Uninsured!

G

global_odyssey

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I just realised last night that my boat insurance was due for renewal about now - so I checked =and realised to my horror that it ran out about a week ago! No reminder from GJW!
I phoned the Insurance company and they apologised that they had forgotton (YES FORGOTTON!) to send out my renewal notice. They phoned me back 30minutes later when they'd located my file and offered me a year's cover at £357 approx. (Steep!)
That had given me time to phone around - St Margarets quoted significantly less - and quickly - so I gave GJW the opportunity to beat it - they did (albeit seemingly reluctantly).
So I'm still with GJW - It's been somewhat stressful but now resolved - (that's without a claim). By the way, I'm still waiting for Bishop Skinner to quote - that's why I ditched them a year ago.
Are all these companies the same? Have I just picked the best of a bad bunch?!
Is it that boat owners are generally too easily pleased?
(All in my opinion, of course)

<hr width=100% size=1>I've got wind......................
...............................in my sails!
 
No. They are all at it - think of a number and double it and if teh sucker does not complain take the money. It is amazing the difference in quotations from different brokers using the same underwriter.

It will be more next year when this £100~£150 surcharge comes in due to the raising of the limits for personal injury claims. - Time we ALL said NO and lifted our boats out of the water.

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The non-arrival or renewals seems to be a feature of late, and from more than GJW. Other than an 'April rush' I cant understand why. I changed back to GJW from HNJ as I didnt like some of their small print, but GJW rates do seem to be going up lately.

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We arrived back in Europe to find the Pantaneus had cancelled my European insurance when we crossed the pond...at the time all tey said was there would be an additional charge so I assumed additional insurance...which meant when we returned to Europe nothing would changed...tey said tell them when we get back in European waters...so on arrival in Azores (which are Europe, all be it a few days sail away) we told them we were back.......after a lovely summer in spain and france got back to Plymouth to find we weren't covered as I hadn't told them we'd arrived in Spain!!! I found out as I put a claim in!!! for a lost prop in Spain
Not only had I paid £700 but I hadn't been insured in Europe...I was still insured in the Caribbean but thats not where the accident happened? confused ?
So they got the money but owing to a misunderstanding about where Europe actually starts I had no insurance whilst negotiating all those tight little harbours in France!

I just hate insurance companies....apart from footman James who do very good classic bike insurance!

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I was once told by a Lloyds broker acquaintence, that insurance companies place their customers in various categories, from those that will (from history) accept any quote they are given at renewal, through various grades to the "difficult buggers" at the other end of the scale that will argue, phone around and get other quotes to fire back with etc.

Better to be in the latter category I think.

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Yes I'm definitely in their 'difficult bugger' category - but actually I'm just out to seek a fair service and reasonable value for my money.
For me it's a fime line between owning/running my own boat or the cheaper option of sailing other peoples (more time actual fun, less hassle - someone elses problem!)
Most insurance companies are the same - they quote low to get the business - then they charge, charge and charge again at the slightest opportunity.
At the same time they like to keep their (our) money in the event of a genuine claim!
Anyway, rant over - I've diarised my renewal for next year just in case!


<hr width=100% size=1>I've got wind......................
...............................in my sails!
 
Try K C Powell

I was with GJW but was not happy with the offhand girl who answered the phone and they, in retrospect, were expensive.
I have been with K C Powell for 4 years now. You talk to a bloke who knows what you are talking about and they are flexible, eg. After 2 years I wanted to extend cover to include singlehanded sailing, including nights and after being asked about the level of equipment on the boat, my experience and my expected sailing area I got the cover extended at no extra cost. They give you notice that renewal is due in good time. Cover is with Royal & Sun Alliance. A good efficient service. Tel 01702 470035.
Paul

<hr width=100% size=1>" there is nothing-absolutely nothing-half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats".
 
Re: Try K C Powell

The problem with shopping around, especially with an older boat, is that any new insurer is almost certainly going to ask for a survey. The cost of the survey negates any savings on the insurance premium. This tends to restrict moving insurers until the current one asks for a new survey. Or is there another way?

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Re: Try K C Powell

Not always the case. I moved from GJW last year after 19 years precisely because they were demanding a survey. New insurer did not, and I also saved about £20 for near identical cover, including single-handed and 12 months on a swinging.

Vic

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I have been insured with Pantainius for several years. Have had the increases in premium, etc, etc, but was reassured when my renewal did not come through as it should!. I was suddenly told that I would have to pay X£ to keep my cover. A quick phone call sorted things out, I was still covered (confirmation in post) I was given time to shop around and I felt I was given good service. I know people who have claimed (for total loss) and the funds were in the bank within a week. Others who have made a claim and been aloud to keep adding to it as things were found out. In my opinion very good service.
Conclusion you pay for what you get.


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Re: Try K C Powell

Been there done it and got burned by K.C.P. if you are a smoky check the small print........I asked for.engine plus hull .......... and paid premium based on this..........made claim...........(in small print.)..hull only ....lost engines due to not checking ...not impressed by them one bit They should be on my side!!!!!!!!!!



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Re: Try K C Powell

Vic,
Who are you with now? Mine's up for renewal at the end of this month ??
Just in case ???
Cheers Bob E..

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Re: Try K C Powell

Bob,

St. Margarets. (Compass Insurance; a LLoyd's syndicate). The only thing I lost was 'single handed at night', but can live without that these days.

Bishop Skinner were a bit cheaper again, but would not entertain 12 months swinging, which would have proved rather expensive!

Vic

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