Insurance claims

[Nostrodamus]

This year my boat insurance was fantastic because I did not have to speak to them.
Of those of you who have ever made a claim how did you find your insurance company and did they ever come out with something in the small print.

Like everyone else I want cheap insurance but with good cover and the ability to deal with claims quickly and without grief.

At what point do you make a claim or just decide to accept what happened or even pay for the repairs yourself?

 

[awol]

My insurance has an excess and a protected NCB with a 12 month claim-free period between claims to maintain it. I've had claims with absolutely no quibbles, they have accepted my mitigation actions and were very supportive when I was claiming from a 3rd party. If the repair cost is greater than the excess then I would have no qualms about claiming.
However, I understand Pantaenius ain't the cheapest but they understand boats, the cover doesn't seem to leave any gaps, they have extended geographical area when asked and, compared with my other insurance experiences, they are a joy to deal with.

 

[jordanbasset]

GJW paid out on a large claim for us in the first 5 months we were with them. No quibbles and very helpful.

 

[KellysEye]

>Like everyone else I want cheap insurance but with good cover and the ability to deal with claims quickly and without grief.

A contradiction in terms, you get what you pay for. If you want no quibble payout then Pantaenius is the way to go.

 

[tudorsailor]

I have a claim going through now following a port/starboard incident. (We were on Starboard!) Ironically This occurred during the regatta race sponsored by Pantaenius! So far they have been incredibly helpful. Will feed back once all is settled

TudorDoc

 

[oldharry]

Bishop Skinner were incredibly helpful when a Baltic Trader snagged my rigging while passing my moored up boat in a marina a couple of years ago. Rang me up at each stage to ensure repairs were going smoothly, and bending over backwards to ensure I was able to continue my cruise ASAP.

 

[johnalison]

I'm in the middle of a claim with Bishop Skinner, who have been very helpful, though it's not a complicated matter. My excess is £200 and NCB protected and I'm a bit miffed as it's my first claim since 1974.

 

[Billjratt]

Navigators and General

I'm in the middle of a claim as well, the first ever in about 35 years of being insured with Eagle Star which seemed to change into Nav &Gen. We had a near loss sinking and it's costing a huge amount, but then everything seems to these days. Years ago I would have done the work myself and ended up fixing niggles ad-nausium. This time it's being done properly and I should have a reliable ship for next season.
So far, the insurance people have been helpful and reassuring in which was for us, a very nervous situation. The yard guys are also good at handling our concerns (W.C.M.S. Troon)
Looking forward to next season, which we hope will be less stressful.

 

[mcanderson]

Pantaenius

Been with them for 3 years now and in my first year we had a claim against another party who we believed was at fault. They were simply brilliant. For that I will remain with them. Cheap is not always the best. Then again that shouldn't be a surprise.

 

[Koeketiene]

Of those of you who have ever made a claim how did you find your insurance company and did they ever come out with something in the small print.

GJW: two claims in 11 years.
Couldn't have been more helpful and understanding.
All sorted - repaired & paid for - in a matter of weeks.

At what point do you make a claim or just decide to accept what happened or even pay for the repairs yourself?

If it's going to leave me more than £500 out of pocket (after excess) I claim.
Anything less I take with the flow.

 

[jonic]

When I lost my boat in Hurricane Ivan, the worst seven months of my life began. The UK based insurance company claimed to be a bluewater specialist and were atrocious.

I'm not going to name them as it was back in 2004 and they have since switched underwriters.

But there is absolutely no such thing as cheap insurance.

Since then I have changed to Pantaenius and based on feedback from my brokerage clients and cruising friends who have had to claim from them, wouldn't go anywhere else.