Insurance companies?

Clyde_Wanderer

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I am looking to change my insurers so I dont have to get a survey done every 7yrs, have any of you used Alker Brothers and Partners and how are they?
Cheers, C_W
 
Not heard of them. However, assuming they are just brokers, as usual, then they just have to go along with whatever the underwriting Company tells them.

So, if the policy is actually with AXA for example, then you will need a survey when AXA say so. The broker is irrelevant except as a filter between you and the the actual insurer.

Some Companies, for example the underwriters behind Pantaenius, are reasonably relaxed about it, or so I have found. Some, like St. Margarets were absolute bas***ds in my opinion.

Don't know if that helps, but it might save you hours of hunting to no avail!

Good luck, Mike
 
Hi Eamonn,

This piqued my interest so I have just looked up their website but all I could find was:
We can provide third party liability cover up to £3 million, no increased excess for underwater machinery damage, theft of equipment from your boat or place of storage and cover for small craft throughout Europe and Republic of Ireland.
Do they do comprehensive cover without a survey as well?

- W
 
Hi Eamonn
7 years might not be too bad, I'm with GJW, very good price but I think they say every 5 years.
You may get an insurance survey a bit cheaper than a full survey and if you are confident in your vessel you could just go for the cheapest quote. Try http://www.teemsurveys.co.uk/ for a quote.

Happy New Year
Ian
 
i think a survey every so often seems resonable regards insurance. Also it picks up items which you would not notice or fail to notice and remedy them.
keel bolts are the nightmare with surveyors had 2 taken out to cheque at a huge cost to find they were perfect and replaced.
I find that unreasonable, when am i right it was the wooden boats that ate stainless keel bolts?
i could be totally wrong here and would accept enlightenment if wrong

bob
 
Thanks all for the advice.
Does TPFT not cover total loss?
I will be phoning Alker bros tomorrow, thanks Nick hope you are keeping well.
Cheers Ian, Team Survey is the company I would have contacted first as they (Husband and wife team) surveyed Besula for ins and were cheaper than some of the others.
As for the Keel, it was off in 2006 for full examination and re-seal, have pics to show any surveyor and insurance.
As I have just posted on the other thread on this subject, I feel I am paying a little higher than others for the agreed value.
Cheers.
C_W
 
TPFT does not cover ANY of your own losses. It is only designed to cover the 'other person's' (ie the third party) losses.

Covers fire and theft losses related to insured vessel - either of which could result in total loss.

But it doesnt cover total loss caused by anything other than fire and theft.
 
I am looking to change my insurers so I dont have to get a survey done every 7yrs,
Cheers, C_W

As Dmmbruce has said, Pantaenius don't seem to worry overmuch about surveys. I have been with them for 15years with my 30 year old boat and have never been pressed. However do not bother with them if you are concerned about cost - see my other recent insurance post.
 
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As Dmmbruce has said, Pantaenius don't seem to worry overmuch about surveys. I have been with them for 15years with my 30 year old boat and have never been pressed. However do not bother with them if you are concerned about cost - see my other recent insurance post.

if one adds survey costs against Pants premiums this reduces their premium over the years
 
Covers fire and theft losses related to insured vessel - either of which could result in total loss.

But it doesnt cover total loss caused by anything other than fire and theft.

Yes, I got that wrong. I guess if you are sinking the thing to do is fire off a flare...inside:rolleyes:.

I was once told that Haven Knox Johnson don't require a survey after the first, but I never checked it out.
 
Just in case everyone gets carried away with recommending Pantaenius, the only time I have ever made a claim in over 10 years sailing, I had the misfortune to be insured by them - they were awful in every way - slow to respond to emails and always "I'm either on the phone or away from my desk" when I phoned. They turned an unfortunate incident involving no third-party into a nightmare which lasted 3 months instead of the 2-3 weeks it could have taken and they still refused to agree to all the required repairs; I eventually had to replace the above-deck mast section at my own cost! Needless to say, I am not with them now.
 
Just in case everyone gets carried away with recommending Pantaenius, the only time I have ever made a claim in over 10 years sailing, I had the misfortune to be insured by them - they were awful in every way - slow to respond to emails and always "I'm either on the phone or away from my desk" when I phoned. They turned an unfortunate incident involving no third-party into a nightmare which lasted 3 months instead of the 2-3 weeks it could have taken and they still refused to agree to all the required repairs; I eventually had to replace the above-deck mast section at my own cost! Needless to say, I am not with them now.

I personally have found them Faultless & Professional when needed when i insured with them. nothing but praise from me
 
I too have experience of Pantaenius and their claim handling. Their staff are excellent and very helpful and they settled the claim.
 
Last year I changed to GJW. They did not insist on a survey report but sent me a condition declaration form. I had the survey done anyway. It seemed to me that an insurance company may be 'relaxed' about a survey report when discussing new business, or convincing you to send your premium cheque. Would they be still 'relaxed' about it when you put a claim in?

Neil
 
When Nav & Gen required a survey report, I had one done then shopped around. I got cover via GJW at half the cost of the N&G qoute, which will save the cost of the survey in two years. That is the good news. The less good bit is that N&G had only required a survey after 10 years and GJW will need one again in five.

Regarding keel bolts, it was part of the general blurb in my report that a sample be drawn. I am trying to get this done and the person doing it thinks it as a daft and unnecessary requirement on most GRP boats. Apparently he has even seen the requirement for a boat that has encapsulated ballast!
 
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