Rib Insurance

hugh black · 28 July 2002, 22:27

At Last after looking for a year I have bought a rib. I am now the owner or about to be of a new 4.9m valiant with 70hp 4 stroke. As a novice I need to know who is good for insurance of ribs in u.k. Is there anything I should ask for guys when setting up policy? Get boat on Thurs so help needed fast.

regards

Hugh

Mike Garside · 29 July 2002, 07:31

Hugh, having just insured my 9m cabin RIB, Magellan Alpha, I would suggest you contact either Colin Curtis and Partners on 01752 664649 or Mardon on 01743 232688.

Mardon's price was the lowest and they were placing the insurance through Royal & Sun Allianc/DAS so the quality of the cover should be fine.

I chose to go with Curtis even though they were a bit more pricey because I felt they offered a more personal touch. They were placing the cover with Haven Knox-Johnson and Lloyds which is blue-chip stuff.

The only advice I would give is to make sure that whichever broker you use, do make sure that the cover is properly underwritten by sound insurance companies. I have seen some ugly results of brokers who have taken the money and not placed the cover. Get proof that you are covered!

Cheers.

Charles · 29 July 2002, 10:45

Absolutely correct Mike...I have been with Colin Curtis Marine for 7 years and they are fantastic. The longer you stay with them the more personal the relationship becomes, premiums also become cheaper. I have had two claims so far and this was dealt with efficiency and expertise. Cheapest is NOT always best.

mcintyre_ie · 29 July 2002, 18:25

Im considering buying a RIB, but want to find out about insurance premiums, since motor insurance in general is extremely expensive in ireland.Does any one know a reputable company in ireland who will give insurance for RIBs?

RubberJonny · 29 July 2002, 20:15

Ihave a 4.5 meter rib, and I get my insurance through Aon Mc Millen in Belfast. The service over the last 4 years has been excellent.

thewavehumper · 07 August 2002, 05:36

An Insurance broker is always a matter of personal choice but to reccomend one usually requires attaching ones good name to that of the brokers. All the brokers listed hers are good but I have allways foung Portcawl Insurance Consultatnts a great company to deal with and they specialise in RIBS

thewavehumper · 09 August 2002, 10:14

One other thing ....make sure you are covered by the AA/RAC for trailer breakdown recovery etc. I think it's an option , but if you haven't got it then the Breakdown orginisation will direct you to a private recovery service

Alan · 09 August 2002, 10:57

Don't think most RAC/AA policies cover trailer breakdown as opposed to car towing trailer breakdown. This has been discussed on a thread before. I have Trailer Breakdown recovery through Seastart. (www.seastart.co.uk) which covers the trailer and is actually provided by AA commercial vehicle recovery. Costs me £49 p.a. which is nothing for the piece of mind it provides! I believe the caravan club offers a similar service.

Daniel · 15 August 2002, 12:24

Having just renewed my insurance i thought i would post a short lish of numbers here for anyone / everyone to try. Feel free to add to it!

As it happens, upon the earlier reccomendations i did try both Mardon and Colin Curtis, but neither could beat my renewal from Williams and Whybrow (who use AXA). Yes i know price is not everything but i have been with W+W for 5 or more years, AND had the unfortunate requirment to make a claim, which was dealt with smoothly. No hesistation in reccomending them. They also extended my policy to cover a cruise to france (only covered 10 miles offshore in an 18' boat as standard i am assured) for free.

Porthcawl – 01656 784872 (Advertise in RIB International)
Devitt 01708 385500 (Also advertise in RIB International)
Bishop skinner 0207 566 5800 or 0800 783 8057 (Advertise with RYA / RNLI and offer discounts for being members of either)
Colin Curtis 01752 664649
Mardon 01743 232688
Williams & Whybrow (ask for Geoff Mills) 0208 385 3055