Insurance Offshore

[EUXINE_Rival]

Next year I want to go a bit further afield than Brittany so I'm considering across to N. Spain. My insurers cover me for coastal sailing and are happy to quote for extended limits at present my insurance covers South as far as La Rochelle and around the coast of Eire. What cover should I ask for if I want to sail across Biscay rather than coast hop? Insurers secretaries/telephone receptionists never seem to know the answers and tend not to phone back when they say they will.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Talbot]

Try St Margarites Insurance, they seem to know what they are doing

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Lotteryloser]

Pantanenius (01752 223656) quoted me for up to 200 miles offshore. This may depending on course etc just about cover you for Biscay. Also allows for unplanned departures from agreed cruising area for up to 72 hrs. Not sure how competitive they are though as that has been my only quote so far.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[AndrewB]

There's no alternative to telling them directly what you plan to do. I believe the insurance companies do have the world partitioned up into cruising areas for coverage purposes, but what they are is not generally public knowledge.

If you are being fobbed off and not getting clear answers, then you are with the wrong company. There are plenty of others to chose from, which will be keen for your business and where you will get proper consideration.

However, once you go beyond Brest underwriters do start to make extra requirements in terms of qualifications, experience, crew strength, type of yacht, survey, equipment, passage plan: and you will probably be asked to clarify these. Your insurers may need time to negotiate with them to determine the terms on which they can offer cover. My experience is that the terms can vary a lot between insurers and would recommend you contact up to half-a-dozen for a quote.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[chrisb]

i cruised this area this year and plan to return next. if you need info regarding this area pm me. the almanac/pilots are not upto speed regarding marina development .regarding insurance -i insure with navigators. they allowed biscay crossing direct from uk for an additional premium. they stipulated crew of 3 total. this was a bit of a nuisance when criusing the spanish coast. they have agreed to waive this stipulation for next years cruise .they will require proof of your experience

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[mike_bryon]

We paid an additional premium of around £130 for a two summer month cruise to the Azores. Minimum crew requirement was four experienced. Our boat is Lloyds 100 A1 and she had to remain in class otherwise a survey was required.

We did not consider the crew size a problem. We sail with children and no autohelm so would not consider going with less crew anyway.

This price was realised after a bit of shopping around and in the end we had to change underwriter to get the best deal.


<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Sea Devil]

When Pantaenius became stupidly expensive for Euopean waters, after being the cheapest in the world for the Pacific - Indian Ocean and Red sea I hunted around like mad for a new insurance compay and spoke endlessly to secretaries who were nice but just did not know anything.

After several days I found Yachtmasters run by a guy called Max - a yachtmaster - he will quote on the net and on the telephone - I got the best/cheapest deal via him .- enquiries@yachtmasteruk.co.uk

I was with Pantaenius for years - I think Biscay used to be a one off payment - just talk to Max - tell him about the boat - about your experience and date of transit and he will quote you over the telephone...

They insure Bambola but I have no commercial interest in the company..

<hr width=100% size=1>If you have time please visit my web site -
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.michaelbriant.com/sailing>http://www.michaelbriant.com/sailing</A>

 

[ChrisE]

Thanks for the recommendation, I've used P for the past 9 years and have been impressed with their past service but their fees are now twice what they were when we first started and have been looking for a good alternative.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Sea Devil]

What got me with P was that the Indian Ocean was almost as expensive as sailing out of La Rochelle...

After I got the deal with Max (in fact he is Navigators & General but is so senior or something he can quote without referal back) I wrote to P saying how sad I was about it all after 12 years and 50,000 odd miles and they came back with a premium about £40 above what I had got with max.

<hr width=100% size=1>If you have time please visit my web site -
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.michaelbriant.com/sailing>http://www.michaelbriant.com/sailing</A>

 

[mocruising]

My last two insurers extended my cruising range for free with a bit of arm twisting, to some extent it will depend on your boat and qualifications. I changed my insurer because I did not want to be penalised for short handed sailing and tied to crossing Biscay between certain dates , it always pays to shop around. Try Portcawl they did alright for me through Holdfast at Lloyds.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[sailorman]

try
Peter Clements

tel 01206 382435
fax 01206 386 134

Marine & Commercial Insurance Services Ltd
P O Box 3321
West Mersea
Colchester
Essex
CO5 8NB



<hr width=100% size=1>