Insurance for single handed Atlantic circuit?

[Uricanejack]

Do any of the sailors we hear about getting rescued, generate bills which are paid for by their third party insurance? E.g. if a ship diverts?

Is third party insurance compulsory anywhere where you might end up?
There might be other issues such as if your yacht sinks resulting in pollution or other bills.

The mid-ocean bit might be low risk, but you still have to cope with the approaches and landfall after a long crossing.

I've had third party insurance for my boats since a dinghy at age 12, being uninsured in anything more than a blow-up kayak seems like driving uninsured, not something I'd immediately think of doing. I've had one 3rd party claim against my insurance in nearly 50 yrs of racing boats, and none in over 40 years of motoring...

Not as far as I know.
Although PR wise Volvo paid for wreck removal. I think clipper might have as well.

I think the costs of responding to a distress are covered by “general average”. The costs split by those involved with the ship. Not the casualties. Although I suppose a claim could be made.

When I go Skiing I am warned in the small print. I will get billed for rescue if I go out of bounds.
So I see no reason why not for sailing.

 

[Seven Spades]

The theory is correct but in practice lots more people are rescued from abandoned boats crossing than go down with them. You only have to hit a whale or container to be on a sinking or immobilised vessel.

 

[ashtead]

I know nothing of Northern Reef however even if trading out of Spain they will on the basis they are an actual underwriter have been authorised by a state regulator somewhere in the EC or be a third country branch for example of a non EA insurer . If the covers are being sold for UK based risks and you have concerns you should be able to tell from their website who is their home state regulator and ombudsman. Clearly if they have a poor claims handling outsourced based in Spain it might be the service provider they use which might be used by other underwriters as well so looking at the claims handling might be useful.

 

[co256]

Edward William are the insurers for all the GGR boats, I cannot comment on their track record as I have never had to make a claim.

 

[Sandyshore]

Anyone with an Edward William Policy or thinking about purchasing an insurance policy suggest you go to

The Financial Services Register then enter

Edward William Marine Services

If you have a policy start to sweat....

The FCA in addition have requested European based insurance providers to apply now for the right to carry on trading with UK after Brexit on a temporary licence basis.
Looking at FCA web on Edward William doubt they would get a temporary licence .

What odds come April if you try to make contact with Edward William no one pick up the phone?