently being done.

Morbihan Yacht Survey - English Brittany Based Marine Surveyor - Contact

 

[Talulah]

Have you considered Damian at Morbihan Yacht Surveys?

I have not employed him myself but I have corresponded with him regarding a possible tonnage survey and he responded quickly to my enquiry and seemed enthusiastic.

Unfortunately, I can't remember who recommended him to me.

View attachment 128775

Thank you for the suggestion. I contacted him a year ago. He was extremely expensive at €1000 for a 39ft boat. The clincher not go with him was when he wanted €200 to add a valuation in the report.

 

[RivalRedwing]

It is not Topsail that is the issue, but the underwriters they use . It is the underwriter , be it HKJ/Amlin, NG or whoever else they recommend that sets the condition. As you have seen from this thread just about all insurers who offer the best policies have this condition, either age related for existing customers or almost universal for new applicants for older boats without a recent survey. Of course some make exceptions on an individual basis, but just because they do it for one person/boat it does not set a precedent for others.

One has to recognise that insurance has changed dramatically in the last 3 or 4 years following a number of years of losses, leading to many withdrawing from the market and those remaining re-assessing the level of risk they are prepared to take, even though the criteria they use may be crude.

I am not buying from the underwriter but from Topsail, the relationship with their underwriters is their business. it would appear that some agents can offer a alternative package possibly with different brokers and (with enforced survey in hand) I may elect to shop around when next renewal is due; consumer choice and all that...

 

[Tranona]

I am not buying from the underwriter but from Topsail, the relationship with their underwriters is their business. it would appear that some agents can offer a alternative package possibly with different brokers and (with enforced survey in hand) I may elect to shop around when next renewal is due; consumer choice and all that...

I think maybe you are a bit confused by your relationship with insurers. Topsail is a broker and your contract is with the insurer. It is possible that other insurers (through brokers) or direct may offer different conditions, but as the evidence shows it is becoming increasingly difficult to avoid having a survey on an older boat. Good luck with your shopping around - having just done this myself and failed to find an insurer offering the level of cover that Topsail's insurers offer without a survey.

 

[RivalRedwing]

I think maybe you are a bit confused by your relationship with insurers.

no, I am not, Topsail take my money.. and with a survey I can shop around...

 

[Mandarin331]

Please bear in mind that I only got agreement to insure without survey as the boat is only a 23' 900 kg trailer sailer of relatively low value.

Had it been a more complex / expensive boat we would have surveyed her without a problem, as we did for our last three boats ranging from 27 to 34 feet.