Yacht Insurance

[sycheckmate]

My query is:

I recently renewed my insurance through brokers Edward William SL - with whom I have dealt for many years and insured with Pantaneuis. (Northernreef)
The renewal notice was received containing a list of endorsements and included current coverage.

Payment was made & the marine insurance policy was sent to me.

This included a clause which stated "Grounding and reef contact excluded unless forward facing sonar is fitted and operational."

I do not have forward facing sonar. The clause was inserted after the renewal notice was received.

My concern is that this substantially avoids a major risk - the reason for having insurance.

Do other users have similar experiences? And is there any advice available?

[Paul L]

Have you done any web research on Northern Reef? You will find a number of very unhappy campers. With or without the clause it is unlikely that they will pay out anything.

The clause is not in most other policies.

[sycheckmate]

Thanks Paul. Most appreciated

[s/v Moondancer]

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...nce-41887.html

I doubt they are associated with Pantaneuis, do you have documentation of that?

[Neptune's Gear]

Most of the bad press about them is from a single source if you look at it closely. Every ins company has some disgruntled x customers.
However, I no longer use them because of the exclusion clause.
That being said, fwd scan is not expensive if you have B&G/Simrad/Navico MFDs.

[sycheckmate]

I have had forward looking sonar in the past and will consider it again with a B&G upgrade. But I no longer sail in coral. Only the Med. so depth Guage should be enough.
There is something wrong with introducing the exclusion clause AFTER accepting the renewal

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Neptune's Gear

Most of the bad press about them is from a single source if you look at it closely. Every ins company has some disgruntled x customers.
However, I no longer use them because of the exclusion clause.
That being said, fwd scan is not expensive if you have B&G/Simrad/Navico MFDs.

Its more than a single source. I helped a guy try and deal with them a couple years ago on a total loss claim. It was fruitless.