Visicover Insurance

[syvictoria]

Hi. I've seen a handful of threads in the last couple of years that have mentioned Visicover Insurance. I've obtained a competitive quote from them and I'm just wondering whether anyone else has any specific experiences or information about them that might be useful before I potentially proceed with a purchase? Thanks in advance!

 

[alahol2]

What are their survey requirements? I'm coming up for renewal.

 

[ylop]

I have used them for three seasons. I have dealt with their customer services for policy changes / admin stuff and found them to be helpful and efficient. I have not suffered any losses so have no idea how easy they will be to deal with if there is a claim. However the policy is underwritten by Allianz who are a credible player so I hope will be Ok.

What I did like was the ability to essentially define a policy that reflected my own usage and therefore pay for my actual risks rather than an average users’ risks (eg you can draw your operating area on a map, define who is allowed to skipper the boat, add/remove various options like towing a dinghy, see in real time the savings for having cctv in the yard etc).

 

[ylop]

What are their survey requirements? I'm coming up for renewal.

That may depend on the boat, but my boat is a 20 yr old production boat and they didn’t ask for a survey (although I have one). Instead I declared that I have had the boat lifted in the last 12 months and inspected all fittings / through hulls and in good condition and that I will not leave it more than 12 months between such inspections. Or words to that effect.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Just done a Visicover quote for my renewal that is coming up later this year. Very competitive. They do ask for a survey which I have of course so that’s no problem.

 

[syvictoria]

What are their survey requirements? I'm coming up for renewal.

That may depend on the boat, but my boat is a 20 yr old production boat and they didn’t ask for a survey (although I have one). Instead I declared that I have had the boat lifted in the last 12 months and inspected all fittings / through hulls and in good condition and that I will not leave it more than 12 months between such inspections. Or words to that effect.

+1 (and my boat is 38 years old).

 

[alahol2]

That may depend on the boat, but my boat is a 20 yr old production boat and they didn’t ask for a survey (although I have one). Instead I declared that I have had the boat lifted in the last 12 months and inspected all fittings / through hulls and in good condition and that I will not leave it more than 12 months between such inspections. Or words to that effect.

+1 (and my boat is 38 years old).

That sounds sensible, I'll give them a try.

 

[hurley]

I'm using them and impressed so far although I haven't made any claims. I read some reviews and couldn't find anything negative. My yacht is 27 years old, standard production, no survey was required although I did have one. They were at least half the price of other companies.

 

[syvictoria]

Hi again. Is anyone aware of any other marine insurer(s) who offer a similar service in terms of online administration of the policy/mid term amendments? Unfortunately we're in the position that the boat hasn't been ashore in the last 12 months (we're coppercoated, use swimming/underwater camera to inspect anodes, scrub, etc.) which has seemingly ruled out Visicover for cover, and I really like the online aspect of their service for tweaking and amending requirements (together with their competitive quote!). FWIW, I've also been very impressed with the speediness and fullness of their customer service response to my queries to date.

On a slightly separate note, I've been surprised by the full exclusion of cover for galvanic corrosion/electrolysis. N&G and GJW cover this if you're able to demonstrate that anodes of sufficient size and type have been used. Visicover & Noble seemingly don't...

As a longterm Yachtmaster customer, their takeover by Noble has motivated me to appraise the full marketplace before deciding how to proceed this year. Third party only is also potentially on the table too. If I eventually opt for this, is £3mil cover enough, or will this potentially limit future berthing options (NL, Baltic)? Yachtmaster/N&G provided £5mil, seemingly by default.

Thanks!

 

[Graham376]

....................As a longterm Yachtmaster customer, their takeover by Noble has motivated me to appraise the full marketplace before deciding how to proceed this year. Third party only is also potentially on the table too. If I eventually opt for this, is £3mil cover enough, or will this potentially limit future berthing options (NL, Baltic)? Yachtmaster/N&G provided £5mil, seemingly by default.

Thanks!

I wouldn't consider third party only, costs of wreck removal and pollution following sinking can be eye wateringly expensive but cover can usually be added to third party.

 

[syvictoria]

I wouldn't consider third party only, costs of wreck removal and pollution following sinking can be eye wateringly expensive but cover can usually be added to third party.

Thanks very much. Yes, I had mentally added a note to ensure that this was included in any third party insurance I might consider, so you're correct, it's not really third party 'only'.

 

[Graham376]

Thanks very much. Yes, I had mentally added a note to ensure that this was included in any third party insurance I might consider, so you're correct, it's not really third party 'only'.

What brought it to mind was our renewal a couple of years ago when Amlin, despite no claims, decided they would no longer cover our EU mooring comprehensively for 12 months in service, they would only offer third party with no add-ons. Eventually, Topsail organised fully comp cover with N & G and the only other insurer who would cover was Pants.

 

[ylop]

Hi again. Is anyone aware of any other marine insurer(s) who offer a similar service in terms of online administration of the policy/mid term amendments? Unfortunately we're in the position that the boat hasn't been ashore in the last 12 months (we're coppercoated, use swimming/underwater camera to inspect anodes, scrub, etc.) which has seemingly ruled out Visicover for cover, and I really like the online aspect of their service for tweaking and amending requirements (together with their competitive quote!). FWIW, I've also been very impressed with the speediness and fullness of their customer service response to my queries to date.

Have you confirmed that visicover will not quote in those circumstances? I don't know what happens if you don't tick the box. On other things you get extra screens or referred to underwriter.

 

[syvictoria]

Have you confirmed that visicover will not quote in those circumstances? I don't know what happens if you don't tick the box. On other things you get extra screens or referred to underwriter.

Yes, sadly they have confirmed this. I've also since realised that this also excludes me from their third party offering too! I was considering taking that and then upgrading in due course.

 

[xcw]

I have just renewed with Visicover, significantly cheaper than my previous insurer Craftinsure whose premium increased by over £100 this year. They didn't ask for any survey details etc, maybe as its a 2014 Bavaria

 

[Sandyshore]

Last time I looked Visicover placed business with Allianz out of Germany and any complaints go to German version of our Ombudsman.
Not for me.
This was a few years back so check before you agree to sign up.
Could not find out much about claims handling process either.

 

[Tranona]

Last time I looked Visicover placed business with Allianz out of Germany and any complaints go to German version of our Ombudsman.
Not for me.
This was a few years back so check before you agree to sign up.
Could not find out much about claims handling process either.

That would not be an issue now the UK is not in the EU. Other UK brokers use Allianz as underwriters.

 

[ylop]

Last time I looked Visicover placed business with Allianz out of Germany and any complaints go to German version of our Ombudsman.
Not for me.
This was a few years back so check before you agree to sign up.
Could not find out much about claims handling process either.

They do use Allianz, no reference to German ombudsman in the paperwork. Visicover are regulated by the FCA and the contract is governed by English & Welsh Law.

 

[alahol2]

I'm just awaiting a quote from Visicover.
I notice in their policy booklet under 3rd Party liability they state...

5.a.1) What is covered:
Cover is provided for:
1. Sums which any Permitted User is legally liable to pay arising out of their interest in or use of
the Vessel, Trailer or Trolley resulting in:
a. death or bodily injury to any person; or...

5.a.2) What is not covered:...
4. Liability arising whilst the Vessel or Trailer is being towed by or is attached to a motor vehicle
or has broken away from or become accidentally detached from a motor vehicle."...

My vessel is laid up every year on a yard trailer that is towed up/down the slipway by the club tractor. If, for example, the boat were to fall off the trailer and kill/maim a member of the club who was not participating in the movement would I likely be deemed liable and would I be or not be covered?

I'll probably check with Visicover but any opinions?

 

[Tranona]

The club will (hopefully!) have insurance for such a situation. The insurance you referred to is for boats being trailered on the road.