MOST COMMON CLAIMS
(and how to avoid making them)
Collision
Most insurers reported that this was the most common cause of claims, and urged sailors to keep a good lookout when navigating. “Many of these claims are simple bumps and scrapes in marinas or congested moorings or anchorages,” says Pantaenius claims manager Simon Firth. Damage while racing tends to be more extensive and costly, so ensure that you have the necessary cover before you head to the start.
Grounding
Luckily most yacht groundings are not at speed and do not result in large claims. However, Pantaenius is at pains to stress that boat owners should take the boat out for an inspection after any contact with the bottom. The insurer waives the excess for the costs of lifting out, and will even organise the inspection. “This way we can be confident that they are not continuing to sail with unknown and potentially catastrophic damage,” says Firth. “Of course, the keel and its support matrix are not the only parts affected by the sudden deceleration of the yacht due to impact; it can have an effect on the rig, and its attachment to the hull, the steering especially if the rudder also makes contact or the engine and the internal cabinetry which is very likely to have been dislodged. It will undoubtedly also have an effect on the crew, since the forces involved, even at the speed of the average sailing yacht, can be quite extreme and injuries are likely.”
Storm damage
Insurers are braced for a rise in claims due to named windstorms, as the climate becomes more volatile. Advice is simply to protect your boat as best you can, while recognising that not everyone will be able to dash back and forth to stow sails, biminis and covers every time high winds are forecast. “Lash down what you can and make sure your mooring lines and fenders are in good order (and hope your neighbours’ are too),” says Greg Hill of Traffords.
Mechanical breakdown
This is a complex area, as extensive damage can stem from an engine cutting out or a rudder jamming at just the wrong moment. “Pleasure craft insurance policies will, generally speaking, respond positively to machinery damage claims when the loss is fortuitous and is the consequence of an external event that leads to the machinery damage,” says Hill. “What they do not cover is losses that result from a lack of maintenance or wear and tear.” So if you maintain your engine yourself, don’t expect that waving the receipt for a new oil filter is going to persuade the insurer to cough up when the engine dies.
Theft
“Sadly theft is still a very common cause of claims,” says Rod Daniel of Craftinsure. “Try to ensure that your boat is not seen as a soft target. Fit good quality locks and make sure electronics and other valuables are securely stored ashore or at least out of sight if on board. Keep a note of the serial number of outboard motors and, if left attached, make sure that a purpose-designed antitheft device is fitted. Trailers should be locked when left unattended, preferably with a good wheel clamp.” He also warns owners against fraudsters who will place a ‘for sale’ sign on the boat, scarpering with the proceeds after a quick sale that leaves two victims. “Make sure your boat is regularly checked and don’t leave any important documents on board,” advises Daniel.
Lithium battery fire
Though the use of lithium house batteries are still quite rare on cruising sailing boats, they are finding their way into the performance end of the market. And of course, there are more lithium battery-powered gadgets every year. All this raises the risk of a lithium fire on board – something that has been starkly demonstrated with a series of blazes aboard superyachts and commercial vessels. If you do have a lithium battery aboard, you should tell your insurer, and some will impose certain conditions to manage the risk. Advice is simple. “Basically, use a professionally qualified electrician; avoid cheap, often Chinese batteries; and make sure you notify your insurer or broker,” says Simon Winter.
Defective trailers
Don’t skimp on maintenance for the boat trailer. “Quite a high proportion of accidents when towing a boat would be avoided if tyres and bearings had been properly checked and serviced before setting off,” says Daniel of Craftinsure.
Legal protection
Some insurers are warning of an increase in marine legal expense fees, and advise boatowners to bolt on extra cover costing just £15-20 per year. “The most commonly claimed sections are uninsured loss and contract dispute claims,” says Simon Winter. This would cover you to pursue the repayment of your excess from a third party, for instance, or to go after damages for personal injury.