naughty insurance

[fisherman]

Prospective buyer for my boat told by my insurers that a survey would not be needed, they would offer cover, that was the end of January. He rang yesterday to make arrangements, now they want a survey. Money has changed hands. I am looking at another boat. They have now shot themselves in the foot because with a favourable survey he will simply go to his usual insurer, since they have mucked him about, and I will certainly not give them any more custom either. Unfortunately we think the offer was verbal, but he's checking paperwork.

 

[Iain C]

If it's verbal, it should be recorded. They should be able to find the call and replay it by a number of different search criteria, the most obvious being the CLI (number) he called from. Also if he "expresses dissatisfaction" they will have to investigate under new regulations.

I'd also ring back and double check whether a survey is needed...I've been with the same insurer for nearly 10 years, and as the current boat (about to be replaced) is old and not that valuable, it's on a self-certified condition report basis. Every couple of years they'd write to me and say "you need a survey". "Oh no I don't" I'd reply, and they'd go "Oops, sorry, quite right".

Who is the insurer?

 

[MM5AHO]

"verbal" can mean written. It means "in words" and not necessarily spoken (or Oral).

 

[fisherman]

All change, buyer has now suddenly found the letter asking for a survey, although definite that prior to that he was told no survey. Never mind, I was surprised at the time no survey required, last done in 2001, just another week of messing about.