Insurance

[neil_s]

I have just received the renewal docs from St Margarets. They have rewritten their policy in plain English, but have taken the opportunity to change things a bit. When laid up ashore, I now must use a professionally constructed cradle to sit my Seal 28 in. My boatyard doesn't provide such things! A few shores and hardwood wedges have worked OK for many years. They do insist on taking down the mast, though. I also must use a professional mooring contractor to lay and check out my (drying) mooring. I fail on both counts! Up Prinsted creek, we are used to doing things for ourselves, so I'm on the lookout for an insurance company which can accommodate a boating dinosaur. Any suggestions?

Cheers! Neil

 

[philip_stevens]

I've been with GJW-Direct for quite a number of years now, and would recommend them. When the rigging failed on a previous boat, and bent the mast, they paid up in double quick time.

Last year they matched an online quote, even though their initial renewal quote was a good bit more.

 

[Haven't-a-Clue]

Bit of Fred Drift here, maybe, but in this months' mag was a brochure from E&L motorboat insurance which, when I went for an instant quote on their website, came up with a figure of about half what I'm currently paying, so the question in my mind is has anyone heard of them? Are they any good? Do they have any unusual exclusions etc? All replies gratefully received.

 

[pvb]

E&L...

I came across E&L when looking for horse and horsebox insurance. Unfortunately, if you Google around a bit, you'll find a number of horror stories from disgruntled policyholders who can't get E&L to honour valid claims. Maybe they're better with boat insurance...

 

[AndrewF]

Re: E&L...

In the past have used E&L to insure my dogs, bit slow on paying up and lots of hassle. Won't use them again.

 

[Clyde_Wanderer]

Re: E&L...

I have been with KC Powel at Polestar for the last 2 years, and just had my renewal notice, but see that they must be amalgating with JGW.
They had originally stated thay my next survey would have been due this july (5yrs since last one) ,but now they say I will have to have it next surveyed in 2010, instead of this year which suits me.
They are very experienced in boat insurance, but tg I havent had any claims.

 

[nelly1]

Having worked as a vet for many years, AVOID!!!!

 

[gavin_lacey]

GJW claims settlement is excellent. Last year had boat lifted in france on a Tuesday - lots of emails and digital photos exchanged - Areement by Friday. Competitive rates as well.

 

[ebbtide]

Left St Margarets for the RYA-recommended Bishop Skinner - Laultless, paid a claim almost before job was done!

 

[oldharry]

I'm up Prinsted Creek too, and insured with Bishop Skinner - no probs, though I use a winter mudberth over in Dell Quay so don't know about propping or cradling issues.

I thought wooden shores were regarded as a 'proper' system for a laid up boat anyway..... its what the vast majority of owners have done for centuries.

 

[damo]

"its what the vast majority of owners have done for centuries"

But they didn't have grp boats, fin keels, and H&S issues. They probably didn't leave the masts up either.

Propping and wedging on a grp hull is fraught with the risk of damage and failure, and on a deep-keeled boat is downright crazy IMO, when a steel cradle does the job so much more easily and safely.

 

[neil_s]

Well - I was wondering who owned that Trident - I didn't get a chance for a chat last season!

Cheers! Neil

 

[neil_s]

Thanks very much for the comments - GJW and Bishop Skinner recommended. I guess I've got some phoning to do on Monday.

Cheers! Neil

 

[tyce]

I am with GJW and have no complaints, but beware, although it is not stated in the policy, they insist that the mooring is laid/checked proffesionally.
I have an agreement with them (written into my policy) that as my mooring drys on springs, they are satisfied that i can check it myself.
They will not cover me for a non drying mooring.
After ringing round alot of companies i found this to be the norm.
I suspect there are alot of people with boats on moorings completely unaware of this.

 

[oldharry]

AAAAGH - I've blown my cover - I'll have to start behaving now! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif