Who knows a good-value insurer???

[pvb]

Just got my boat insurance renewal paperwork. The premium has increased by more than 30%, so I'm looking for an alternative insurer! Any ideas? Have you gone through a similar exercise recently? Are there big differences in policy wording and cover? Recommendations welcomed.

 

[Mirelle]

The best, IF they will have you, in terms if orice cover and security, is the East Coast Mutual. But they are usually oversubscribed and are very picky about who and what they take on.

 

[Plum]

Try Haven Knock Johnson. I found their policy wording easy to understand and and you can speak to them to negotiate terms and conditions to suit your circumstances. I negotiated conditions for single-handed night sailing (which is not normaly covered) with no increase in the premium.

 

[pvb]

Single-handed night sailing not covered?

I haven't seen this excluded in policy wording. Do insurers consider this "reckless" and therefore decline to cover it?

 

[incognito]

I am not insured with them, as the premium is a bit higher than the co. I am with, but for bluewater sailing, I came to the conclusion that Pantaenius take some beating. You can read the whole of their policy details on the web, but two clauses I have cut and pasted below:

10. Single-handed sailing
Unless otherwise stated in the Schedule, there are no minimum crew restrictions.
11. 24-hour sailing
Unless otherwise stated in the Schedule, there are no restrictions on hours or distance sailed in a twenty-four hour period.

 

[Plum]

Re: Single-handed night sailing not covered?

You need to check the policy AS WELL AS the information you provided to questions on the "proposal form" that you completed when you originally took out your insurance. There is often a question about single-handing or numbers of crew or type of sailing you do, on the proposal form and the proposal form becomes part of your agreement with the insurance company.

 

[Twister_Ken]

My premium (Pantaenius) also climbed steeply, but I couldn't get better from a phone-round of the usual suspects. As someone says below, Pantaenius' terms are very comprehensive.

I suspect the premium rises are helping pay for the Twin Towers, etc. rather than more yotting claims.

 

[Skyva_2]

The Bishop Skinner / RYA scheme has been good value and handles claims very well, but next years premiums may reflect your experience.

Keith

 

[summerwind]

I use Bristol Channel Marine Insurance who are brokers in Cardiff. They got me a policy that I couldn't beat myself by phoning around. They were also brilliant in negotiating for me when I had a claim - when you really find out how good your insurance is!

Their telephone number is 029 2063 1163, fax 029 2063 1160.

I should emphasise that I have absolutely no connection with BCM other than being a satisfied customer.

 

[Rob_Webb]

I guess it depends how specialist or tailored you need your policy to be but I found the off-the-peg policy with Navigators & General (subsidiary of Zurich Fin Services) in Brighton very good: 01273 863400

 

[brian_neale]

I have been ringing around recently for insurance on a new boat. Most premiums quoted were around £280-350 ish, but Pantaenius stood out as £487! The main policy difference seems to be no restrictions on single-handing, and they claim to have a "full price of repair/renewal" approach with no reduction for wear and tear. Don't know 'til you've tried, though, I guess.

Some companies say"no single handing at night"; alternatives are "max 18hrs", "max 24hrs any one trip", and "use your commonsense - don't do anything stupid" (this from Bishop Skinner). At present Bishop Skinner look favourite, but still waiting for one quotation to arrive.

 

[Rob_Webb]

My premium with N&G is about £200 for a 1979 27' boat. This does include a 5% staff discount I enjoy courtesy of my partner but even the gross fig. is well below the other prices quoted. Maybe your boat is much bigger/newer than mine?

Rob

 

[robp]

All policies in most fields are increasing by 30% and up. Not only Twin Towers related, there has been high competition for some years now. A broker friend recently advised me, in any field right now, to insure with substantial and known companies. I guess that means research or a trusted broker. Point is, that "good value" might not be that. (No reflection on any company mentioned here). I'm insured with Pantaenius and comfortable that they seem to be regularly spoken well of.

It's not the most expensive thing we have in boating...

 

[robp]

Re: And another thing..

I was asking our brokerage a few months ago why our motor fleet policy had increased in price so much. "Various reasons" was the answer. "Claims" - er OK, "Insurers getting real on their premiums and - White Van Man Syndrome". He said that this is actually having an effect, with a high claims history on panel vans.

I've seen three particularly bad examples in the past couple of weeks, with one nearly forcing my wife off the road. Unilikely on this site - but if you're reading this, I'm watching for you WVM!

There's one reason for high insurance we could all do without!

 

[pvb]

How much more would you pay for Pantaenius?

Pantaenius certainly seem to have a good reputation, but they want £916 to insure my boat. In contrast, CraftInsure.com only want £342 - that's 63% less! The cover looks similar, and CraftInsure have a lower excess. CraftInsure is basically a Navigators & General policy, I think. Would the Pantaenius cover really be worth so much more?

 

[Ray_G]

I have been with St. Margarets Insurances (153-155 High St Penge London) for the past 20 years and find them very competitive indeed. In that time I have had 1 major claim which was settled quickly and without fuss. I recommend them.

 

[pvb]

No good for me...

They won't cover any single-handed sailing in the hours of darkness.

 

[Guest]

Try www.yachtsure.com. I pay £119 for £32000 cover(uk coastal). They are based in London but I think the boat is underwritten by a US firm. Policy has options for areas and crew sizes etc.

 

[pvb]

No single-handed sailing after sunset...

Thanks for the recommendation, but Yachtsure's policy excludes single-handed sailing between sunset and sunrise (and also, interestingly, limits single-handed trips to 50 miles). Too restrictive for me.

 

[robp]

Re: How much more would you pay for Pantaenius?

Admit it's a lot. Must be a high value boat? Mine is £600+ but at 900 I'd be looking. Have you asked Pantaenius to tell you why? Get them to "sell" it to you.