Insurance

[Giffie]

My uncle has been trying to acquire insurance for his 63 alberg 30 for off shore sailing, but without luck, hi plans are to do the circle route from Canada to the Azores, Canaries and through the Caribbean.

Most say they wont insure a boat under 40 feet, what can he do, being in Canada. also what would be the consequences of not having insurance other than not being able to dock in Marina's.

Any help appreciated.

[Zanshin]

If that boat is so difficult to find an insurer/re-insurer for then I would self-insure, putting a fixed amount aside each month in a separate account that is only to be used for the boat. Typically 2% of the boat value per year.
I haven't been asked for insurance papers in most places in the Caribbean, the only place I recall having had to show insurance was Jolly Harbour in Antigua.

[joethecobbler]

Offshore Ins. ?

I believe there is a bit of conusion/misunderstanding here.
The insurance that marinas will/are requiring is liability ins. to protect others from you or your actions/mistakes possibly damaging there boats/facility.
you can get liabilty alot of places for just about any craft regardless of age/size. with possible limits on area/country of operation.
Hull insurance or collision insurance would be more restrictive based on the age/type size of vessel as well as the intended area of use as well as the experience or lack of experience of the operator.
So, one is quite different than the other.
That is my understanding of it,I would not be offended if I was mis-interperating ins. or was just flat out wrong.
Anyone more versed can feel free to correct me, I would welcome a clear explanation as it seems to be coming up more often .

[rockDAWG]

Most boats sail off shore have no insurance for off shore. In other words, if his boat sinks in the middle of the ocean, he is on his own.

[Giffie]

Thanks for the replies, What he has been trying to get is just liability insurance and seems to be having a hard time with just that. The biggest concern would be showing up in another country like the azores or canaries and getting in trouble for not having insurance. It seems most of the places hes contacted wont insure for even just liability that far offshore. We are in Canada just tpo let you know.

So I guess im curious to know what the penalty would be if you show up somewhere and don't have insurance and what they would do to you. Thanks

[ebs001]

Try Bayside Insurance in Toronto. 1-800-463-0754

[AlexHallMalta]

Hi,
There is insurance and insurance. I travel long distance and if I wanted full coverage it would cost a couple of months of my cruising kitty. What I found very helpful is 3rd party liability insurance, which would cover any damages I might cause to 3rd parties, through, collision, sinking, fire etc. I pay £140 for this peace of mind. But as an earlier poster said, if I loose the boat through my own negligence or lack of seamanship its my fault entierly. Pantaenius are the insurers I use. Ciao

[Giffie]

Yah all he is looking for is liability insurance. But still have been turned down. What would happen if he had no Liability insurance. other than the obvious that he would have to pay damages if something happened. But for arriving in other ports is what I am concerned about. Thanks