Saga v GJW boat Insurance

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DorsetPete

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Has anyone any words of wisdom having dealt with Saga?
I am currently with GJW because they are big and quoted less than anyone else but I have never made a claim!
Saga have quoted 10% more than GJW so I will probably stay with GJW unless anyoneknows of a reason to swap.
And please don't tell me to read the small print - life is too short and its what's NOT there that counts and I am no expert at insurance.
Is there an experienced uderwriter out there who can cut away all the gobbldygook and point us in the right direction.
Cheers for now...
 
I recently had a conversation with a surveyor who works for all the major insurers, and therefore has first hand experience of their claims procedure.

He said he would only consider insuring his boat with two companies, GJW and Bishop Skinner, and that's where I will be going for my renewal quote.

Haven Knox Johnston will definately not be getting any more of my money considering the way they have handled my recent two claims.

Neil
 
In June I switched from Saga to GJW. I had no problems with Saga but GJW were a few pounds cheaper. The difference was so small that I wouldn't have changed for changes sake, however GJW's free add-ons were better value.
 
I made a claim with GJW about 3 years ago and they were brilliant in the way they handled and processed the claim. Paid out within a week or so. I have also just done a price check in the market and whilst the excess was higher with GJW the policy cost was more competitive but they agreed to lower the excess after a bit of cajoling to a much lower level so they win all round for me.
Beware the cheap policies they can be a beggar when it comes to paying out!
 
If you can't be bothered to read what is covered and whether that meets your needs then just buy any policy - probably the cheapest. Policies differ because they meet different needs, so all you have to do is determine what your specific needs are and check the policy meets them.

All the major companies offer similar general cover, but the differences such as mooring restrictions, periods afloat, cruising area single handed sailing etc may differ in detail. There are also often differences in coverage for personal gear and the level of excess. Specific exclusions are also in some policies and not others.

It is not difficult to make the comparisons from the information in the quotes.

Claims performance is difficult to determine beforehand, but the major companies usually get good reports.
 
I insure the car with Saga, but have never had to claim, so cannot say how responsive they may be.

However, we insure the boat with GJW, and have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending them. One week after the arrival of a new boat and insuring with GJW for the first time , we picked up a massive rope in Christchurch Bay which wrecked all four props.

It was with some embarrassment I called. It was no problem, they agreed the claim and the cost of repair over the phone (£1500) - the job was done next day, and 7 days later the cheque arrived. No questions, no hassle, they simply paid the bill.

I personally would need a damned good reason to change to someone else.
 
While on the subject of small print. If there is something you don't like, just ask them to change it. I spotted a couple of things mid insurance period (leaving the boat at anchor and fire extiguisher position requirements) and the insurance agent (Cheers) got the mods arranged...no charge.
 
I can vouch for GJW.

We went across to them after we saw "Surf Ashore" flounder on the rocks during a MBM cruise. She was a biggish Sealine.

A surveyor was sent out to Paimpol almost immediately and we were told that GJW settled their claim inside a week.

We have been with them since. They are not the cheapest on the market but they did match a cheaper quote that we found last year.

May
xx
 
Claimed on boat last year. Quote for repair £13,000. Bill £23,000. Paid without question.

Debs car last week. A simple phone call and all sorted. Hire car and repair all done now.

It's actually quite a nice experience haveing an accident!!
 
I had a claim with Colemans who act for GJW, and I have to say that the whole process was easy and once agreed the claim was quickly settled. I would pay any little extra (if there was a difference) when I get the new boat, and stay with Colemans/GJW.

BTW as a tip that worked for me, I insured through Colemans who use GJW for their policy, and at the time I checked a quote with Colemans and GJW direct - Colemans were around 10% cheaper for exactly the same policy. When I asked GJW why, they said it was to do with rates agreed with other parties. Worth getting another quote?
 
Hi All

This is a great post and I have sent off for some comparison quotes from a couple mentioned here.
I must admit to being complacent about our insurance as I have always stayed with the broker who was recommended when we bought our first boat - time to test the market
 
Had 2 claims with GJW.
Both sorted very efficiently.
Had quotes from others which were cheaper.

Staying with GJW cos swmbo say's 'Things come in 3's!
Bu%%er I hope She's wrong this time! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
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