Insurance

C

cnh

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My insurance has come up for renewal - I'm with St Margaret's. However, they've changed the wording on their policy and there were some things I wasn't happy with. One was using a purpose built cradle ashore, second was the change on single handing - not more than 50 mile journey or more than 12 hours. 50 miles won't even take you cross Channel! Thirdly, that you had to "make sure that the vessel keeps to all relevant safety regulations". Err ... which regulations? Set by whom?

So I decided to ask round for some quotes. I sent emails to six companies. Two replied. One was a fairly generic reply, saying we'll come back to you [or not]. The second sent a reply saying thank you, but implying that it wasn't worth it for them or for me since they didn't really deal with boats under £40k [I'd forgotten to put the value in the email - it's worth more than £40k ... I hope]. I got one other 'Read' receipt.

So is business so good that companies can simply ignore requests for quotes? I'm a little baffled!

Nicholas Hill
 
Second craftinsure - mainly for their lack of restrictions, and NCB "up front" makes it very cheap to start with. AFAIK they have the most extensive geographic cover, and a distinct lack of restriction regarding night passages and singlehanding. Beware the "survey no older than 3 years" bit.

Search for a recent thread about it (I'll have a look in a minute:))
 
I also complained. I got an e-mail saying what my boatyard did (shores and mast down) was satisfactory and met their requirements - so I didn't need a cradle. The premium is pretty high, though. I tried getting some other quotes, but my survey needs renewing this year so I ended up paying St Margarets. Look out, when I get my new survey report, though!

Neil
 
Try GJW Direct, I was on the phone to them today and they seem ok to deal with.
I was originally insured with Pole star, through KC Powel, but my renewal notice a couple weeks ago said that they are now working through Gjw, and some things changed, ie, I was due to produce a survey this july (5yr period) but not now required until 2010.
I also could not previousley single hand, but have that changed, and I upped the total value from £14000 to £19000 as she was valued at £18000 in the last survey, but I had it insured for 14000.
I dealt with a Kevin Williams on, 0500 141 141.
 
Not my experience with Insurance Cos. Got quotes within a week from all the main ones GJW, Haven Knox Johnson, Pataenius, Saga , Bishop Skinner etc. Went with the last named.

All provided sufficient detail to compare. Important when asking for quote to give full info on boat, location, mooring, cruising grounds, value and period in commission. Then you can make fair comparison based onterms, conditions and exclusions. Always keep copies of additional information you provide in case of queries if and when you claim.
 
I used to have a swinging mooring at Levington, where GJW were happy to insure, including single-handing. Moving to Maldon, GJW didn't want to continue the cover (the Essex effect ?).
Through Nautical Insurance Services, Navigators provided the cover, Brest to Elbe, single-handed for 24 hours maximum, but increased the excess to £300 during the day and £500 at night. Boat is insured for £45k, in commission 12 months, for a premium of £271.
Interestingly, I'm covered against acts of terrorism whilst in French national territories !
 
I was with GJW till they blocked singlehanding over 24 feet, giving reassurances on the phone that it was OK really but nothing but no-no's in the policy, so I went back to KC Powell (excellent) till they sold out to GJW and the same wording was there last year, along with more restrictions on towing and being towed, but KCP introduced me to Mercia who still do the Quadrant Policy that allows singlehanding . I will stick with them for the forseeable future.
 
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