Bluefin/Bishop Skinner Insurance

[andygc]

My yacht, De Tukker, a 1946 Dutch-built, 8.2 metre, oak-on-oak cruiser, was wiped out when under sail by a small fishing boat in Torbay on 14 June. That was a high-speed collision caused by somebody who, unbeknown to us, hadn't looked out of the front window for more than 5 minutes, and made a violent course alteration at a separation of 20 yards, converting a safe reciprocal course pass to a near right-angle collision amidships. We were lucky not to be killed.

I contacted the insurers after we were alongside in Brixham and spoke to the claims handler that afternoon. We were able to motor back into the Exe the next day because the damage was almost entirely above the waterline. A day later, the insurer's appointed surveyor (Oli Byles) could not have been kinder to an owner close to tears while assessing the damage, and the Bluefin claims handler (Dean Hunt) was considerate and sympathetic in telephone calls and e-mails. We had complete settlement, for the full insured sum, today 1 July. I don't think this claim could have been handled any better, any more sympathetically or any quicker.

This forum often contains negative comments about suppliers, and rarely plaudits. I just thought people might like to know that this insurer deserves a positive mention.

 

[Pete7]

To resolve that in 2 weeks is good going.

 

[macd]

For most of those two paragraphs, Andy, I thought it was going to end in yet more tears. Very glad for you that it didn't.
(Also reassuring, since I've been with Bishop Skinner since 2004. Always found them helpful and responsive - right up to the boss, Bill Southgate.)

 

[Seajet]

andygc,

sorry you had that trauma to begin with - a life shortening or even cancelling experience !

Well done Bishop Skinner - now high on my list-

And well done you for reporting good service, hope you and De Tukker are back to 100%.

 

[RichardS]

And well done you for reporting good service, hope you and De Tukker are back to 100%.

When Andy says that he received "complete settlement for the full insured sum" I assumed that the boat has been written off.

Is this not the case?

Richard

 

[andygc]

Yes. Beyond economic repair. But not beyond repair, if anybody wants a lengthy DIY project.

 

[[70521]]

Sorry to hear about the collision. Always had a lot of time for Oli and good to see he is making a go of his new venture.

 

[ex-Gladys]

Had good dealings with them for travel insurance and will deffo get them to give me a quote on Gladys for next renewal

 

[Minchsailor]

I also have heard good things about Bluefin/Bishop Skinner. They are on my short list if I ever have to change insurers.

 

[oldharry]

Ive been with Bp Skinner Bluefin for nearly ten years. My boat was hit while moored up in a marina 2nd night out of a 10 day cruise, and the rigging damaged as the other boat snagged a stay while trying to pull clear. I phoned Bishop Skinner immediately, who gave me the go ahead there and then to call their recommended local surveyor and rigger to check things out and to get the local yard to drop the spar for checking. Fortunately the damage was not too serious and I was on my way within 24 hours, but Bishop Skinner could not have been more helpful, ringing up at each stage to check that I was not delayed in getting my boat back on the water.

As it turned out there was no claim as the other owner (who was hideously embarrassed by the whole episode!) came over as soon as he saw I was re rigged and ready to go, and settled up all the bills there and then.

Restored my faith in humanity - and in the marine Insurance market - at least with this particular company. I've no intention of changing from them!