Insurance queries

[Straightman21]

Have just received my quotation for insurance for the coming year. Apart from the fact that it has gone up £100 [have had no previous claims], two stipulations jump out at me. Firstly, I'm supposed to have a minimum of two experienced crew with me and secondly that my single handed cruising is limited to 24 hours at any one time.
What is the experience of others in these respects please? I don't regard the two experienced crew as a reasonable requirement as two of us often sail together, stand watches and it works fine. Without getting into the whole single handed argument in general, do others have the single handed requirement on their policies?

 

[theoldsalt]

Much information missing so how can we give an appropriate response.
What boat? How much experience do you have? Where do you sail?
There is a world of difference between sailing an 18 footer in sheltered waters after decades of experience compared to a novice ocean sailing a 60 foot schooner !!!
I will say that in my experience with insurance companies it is not unusual for them to not cover single handed at night due to the risk of skippers falling asleep at the helm.

 

[Tranona]

As a general observation the single handed restriction is now very common, and 24 hours is generous. The norm is 18 hours or dawn to dusk. This is based on assumed passage times so some flexibility. The 2 experienced crew is not common unless it is specifically connected with certain passages such as across Biscay.

 

[PaulRainbow]

The only reference to single handing in my policy is

1.2 The Vessel must not be navigated single-handed by anyone for a period in excess of 18 consecutive hours unless followed by a minimum 6 hour break whilst the Vessel is moored or unless agreed by Us.

 

[Straightman21]

it's nothing to do with insufficient information, it is simply a question as to what the policies of others state.

 

[Straightman21]

Thanks Tranona and PaulRainbow, very helpful replies as it is difficult to judge one's own policy without reference to others.

 

[Tranona]

Thanks Tranona and PaulRainbow, very helpful replies as it is difficult to judge one's own policy without reference to others.

You need to ask them why the crew requirement has changed. Also normally claims have little effect on future premiums as most claims are for damage that is not the fault of the owner. So the nature of the claims may well be the explanation.

When making comparison with others you need to know all the details of the other quote. For example I have not had a claim since 1990 or so and my premiums have hardly changed in the last 7 years except falling when I changed insurers - and of course the tax increases. Suggest you get alternate quotes based on exactly your circumstances and read the cover carefully. Many of us here use Y Insurance who offer probably the best cover for cruising and are usually competitive on price.

 

[PaulRainbow]

<snip> Many of us here use Y Insurance who offer probably the best cover for cruising and are usually competitive on price.

That's who i'm with.

 

[ithet]

With GJW.

Endorsment - "1 person during daylight hours only".

I think that was added after I asked for some cover for solo use.