Suncorp Boat Insurance
Submitted: Wednesday, Oct 11, 2006 at 18:55
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Mikee5 (QLD)
Suncorp has issued a new Boat Insurance product disclusure statement from 11 September 2006. Reading the fine print on page 12 of the PDS they demand that a boat be locked to the trailer or they will not pay out on a theft claim. I have discussed with them the impractically of locking an 18ft boat to a tandem trailer. Their first response was that I should buy a commercially made locking device to comply with the policy. I advised that there is no such device. They suggested using a padlock (in place of the D Shackle) to secure the boat to the safety chain - I said this would be a dangerous practice in the event of an on road accident, a padlock is not a rated restraining device. Eventually Suncorp, after speaking to their underwriters (I was on the phone a long time) told me that they 'may be' re-writing this clause to change it from 'locked' to "secured' and that I should take reasonable precautions to prevent theft. I believe this issue is of importance to anyone on this
forum who has a trailer boat insured with Suncorp.
Mike.
Reply By: Shaker - Wednesday, Oct 11, 2006 at 19:08
Wednesday, Oct 11, 2006 at 19:08
As agent for both Club Marine & Nautilus Marine Insurance I would warn you that they don't accept a boat & trailer being locked if a chain & padlock, or cable & padlock are used.
I am referring to a scenario where the vessel isn't in a locked shed or yard.
A purpose built trailer lock MUST be used!
AnswerID:
198787
Follow Up By: Mikee5 (QLD) - Wednesday, Oct 11, 2006 at 19:21
Wednesday, Oct 11, 2006 at 19:21
I have a purpose built trailer lock fitted to the tow coupling, plus the rig is secured behind locked gates, I fail to see any logic in locking the boat to the trailer (it would take Superman to lift it off the trailer and carry it away) besides there are no purpose built devices which lock a boat to a trailer that I know of, or can you point me in the direction of a suitable one (one that either of your companies would find acceptable) please?
FollowupID:
457492
Follow Up By: Exploder - Wednesday, Oct 11, 2006 at 21:10
Wednesday, Oct 11, 2006 at 21:10
If I understand this correctly they what the boat locked to the trailer, yes.
What the hell will that do? Once they get your trailer and boat back to there shed 2 minutes with a angle grinder, bolt cutters or a gas axe will make short work of such a item> Insurance know this but it’s just a way for them to be able to weasel out of a claim.
If your traler is secured nothing is moving a 18+Ft boat of it short of a crane and some lifting slings.
FollowupID:
457518
Follow Up By: Shaker - Thursday, Oct 12, 2006 at 12:45
Thursday, Oct 12, 2006 at 12:45
As far as I know there is no requirement to lock the boat to the trailer, but you must have a safety chain or similar (turnbuckle etc) to back up the winch cable.
FollowupID:
457606
Follow Up By: Mikee5 (QLD) - Thursday, Oct 12, 2006 at 15:06
Thursday, Oct 12, 2006 at 15:06
Shaker,
Page 12 of the PDS "boats on trailers must be locked to their trailer and the trailer must be locked and chained to a permanent immovable object such as a fence or a tree or fitted with an anti-theft device."
Therein lies the requirement to lock the boat to the trailer.
Mike.
FollowupID:
457619
Follow Up By: Shaker - Thursday, Oct 12, 2006 at 19:01
Thursday, Oct 12, 2006 at 19:01
Obviously not Club Marine.
FollowupID:
457642
Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Wednesday, Oct 11, 2006 at 20:05
Wednesday, Oct 11, 2006 at 20:05
>>> told me that they 'may be' re-writing this clause to change it from 'locked' to "secured'
good to see that that will clear it up... whose idea of "SECURED" will they use?
AnswerID:
198798
Reply By: Busy Bee - Wednesday, Oct 11, 2006 at 23:52
Wednesday, Oct 11, 2006 at 23:52
RACQ in Qld have a clause about having the boat out of sight of the road, and being secured. I told them my boat was down the side of the house (not out of sight) but was padlocked to a solid fence post. And we have no front fence.
They said OK but if it came to the crunch they could deny it as it is not in writing.
I reckon all these conditions on a policy of any kind are let out clauses to get out of their reasonable responsibilities when you make a claim.
And what happens when you are travelling and
park in a van
park or a
bush campsite? No insurance? That's when the boat is most likely to be flogged.
AnswerID:
198825
Reply By: Member - Brian H (QLD) - Thursday, Oct 12, 2006 at 15:55
Thursday, Oct 12, 2006 at 15:55
Had a mate pick up his new rig a few years back ............... towed it to a comp on the
Gold Coast we were fishing. Went in to get in the
park gate by paying at the office 15 mins came out boat and trailer GONE ......... I cannot even begin to type what he said .................. I'll say he was not happy.
Insurance did not PAY OUT ........... why, I don't know but he was even less happy then.
Mine is padlocked to trailer and chained to a steel post concreted into the ground. Not that, that helped last time they just stole the motor GRRRRRRRRRRRRR.
Brian
AnswerID:
198876
Follow Up By: Shaker - Thursday, Oct 12, 2006 at 19:00
Thursday, Oct 12, 2006 at 19:00
Insurance may not cover it, if it just chained to a post!
FollowupID:
457641
Follow Up By: Member - Vincent A M (NSW) - Friday, Oct 13, 2006 at 18:35
Friday, Oct 13, 2006 at 18:35
as a marine dealer who is an agent for several insurance company's MOST will not except a chain & padlock as being classed as secure & most NOW what a coupling lock as
well as a wheel lock on the trailer & only on small crafts that may be carried, they what them locked down by a manufactured (brand name) cable lock, & a chain & padlock is NOT excepted
FollowupID:
457808