RIB insurance

CJL · 25 November 2003, 17:59

Hi there guys and gals.

I`m in the process of getting back on the water in a new RIB and I`m looking at the various insurers.

All the policies out there have one thing in common, they're expensive. I`m looking for a comprehensive policy which allows a bit of water skiing, UK but occassional french cruising, storage ashore and no requirement for a large scary dog attached or 2mtr high mobile fence!

I`ve tried the big insurers but I was wondering are there any other brokers or insurers worth trying.

My boats valued at £13k so i`m trying to get a premium of less than £250 with an excess of £200. If anybody can help it would be appreciated!

CJL

Daniel · 25 November 2003, 18:05

I've reccomended a company called "Williams and Whybrow" before (do a search) who have now become "R P Hodson" 020 74150055.

I've been insured with them for nearly 10 years, good prices and good service.

Grayswish was insured for £7k, cost about £150 a year. Top-banana is insured for £20k and is costing under £300 pa i think.

CJL · 25 November 2003, 18:14

Hi Daniel,
Thanks for that i`ll try them.

Gutted I didn`t buy your boat after I saw the pride you`ve taken in putting your new beast together! Hopefully my new machine will be as good.

Cheers for those insurers.

Chris

scm · 25 November 2003, 18:29

Try:
www.craftinsure.com
Just had to put in a claim and they have been very good indeed. All online so its easy to do.
Regards
Stuart

Richard B · 25 November 2003, 19:11

Have you seen their terms and conditions, though...
"The boats design speed does not exceed 50 mph". So, 43kts+ and you're uninsurable with these guys! I did a trial quote and the next page said... "We are sorry that we have been unable to help. Please take the time to tell us why. If you would like us to give your boat special consideration, please include your email address in your response." I assume that means a premium increase.

I wonder what the definition of design speed is - does it mean the max the hull's rated at, or the max with the current engine?

(PS I'm insured with Colin Curtis & partners. Also had good quote from Porthcawl Insurance Consultants)

thewavehumper · 25 November 2003, 20:01

we have 4 boats insured with PIC and 1 with Mardon, the fifth will be with PIC when the policy expires. Steve the guy that runs Portcawl insurance Consultants is a good guy to insure your rinb With cos he is Zapcat driver and the Coxwain of Portcawl Lifeboat
so he has affinity for our chosen vessels.

Charles · 25 November 2003, 20:57

Cheap insurance should not be your only consideration - its how they look after you when you submit a claim! Do a search on this forum for 'insurance' as we have discussed this at great length many a time.

ps I use Colin Curtis Marine - who, btw were fantastic with my massive claim last year.

Brian · 25 November 2003, 21:03

I just did a quote with
www.craftinsure.com
and they came out £200 more expensive than my current premium. (I use Colin Curtis).
Interestingly, they only ask for boat type and value and thats about it??
You would have thought that some other factors might have been relevant wouldn't you?
Petrol/diesel?
experience of skipper?
to name but two

Richard B · 25 November 2003, 21:17

I know others who use these Craftinsure and their premiums seem tailored towards smaller RIBs.

I did notice that CJL has a 5.5 Ocean Pro with 150Hp on the back that probably goes like a rocket, so perhaps needs an "understanding" broker (like PIC or Colin Curtis?), whereas SCM has a more modestly/sensibly/economically powered RIB which I guess will not raise a broker's blood pressure.

Stuart, I do apologise if I appear to contradict your suggestion, and hope that your claim is settled in full. BTW - CJL, just noticed that your location is "London, Blackburn and Plymouth" - you couldn't get three more different areas if you tried?!?

scm · 25 November 2003, 22:13

I agree with charles on the issue that it is not just the cost but the way you are treated.

I hit something at night the other week and have caused some damage to the engine. It has been nothing but simple and easy to get the problem sorted. So i can recommend them. I did do the price comparision with others but they gave me the best deal.

Regards
Stuart

Jelly · 26 November 2003, 09:49

Chris
Watch out on the PIC paperwork, well I expect it applies to all polices, just I noticed it on my policy.
I specified that I wanted my old boat covered at home, on a swinging mooring etc unmanned.
Paper work came back with only covered for 3hrs unmanned unless on a professionally run marina.
So no cruising etc.

So like all things look at the detail!

Did you get the message about your old delta?
Rgds
Jelly

CJL · 26 November 2003, 09:53

Thanks for those names, numbers and email address.
I`ll try some of them today.

Got to agree with Charles on the wording of the policies. I have pretty high expectations of what services companies provide.

Having said that there is no reason why we all shouldn`t have high expectations of the insurance brokers.

I`m planning on going with Bishop Skinner on their RYA Advantage scheme if the one people have suggested dont work out cheaper.

Chris

CJL · 26 November 2003, 09:58

What message about Delta?

Dover Coasties found it washed up last week, minus driver.

He was carrying out dubious evening cruises in the Channel and flipped it. (How in Gods name to you flip a boat like that???)

They were on the phone to me all morning cause the old SSR numbers were still printed on. Luckly I kept the guys number in my mobile and they were able to find him safe and sound on a bigger boat in the Channel.

You come to your own conclusions!

Chris

Richard B · 26 November 2003, 10:16

Sounds like quite a story!

- assume you had sold the Delta? (for cash, used notes?!?)

CJL · 26 November 2003, 10:24

Yep,
My Delta went for used scottish tenners with no consecutive serial numbers. The guy claimed to have just finished some work up in Scotland.

The relief when the Bank said the money wasn`t "funny money" and paid it into my account was unbelievable.

Mind you its paid for my new baby so cant complain!

Chris

Jono · 27 November 2003, 13:35

Have now been turned down by Colin Curtis and Craft Insure 'cause my hull design speed (!) is over 50 Knots! Any suggestions?

Charles · 27 November 2003, 13:37

Quote:

Originally posted by Jono
Have now been turned down by Colin Curtis and Craft Insure 'cause my hull design speed (!) is over 50 Knots! Any suggestions?

What a load of twaddle, my speed is in excess of this and I am insured by them ??

CJL · 27 November 2003, 14:55

Newton Crum wont insure me. My boats too fast!

The risk is not that great? Surely the boats value and it Gucci appeal make it more of a risk?

Chris

Jelly · 27 November 2003, 16:07

Chris
So Mr Kharn didn't pass on the message, humm have to talk to Ghengis about that.
So how fast it the current beast ? and what prey tell did you get out of the last set up?
Rgds
Jelly

CJL · 27 November 2003, 16:24

Jelly,
My old Delta with the monsterously thirsty 140hp hanging on the back got a nice 34kts. But in fairness its was 34kts in just about any sea. (Delta's are the best hull available - anybody else who says differently is lying)

My new boats down to 5.5m from a rather large (Too big to tow behind a golf) 6.7m. Its in brand new condition and ex Scotish National Heritage (therefore spent its life in a garage) It has the maximum rated 150Hp Mariner Optimax Offshore for a Humber Ocean Pro and a tidy console with loads of gizmos inc colour GPS plotter.

Unfortunately I`m driving up to Ullapool over the weekend to pick it up. It absolutely miles so Dave W is driving up from Plymouth to London then up to Lancashire to spell me on the driving - what a star! (Secretly I know he wants to sample a night out in Blackburn and the meat market of the local club)

PM me with your email and i`ll send u some pics.

Chris