Insurance for Single-Handers

[Corryvreckan]

This is probably a crazy question... but my husband is planning to sail our boat single-handed from the Caribbean to Europe via the Azores in 6 weeks or so, and we're wondering if anyone has had any success with insurance for a similar voyage? Our current insurers won't touch it, in fact will only insure if two extra (experienced) crew members join!

Another question: how is life insurance affected by such activity? Would it (generally) be considered a dangerous activity, and thus outside the permitted activities?

thanks!

[GMac]

Welcome Corryvreckan.
Don't know about getting insurance for the trip but do know my life insurance things run out at the economic border i.e. 200 miles from land. At 201mls I didn't have any any more and I think that is a pretty standard sort of a thing.

Yes offshore sailing is regarded by most insurance companies I know as a 'dangerous activity', especially single handed I'd say.

I'd be interested if you do find anyone willing to give cover for the trip. Let us know how you get on.

[AnchorageGuy]

Most US insurance companies don't want any part of any senorio that would be construed as risky and of course this trip would be. Your best bet is a European company since they typically insure folks offshore. The issue with them will be the flag of origin of the vessel. Companies such as Lloyds or agencies such as Panteus might be a better fit. As to your life insurance, you need to take a look at your policy or talk with your agent to get the precise terms as opposed to a discussion board since we have no idea what type of policy, with whom it is held and what the limitations of THAT POLICY might be.

[windsaloft]

I don't know about singlehanding, but Susan at IMIS has been a world of good advice for us getting insurance for our various requirements and locales. Susan@imis.net

She is a cruiser herself, and at least "gets" double handing and singlehanding. She might be able to point you to an underwriter who would write the policy, rather US or foreign.

[Corryvreckan]

thanks so much for help!

[NoTies]

Northernreef will possibly help you.

[hellosailor]

Corry, by definition a solo offshore sailor is a danger and unable to keep a legally proper or sufficient watch, since they have to sleep sometime. Folks can argue any way they please that solo sailing offshore isn't dangerous--but the bottom line comes back to the fact that they are unable to maintain a legally required "sufficient" watch if they are alone.

AFAIK that is why no insurer (AFAIK) will touch them for long solo voyages. If there is any collision, any damage, the insurer is fully and unquestionably liable because the laws require a watch--and the solo voyager can't ensure one.

[Troutbridge]

Not true about the insurance. It is possible to get single-handed insurance for longer trips. Try brokers that deal with European companies.

[sundowner]

Originally Posted by windsaloft

I don't know about singlehanding, but Susan at IMIS has been a world of good advice for us getting insurance for our various requirements and locales. Susan@imis.net

She is a cruiser herself, and at least "gets" double handing and singlehanding. She might be able to point you to an underwriter who would write the policy, rather US or foreign.

Windsaloft, I tried to email Susan at the above adress and it got bounced? Does anyone have a current email or phone number for her? I've got some insurance questions as well.

[Fishspearit]

They're having problems with their email today, I just had one bounced back. Call 800-541-4647

[bobsadler]

i'm pretty sure the Pantaenius cover allows for single handing

::: Pantaenius Yacht Insurance - Pantaenius Yachtversicherung :::

[TabbyCat]

Susan's email address is Susan@IMISCorp.net

[CapnZiggy]

Hal Roth in his book How To Sail Around The World writes;

Margaret and I generally don't carry insurance on the yacht unless it's required in a special case (Italy), for lability (United States), or for an unusual risk (the coast of Labrador). Then we buy a policy with sizeable deductible.

I would like to hear opinion on subject from single-handers and couple sailing offshore.
During my last trip to the Bermuda I was practically uninsured having three sailors when policy required four.

Next problem I see is responsibility for the crew members, other than family.
Do you require signed document releasing you from legal responsibility if life is lost?
(providing that accident occurred without your fault)
Beside the legal aspect comes to mind moral aspect, how easy life would be after such tragic event as losing crew member?
That is why I often prefer to sail offshore alone or with immediate family.

Most famous case on above subject was disappearance of Chuck Muer, his wife and crew (Drummey's) on the way from Bahamas to Florida in 1993.
Later children of the crew sued for damages.

[boatman61]

You won't get fully comprehensive insurance solo for the whole crossing... once you hit 200 miles offshore your cover expires until your within 200 miles of the Azores... then when you head for the UK the same all over... thats why most head for the mainland (Portugal/Spain) before heading N and across the Biscay.
Life insurance... not a clue.. never had one...

[rtbates]

Insurance? Against/for what? Liability or hull comprehensive/full coverage? Health?