insurance recommendations anyone?

[tcm]

i've been using the same insurers for three years and no problem at all. I tend to find that most people are no prob provided you givem lots of money in return for nothing very much.

Anyway, i have reason to think that prpas they mite be a bit less likley to pay oop (the cover included mech cover) than otherwise. In other words, although the policy is quite a low price, it's actually rather expensive in that it may include the special "we never pay out" clause.

Soo, anyone any idea of a half-reasonable insurance co? Trubble is that a few of the uk lot say argh ooer that sounds , then they say wot's that eh are you SURE it's not a sealine, and then they say ooer across biscay? argh that means you'll definitely definitely smash up...

 

[DazedConfused]

Try Haven Knox Johnson...i have been with them for 5 years and each year they can't be beaten on price. I have made one claim about 2 years ago on a wind damaged hood (£1800) whilst the boat was on chocks for the winter and they paid out straight away but at the new for old rate ie. i pay one third of the cost. They didn't even look into getting it repaired just asked me to get a quote for a new one.

 

[MidlandsOnSea]

Based on recommendations I had from a friend who worked in a law firm where they regulalry saw insurers handling claims and disputes, I went for Pantaneous. They aren't the cheapest, but my perception is that they are reasonable. However, I haven't had any personal experience of having to make a claim. I had a good read through their insurance clauses as well, and in my personal opinion, they seem to be better than offerings from cheaper competitors.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

I've been with Bishop Skinner for many years and they have paid out on 2 claims including one that could easily have been rejected and I get 10% off for being a YM plus another 10% for being a RYA member although I think they might not do the latter for newbies any more. They also seem willing to cover occasional changes like delivery skipper trips and area extensions without too much fuss. Talk to Bill Southgate - I think he's at LIBS

 

[mjf]

Agree, talk to John McCurdy at LIBS on the Pantaenius stand - make sure he is aware of your quals and experiece.

IMHO they are the the closest to 'big ship' policy providers and assess the real risk vs premium income. The geographic coverage is good too if you cruise....

 

[Roy]

Go for quotes from a good broker firstly. Next, enquire or confirm which insurer is underwriting the various quotes. Next, approach insurer directly. We used this method successfully with our business cars and boats too in the past.

 

[jfm]

Dunno who is best but used Pantaneous (currently) and GJW (previous) and happy with both. We went with Pants a few years back becos they threw in engine breakdown warranty.

AFAIK these guys are brokers not underwriters. Big underwriters include Chubb (lots of 25m+ boats) and suchlike. There is cover for Biscay, it's just the more retaily brokers are not dealing with the right u/writers. Pants do a lot of superyacht work and had massive Monaco Yacht show stand so they must be in touch with underwriters who will do industrial-strenght insurance, so try them?

 

[peterandjeanette]

First started boating in 19sparrow f**t. Insured with St. Margarets. Several boats and one well handled claim later I'm still with St. Margarets.
Haven't found anyone to beat their rates and service yet and I'm still trying.

 

[ChrisE]

I don't know much about the mobo insurance but I have been with Pantaenius for the last ten years but am going to change this year because a. their premiums have more than doubled in 5 years and b. they no longer insure ocean crossings except transats. They have provided good service over the years (3 claims, 2 for gear failure and a third party clunk) but their premiums are now, in my opinion, too high relative to their quality competitors

I have been quoted half the rates that P have asked for by Yachtmaster, a London syndicate with a high reputation.

 

[mikewilkes]

Try Max Burgess at www.yachtmasterinsurance.co.uk/

 

[jerryat]

Absolutely agree! Excellent company, especially Bill, who is knowledgable and calm in the (insured's!) crisis. Made my only claim in 35 years of sailing and it was dealt with by one 'phone call and three emails - and that was from the Cape Verdes!

Very highly recommended.

Jerry

 

[woodie1000]

We use WG Yachts - contact is Richard Walton-Gould 01737 557020

They were very competitive price wise and accomodating when we wanted to make adjustments to the policy. No experience of claims though (touches wood).

 

[gonfishing]

Hi Matt
you could give Bristol Channel Marine Insurance a call on029 20631161

bc-marineinsurance.co.uk

They are brokers but may well be able to gfive a competetive quote

 

[Doffy]

Try St Margarets have been with them for years even during dinghy days no problms at all with the few claims I have had over 20 + years and very reasonably priced.

 

[tcm]

Thanks all - good news

a day after posting this lot - insurtance compnay emailed to say that they would be paying and v sorry for the delay. I am pretty sure it's unconnected. Pretty good tho - they are paying for most of the engine blowup repair work - all €18000 incl craning in and out less €3000 excess and the next year premiui only goes up 500 quid, then back down to normal.

It just goes to show that really, it's the little things that make the difference between happy customers - and not so happy customers. Such as, erm giving us several thousand quid. It's high time others in the marine industry realised this and etc etc blah drone...