Delivery insurance

Minnewaska · #1 (**permalink**) 06-09-2011

Wondering if anyone has had this issue (or thought of it). Our boat is being delivered to Maine right now, by a 100 ton Master that probably has 10 times the offshore experience that I have. At the last minute, I called my agent to confirm the boat would be covered during the delivery, as it was leaving the following morning. The answer was a $178 additional premium, which my agent immediately bound so to avoid a liability. Now we are discussing the issue with Travelers. If he were a named user of the boat in the first place, I would presume coverage for him would be less expensive than for me. In other words, a more qualified guy is at the helm than the risk they assessed when they insured me in the first place.

Has anyone ever added a delivery captain to their policy for year round use or do you just buy insurance for the specific trip?

It will get resolved, my agent is fantastic. He and I were just a bit surprised and, since I gave him one hour notice, we took it and are trying to work it out after the fact.

brak · #2 (**permalink**) 06-09-2011

I tried to do this with BoatUS back in the day. Their answer was that boat is protected and I still have liability, but they can't add another person to the policy (i.e. captain has no liability from them unless he has his own policy).

Other than that, no pertinent info.

Minnewaska · #3 (**permalink**) 06-09-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by brak

I tried to do this with BoatUS back in the day. Their answer was that boat is protected and I still have liability, but they can't add another person to the policy (i.e. captain has no liability from them unless he has his own policy).

Other than that, no pertinent info.

That's pretty helpful. Thanks.

I wonder if that is where the wires were crossed with short notice. I wasn't trying to insure the captain's liability, I simply wanted my hull insurance to remain in effect. While I'm not there, I suppose I need my liability for environmental, etc too. Didn't need to insure his liability.

chef2sail · #4 (**permalink**) 06-09-2011

I found similar when I had mine moved from NJ to Chesapeake. Boat covered by my policy. In my case the Captain was bonded and also had his own liability insurance.

Dave

Minnewaska · #5 (**permalink**) 06-09-2011

Chef,

Similar to which? Were you charged like I or did your coverage remain in effect for the delivery as is?

My guy does have his own liability insurance, I didn't need to add that and am thinking that is what we mistakenly did. I have to go back and dig up my email, but it could have been a miscommunication on my part.

chef2sail · #6 (**permalink**) 06-09-2011

Minne,

Sorry I was ledd than clear. My experience was similar to Brak. My boat was covered with no additional cost or penalties. I also have BoatUS insurance The Captain brought his own liability insurance with him.

Dave

capttb · #7 (**permalink**) 06-09-2011

I carry a coastal policy which covers the boat in the US & Canada and up to 75 NM offshore. Going further offshore or Mexican waters requires an additional "rider", any chance the delivery involved an area not covered by your policy ?
I did call my insurance company last summer and they had no problem with me "self delivering" 400 miles nor was there any additional if I'd hired someone.
I don't understand this either, doesn't seem like your insurer would care about the captain's liability much since his biggest exposure is to you, passengers, and crew.
I don't know much about insurance except how to pay for it and make a claim for a loss. Let us know what this was when it's figured out please.

Minnewaska · #8 (**permalink**) 06-09-2011

All squared away. Remember, we did this in haste, as the boat was leaving the next morning and I sent an email to my agent at around 4pm. He called and took the coverage offered to prevent a loophole in coverage, then we started asking questions. My fault really.

In the end, they took the rider back off and I don't have to pay the additional premium. My liability and hull coverage remains in effect during any delivery where the captain is in control of the boat for less than 15 days. He, on the other hand, is not covered by my liability and must have his own, which he already does. All a misunderstanding. The rider would have covered him, not me.

What was interesting and I still need a bit of clarification is something that changes in my coverage if I fail to add the rider for deliveries in excess of 15 days. I don't have to add the rider, but if I don't something in my coverage declines. It isn't really an issue for me, but I will let you know when I get the clarification.

capecodda · #9 (**permalink**) 06-10-2011

For what its worth, I had similar problem with generalized insurance agents as you describe. Things like, we are going in the water early but still under control of the boat yard so do I need a rider, deliveries, heading to Cape Breton (beyond scope of policy), heading offshore, etc.

I found that by going with an agent in the marine insurance business I could make a single call, they knew what i was talking about, and things got resolved quickly. Given the complexity of salvage situations for example (not that I've had one yet!), I think having someone in the industry I can call is helpful. Disclaimer, I'm not in this business in any way shape or form.
YMMV. Glad you got it resolved. Enjoy Maine!

Minnewaska · #10 (**permalink**) 06-10-2011

Thanks Cape...

Still, an agent is the only way to go. They will work for you to sort these out, while the carriers themselves have no vested interest in straightening out an issue like this, where the coverage was ultimately unnecessary. I've had other situation, where the answer from the carrier was unacceptable and we just shopped and placed it elsewhere. A good agent earns their living.

Mine is very good and a real pro, but is a guy I have a long relationship with on other matters and does not have the broadest yacht portfolio. I would suggest an agency with that experience if starting from zero.