Pantaenius Insurance-Differences between Australia and UK

[Neeves]

My understanding is that Pants in Australia use underwriters in the UK. A reason Australians may have greater restrictions are the fearsome reputation of Bass Strait, largely on the basis of yacht races (or one in particular), and the general view that the Tasman enjoys some pretty horrendous weather. If the underwriters were in Australia where a more realistic view might be taken - possibly the restrictions would be less onerous.

We are insured with Pants, we too are not covered for single handed overnight, which means I cannot sail single handed across Bass Strait (its too far to complete in daylight). Similarly I cannot cross the Australian Bight. It does seem odd as I believe cover is possible for single handed across Biscay.

The stupid part is that I can pick up a backpacker who has never seen a yacht, might be violently seasick on leaving dry land, might not speak English (or not very well), be a liability (for a variety of other reasons) but I am fully insured.

Many of our anchorages are barred rivers - and has been mentioned it would be insane to suggest a skipper must cross a bar that has become dangerous since he started his passage simply to meet conditions of insurance.

The whole thing, to me, seems particularly short sighted.

We simply hope we never have to test the restrictions with a claim.

We have insurance to cover all the usual (and 200nm offshore right round Oz) but the primary motivation is some idiot 'T' boning us, theft of vessel, theft of contents (and damage to enter vessel) - rather than our own carelessness or stupidity at sea.

Jonathan

 

[stranded]

We are insured with Pants, we too are not covered for single handed overnight, which means I cannot sail single handed across Bass Strait (its too far to complete in daylight). Similarly I cannot cross the Australian Bight. It does seem odd as I believe cover is possible for single handed across Biscay.

There is of course nothing to stop you doing these things, but at your own risk rather than your insurers. If you are confident that your insurers have got the risk wrong, going uninsured should not cause you too much concern. If it does, maybe they have a point.

 

[Neeves]

It causes us not an iota of concern.

And the stupidity of picking up a hitchhiker - as they might become a liability they would simply cause an extra and unpredictable responsibility, it might meet insurance restrictions but its simply, in our opinion, not worth it.

We take the risks ourselves.

Jonathan