Possible hole in insurance.

[jwalker]

I've recently been getting insurance quotes and, in all of the policies I've seen so far, there is a lack of cover in one area, namely, third part cover for the boat while it is on the trailer.

My motor insurance covers damage I might do with the trailer. The boat insurance covers the damage I might do to the boat but neither of them cover the damage I might do with the boat while it is on the trailer. So, if, say, I scraped along a car with the trailer, it's covered. If I scraped along a car with the boat, I'm not covered. If the boat left the trailer, (heaven forbid), I would not be covered for the damage it might cause although I would be covered for damage caused to the boat.

There's a need to drive very carefully!

[Aging Youth]

Hi JW.

As I understand it with my policy (Mardon Marine), all the time the boat is on a trailer and attached to a vehicle it is covered under my motor policy for any third party damage, however caused.

If I were to unhook from the vehicle and cause damage to anything/one it is covered by my Marine Policy.

what clause are you refering to in your policy to come to this conclusion?

Cheers

[Neil R]

In August 2003 my parked car, was hit by a boat being hand-towed at the time by its owner on its trailer. About £500 damage.

We exchanged names and addresses, and I also cross-checked his address with the launch facility - albeit I bet they were breaking some data protection act in helping me out on that one! I also got a 3rd party witness who I gather has responded in my favour.

Crucially I didn't get either his boat or car insurance details - seemed a bit overkill when the guy was all wet-suited up etc.

All my car insurance company (Frizzell) will do is write letter after letter to him - but he hasn't responded to any - even though my insurance company also believes his address checks out as valid. That's as far as they will go; they won't begin any court procedings etc for me. On the basis that it's not cost effective for them to do so!

One thing they did say is that they would have more of a lever on this guy if I'd also noted his car registration - which I'd obviously also try and do next time.

The lessons - make sure you get *all* the details at the time - I almost wish I'd also called the police. And don't respond to letters from insurance companies if you're the guilty party!

And I really must get around to checking out the small claims process for bringing a private case - I think it's a 2 year limit which is running out fast.

[Matt]

Yes, it's not cost effective for them, yet they'll happily take your no claims bonus & increase your premium instead.

[Nick Thompson]

Originally Posted by Neil R

And I really must get around to checking out the small claims process for bringing a private case - I think it's a 2 year limit which is running out fast.

You can do it on-line here

It's not very painful for the claimant, but should get his attention.

[Scary Des]

Originally Posted by Nick Thompson

You can do it on-line here

It's not very painful for the claimant, but should get his attention.

I’ve had to take two people to court via the small claims procedure and I wouldn’t both again despite the judgment going in my favour both times it cost me a lot of money and I didn’t get a penny back Des

[Nick Thompson]

Originally Posted by Scary Des

I’ve had to take two people to court via the small claims procedure and I wouldn’t both again despite the judgment going in my favour both times it cost me a lot of money and I didn’t get a penny back Des

I agree, if some-one doesn't want to pay & doesn't care about their credit record, there is almost nothing you can do without spending a lot of money, but that applies to County Court judgements as well.

[Brambles]

JW,

As a matter of interest, how long is your trailer & what vehicle do you use for towing?

Ian.

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by Aging Youth

......what clause are you refering to in your policy to come to this conclusion?

AY, Below are snippets from the policy documents for 2 of the quotes I got. There are others and they have the same exclusions.

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by Brambles

JW,

As a matter of interest, how long is your trailer & what vehicle do you use for towing?

Ian.

Trailer section, excluding drawbar, 6950mm.
Designed to stay legal.

Disco, mostly.

Why?