Cross Channel insurance

[Marki]

I recently asked my insurers to clarify cover for cross channel trips - after giving great detail of experience, safety equipment, qualifications etc I received a 'warranty of the policy' that a minimum of two experienced adults are on board for all trips and a maximum of three crossings to France per season. I have never had this before has anyone else had similar conditions imposed?

[Louise]

As far as I'm aware, there are no such restrictions on our policy. What insurer are you with (or don't you want to say publicly?)?

[MarkWildey]

I'm with EIS, can did out their number if you want, and have no restrictions like that. Can go as far as Brest without having to have crew and other boats.

Cheers

Mark

[Louise]

Mark - I may be being a little presumptious but are you looking into this because you are considering doing the St Malo cruise later this month?

The reason I ask is that when Richard took our boat across to Alderney last October he was extremely glad that he had the company of Daniel (another forum member and very experienced RIB owner/driver) so they could share the driving in pretty horrible (and tiring) sea conditions. My personal opinion is that any 'long distance' cruising becomes much safer and more enjoyable if there are a couple of you on board who are able to drive. Plus, a second pair of eyes is always useful for spotting hazards! All IMHO, of course!

P.S. Don't like the idea of being restricted to 3 trips a year though!

[Marki]

The St Malo trip is a little late in the season for me I think although I had considered it.

I absolutely agree that two pairs of eyes with accompanying hands etc is best and safer. However I did cruise to the Scillies alone earlier this year in company with other boats. Insurers are asking for two people of equal ability/skill which could I suspect be questioned in the event of a claim. Only option is to supply details of ability before setting out. Limitation of trips is also out of the ordinary in my experience. The insurer is well known but I posted to find if this is common practice - perhaps it is in the small print of some policies and worth checking out?

[Richard B]

Mark(i) - change insurer!

We use Colin Curtis of Plymouth and their recommended policy is fairly straightforward, with full cover for Brest-Elbe cruising and very few nasty surprises in the small-print, which we've read thoroughly. IIRC they just want the rib helmed by "a competent person" at all times. The staff at Colin Curtis have been happy to contact the underwriters and tailor the policy to our requirements and keep these amendments on file.

We reckon the policy is just slightly better than the next best which we were quoted for by Porthcawl Insurance Consultants which was near enough the same price (again we took the opportunity to examine the small-print in great detail) - if you particularly want an agreed valuation, then PIC seem good.

Both companies have been recommended on this forum in the past.

[MarkWildey]

Richard / Louise

I can't actually remember the last time I did a channel crossing in company, maybe May 03 on the way back from St Vaast. During the same year I went with an overnight in Jersey( thanks Charles ) to almost Brest ( met Mike Garside near Channel du Four) before my insurance ran out in the Bay of Biscay!!!

Thanks for the tip on insurance I'll check it out next year.

And yes I'm planning on the St Malo trip ( no crew so far !!!! )

Regards

Mark

[eupa]

sounds crap to me. Jonathan

[Alan Priddy]

What you need to establish is the wording " Coastal Cruising" Although your policy will say or indicate you are covered from Brest to Elbe you may find that you are only insured for up to 12 miles off of each coast in which case you are not insured in the middle!

Get it in writing that you are covered the whole journey or you could be in for a nasty shock should something go wrong. Even if you cross Lyme Bay you are potentaily "Offshore" in the middle and therefore in breach of your insurance policy.

Insurance companies are only around to take money, not give it away and if they can find a loop hole they will use it. Be warned. Alan P

[The Jackeens]

Originally Posted by Alan Priddy

Even if you cross Lyme Bay you are potentaily "Offshore" in the middle and therefore in breach of your insurance policy.

missus

[eupa]

Originally Posted by Louise

Mark - I may be being a little presumptious but are you looking into this because you are considering doing the St Malo cruise later this month?

The reason I ask is that when Richard took our boat across to Alderney last October he was extremely glad that he had the company of Daniel (another forum member and very experienced RIB owner/driver) so they could share the driving in pretty horrible (and tiring) sea conditions. My personal opinion is that any 'long distance' cruising becomes much safer and more enjoyable if there are a couple of you on board who are able to drive. Plus, a second pair of eyes is always useful for spotting hazards! All IMHO, of course!

P.S. Don't like the idea of being restricted to 3 trips a year though!

Are all talking fully comp or just 3rd party? When i wanted fully comp- was considred a lepper. Normally when you talk about insurance for a RIB , companies go white and are literally sick. I point out the fact that insuring my rib would be a better job than the Titanic, it still doesnt click.Even when you hit another boat- you just bounce off.

Jonathan

[Louise]

Can't speak for the others, obviously, but our insurance is fully comp.

[eupa]

Originally Posted by Louise

Can't speak for the others, obviously, but our insurance is fully comp.

without being rude Louise, how much does that cost ?

jonathan

[Louise]

Jonathan - £311 fully comp, cruising coastal and offshore from Brest to Elbe and UK. Broker: Colin Curtis, underwritten by Haven Knox-Johnston.

[Alan Priddy]

But do you have it in writing regards Offshore and Coastal? Does your policy say" For "all coverage" between Brest and Elbe? Alan P

[Louise]

Our 'Cruising Range' is defined as "Inland and coastal waters of the United Kingdom including Eire and extended to include Continental Waters Brest to the River Elbe."

The definition of 'Continental Waters' is:

All tidal, coastal and inland waters between Brest and Elbe. You are not allowed to sail:
• further north than 61 degrees north;
• further east than 10 degrees east;
• further south than 48 degrees 10 minutes north; and
• further west than 12 degrees west.

[Marki]

Originally Posted by Alan Priddy

What you need to establish is the wording " Coastal Cruising" Although your policy will say or indicate you are covered from Brest to Elbe you may find that you are only insured for up to 12 miles off of each coast in which case you are not insured in the middle!

Get it in writing that you are covered the whole journey or you could be in for a nasty shock should something go wrong. Even if you cross Lyme Bay you are potentaily "Offshore" in the middle and therefore in breach of your insurance policy.

Insurance companies are only around to take money, not give it away and if they can find a loop hole they will use it. Be warned. Alan P

I was trying to establish if I was covered 'for the middle' when these restrictions were then applied. I suspect that many people are not covered for the middle which was why I asked the question

[Brian]

"Louise "
• further north than 61 degrees north;
Top of Shetlands
• further east than 10 degrees east;
East coast of Denmark
• further south than 48 degrees 10 minutes north;
Just South of Brest
• further west than 12 degrees west.
Nearly out to the Rockall Bank

Though where does that get us if it doesn't cover the bits of water in between?
Methinks-Better go dig out policy.

[Louise]

Brian, are you saying you don't think the 'middle' bit is included in "tidal, coastal and inland" waters?

I'm sure Richard made it clear to our broker, didn't you dear?

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by Louise

I'm sure Richard made it clear to our broker, didn't you dear?

Sure did, babe! I told 'em "I want to be covered for cross channel trips".

I'll give them a ring now and check...