GJW insurance want a survey every 7 years

[santavey]

Boat now 20 years old.
GJW wanted a full out of water survey before they would re insure me.
Had survey, no faults or defects other than an uncertified rubber gas pipe connection.
Sent survey and paid insurance premium.
Demanding a survey not unreasonable given the boats age and I 'm not against getting someone else to cast an expert eye over the boat.
Was surprised to get an E-Mail back from GJW telling me the next survey is due in 7 years.
I asked what their survey policy was, did it apply to all boats over 20 years old or just mine!
They are either unwilling or unable to tell me despite various requests but I did get this.

“Further to your email dated 15th September 2011 regarding the above policy, GJW Direct underwriters require surveys on all vessels aged 20 years or older which is not mentioned in the Plain Language Policy Terms & Conditions.
*
Our survey requirement is every 7 years ie your recent survey report was undertaken on the 18th August 2011 therefore*7 years after that date means underwriters require next survey*prior to renewal in 2018.
*
We have no additional information*regarding our survey requirements to send to you.”

Bit pithy that given I'm the paying customer!

Is a 7 year survey period standard on boats 20 years old or is it just GJW?
Interested to find out from other formites what their experience is.

 

[npf1]

Admiral want one every FIVE years.

 

[Ariadne]

I have mine surveyed every 5 years for piece of mind, and a rig survey before any planned long passage.

 

[KristiferColumbus]

Boat now 20 years old.
GJW wanted a full out of water survey before they would re insure me.
Had survey, no faults or defects other than an uncertified rubber gas pipe connection.
Sent survey and paid insurance premium.
Demanding a survey not unreasonable given the boats age and I 'm not against getting someone else to cast an expert eye over the boat.
Was surprised to get an E-Mail back from GJW telling me the next survey is due in 7 years.
I asked what their survey policy was, did it apply to all boats over 20 years old or just mine!
They are either unwilling or unable to tell me despite various requests but I did get this.

“Further to your email dated 15th September 2011 regarding the above policy, GJW Direct underwriters require surveys on all vessels aged 20 years or older which is not mentioned in the Plain Language Policy Terms & Conditions.
*
Our survey requirement is every 7 years ie your recent survey report was undertaken on the 18th August 2011 therefore*7 years after that date means underwriters require next survey*prior to renewal in 2018.
*
We have no additional information*regarding our survey requirements to send to you.”

Bit pithy that given I'm the paying customer!

Is a 7 year survey period standard on boats 20 years old or is it just GJW?
Interested to find out from other formites what their experience is.

I was insured with GJW until about a year ago & all they stipulated was a self certification type thing.Changed to another insurance company & they were significantly cheaper & the same thing.I just have to state that in my opinion it is OK.
Shop around!

 

[VicMallows]

I left GJW when they demanded a survey at 20yrs and went with St Margarets (now Haven) who have not asked for one (26yrs).

Yachting 24 (part of the Pantanius Group) specifically state they do not require a survey. Their instant online quote system gave me a figure very similar to my present base price, but they don't offer a NCB so bottom line a bit higher.

Incidentally, despite what is often quoted here and in the mags, I have NEVER been asked the age of my rigging, or had any condition in policies REQUIRING its replacement at a certain age. (I replaced it 2 years ago because *I* was getting nervous!)

Vic

 

[Giblets]

I'm with GW Direct and they never asked me for a survey. Mind you only paid £1500 for the boat so probably fell below their radar.

 

[DanTribe]

I was insured with GJW until about a year ago & all they stipulated was a self certification type thing.Changed to another insurance company & they were significantly cheaper & the same thing.I just have to state that in my opinion it is OK.
Shop around!

I'm with GJW and they do ask for a survey every 7 years. My yard suggested that they supply a "condition report" [sort of self certificate], but GJWs reaction was that they needed someone with Professional Indemnity so they could sue if there was ever a problem in future.
I have to say I don't think it's a bad idea to get an outside opinion about your boat once in 7 years. You can become a bit blind to your loves weaknesses.

 

[MissIsle]

I'm with GJW & they only asked for a self assessment.
Boat only insured for £8K though, so it probably depends on the value.
Serves you right for trying to insure a 50' Halberg Rassy on the cheap!

 

[santavey]

I'm with GJW & they only asked for a self assessment.
Boat only insured for £8K though, so it probably depends on the value.
Serves you right for trying to insure a 50' Halberg Rassy on the cheap!

I wish!

Doubt the insurance companies even bother to read the survey until a claim is made.
Many thanks everyone for the info.

 

[pessimist]

We insured with GJW for many years and were very satisfied with their service - couple of no fault claims dealt speedily and efficiently. They then demanded the full out of the water survey every seven years.

We switched to Pantaenius. No claims yet, but they have a good reputation. Where did the crossed fingers icon go?

 

[Fantasie 19]

Not sure if it applies, but one of the reasons I went with my insurance company (Craftinsure) was because they had no survey requirement for sub-23 foot boats... been very happy with the service from them, no intention of moving anywhere else...

 

[Clyde_Wanderer]

I am with GJW and had to get HB surveyed last oct.
I believe that companies who dont require a survey can very easily calim the boat was not up scratch in some way and use this as a get out of paying up, where as if there is a current survey they have less chance of getting out of paying up.
As someone has already said, it is a good idea to have a boat surveyed by a qualified surveyor periodically.
C_W