CraftInsure - did I really expect them to do what they promised?

Elessar

Elessar

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Stopped by them at southampton boat show.

" do you own a boat sir"
"yes"
"who are you insured with"
"don't know" (looks up at stand) "actually you I think"
"I'll check" (clickety click) "yes here we are"

so I thought I'll try my luck

"I didn't tell you about my YM - how about a discount?"
"hmm..... how about a reduced renewal, reduced excess and £40 discount for the rest of the year"

the money arrived in my account the next day. I was impressed.

I then forgot all about it.

Today this arrived (edited):
----------------
Hi Mark

As discussed a while back, I have reissued your Policy effective renewal 31/3/2010 to note your Yachtmaster qualification at a reduced premium of £x and reduced excess of £x any claim.

Please ignore the automated renewal invitation sent overnight last night accordingly as the old contract has been set to lapse.

Yours sincerely,


Mark Lee ACII
customersupport@craftinsure.com
-----------------------

Now I'm really impressed. I haven't had to claim, but every contact with this company oozes professionalism and good service. They are very cheap too, even before the recent reduction.
 
Just wait until you have to make a claim. I would avoid them at all costs. My experience with them was a nightmare. They are also quite insulting when you talk to them face to face.
 
I read quite a lot on insurance on the forums and got quite a few quotes, went with Haven Knox Johnston in the end, reasonable quote, single handed up to 18 hours at a time (double excess of £300 when singlehanding), no survey on boats less than 20 years old, and I can live aboard.
There were a few companies that seemed to have a bad rep with claims, Craftinsure was one...
 
djbreeze said:
I read quite a lot on insurance on the forums and got quite a few quotes, went with Haven Knox Johnston in the end, reasonable quote, single handed up to 18 hours at a time (double excess of £300 when singlehanding), no survey on boats less than 20 years old, and I can live aboard.
There were a few companies that seemed to have a bad rep with claims, Craftinsure was one...
Click to expand...

I'm also insured with Haven Knox Johnson, the no survey thing is valid for as long as you're with them regardless of vessel age.

The 18 hour limit is their replacement for the no singlehanding at night rule that many other companies have. They recognise that many people find navigating at night simpler - You don't need to get within a few meters of a buoy to identify it, as it flashes it's 'signature' from a couple of miles away. Instead they ensure you don't sail for longer than you can reasonably manage to keep an adaquate look out - seems fair to me.
 
djbreeze said:
I read quite a lot on insurance on the forums and got quite a few quotes, went with Haven Knox Johnston in the end, reasonable quote, single handed up to 18 hours at a time (double excess of £300 when singlehanding), no survey on boats less than 20 years old, and I can live aboard.
There were a few companies that seemed to have a bad rep with claims, Craftinsure was one...
Click to expand...

well the only time I've had a claim, I stuck an unseen underwater object (not the bottom) and wrecked a gearbox.

Checked my then HKJ insurance and it clearly said "underwater claims excluded"

So I paid for repairs.

At renewal I asked to pay the extra for underwater cover. "you've already got it" they said.
"I have a claim then"
"sorry out of time"
"but your paperwork clearly said no underwater claims allowed so I didn't ask"
"well that's wrong"
"I have a claim then"
"sorry out of time"

Never again. Rather take my chances with a company (craftinsure) that has so far impressed me a lot.

BTW as for phone contact with them, I had 2 boats insured for a while. Evenstar and Evenstar 3. Bound to lead to confusion but whenever I rang the confusion was always easily dealt with.
 
Are there any companies than will insure a 31' boat circa 1965 without a survey? I was with craft insure but didnt renew when I read the smallprint re survey?
 
Cardiffcruiser said:
I'm also insured with Haven Knox Johnson, the no survey thing is valid for as long as you're with them regardless of vessel age.

The 18 hour limit is their replacement for the no singlehanding at night rule that many other companies have. They recognise that many people find navigating at night simpler - You don't need to get within a few meters of a buoy to identify it, as it flashes it's 'signature' from a couple of miles away. Instead they ensure you don't sail for longer than you can reasonably manage to keep an adaquate look out - seems fair to me.
Click to expand...

Yes I was pleased that they came back with the 18 hours rule instead of only during daylight hours...
 
Elessar said:
well the only time I've had a claim, I stuck an unseen underwater object (not the bottom) and wrecked a gearbox.

Checked my then HKJ insurance and it clearly said "underwater claims excluded"

So I paid for repairs.

At renewal I asked to pay the extra for underwater cover. "you've already got it" they said.
"I have a claim then"
"sorry out of time"
"but your paperwork clearly said no underwater claims allowed so I didn't ask"
"well that's wrong"
"I have a claim then"
"sorry out of time"

Never again. Rather take my chances with a company (craftinsure) that has so far impressed me a lot.

BTW as for phone contact with them, I had 2 boats insured for a while. Evenstar and Evenstar 3. Bound to lead to confusion but whenever I rang the confusion was always easily dealt with.
Click to expand...

OK wasn't trying to rubbish them only what I read on the forums and thanks for sharing the info on HKJ & underwater claims, I'll check that...
 
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