Clause 6.4 of the Pantaenius PDS states:-
"Provide the Insurer with detailed and accurate reports, invoices, receipts, and other bills regarding the
circumstances of the insured event and of the sustained loss, damage or liability within a reasonable time
of the insured event and of such documents to be made
The insured also must, if reasonably requested to provide a statutory declaration in support of
any underlying facts or circumstances of the sustained loss, damage or liability.
The above is straight out of the Pantaenius PDS including the gaps between the sentences. I received the PDS along with the Policy Schedule at the commencement of the policy.
My boat was struck by lightning whilst in her berth at a marina and Pantaenius' interpretation of the above Clause 6.4 is that I am required to obtain :-
Quotes from two licensed tradespersons.
A report from one of the two detailing the cause of the damage.
The repairs required 2 quotes from Electricians, Shipwrights, Riggers, HRO Watermaker Techo and an Air Con Techo. My boat is now on Hardstand in Ballina and sailing boats in Ballina are about as popular as a pork chop at a Jewish wedding, it's been difficult to obtain quotes from the different trades.
I questioned Pantaenius as to whether I would still be required to obtain two quotes from all those trades in a remote location, I used Cape York as an example. The answer was Pantaenius would make some concessions, I would only have to obtain one quote and one report from each trade.
how do you guys interpret Clause 6.4 above. I've complained to Pantaenius about their interpretation, they replied, submit a dispute, I did that, made no difference. I engaged a Marine Lawyer, he is unsure. I am now looking at a Insurance Dispute lawyer.
Any advice would be appreciated.
IF YOU ARE IN A REMOTE LOCATION DONT GET HIT BY LIGHTNING IF YOU ARE INSURED WITH PANTAENIUS
Do other insurers just approve repairs without quotes?
Have you asked the insurer to assist with getting quotes ie do they have preferred repairer's/ tradespeople like car insurers do.
I would ask them to make enquiries from Trades on your behalf, if a trady is dealing direct with an insurance company they may be more happy to travel etc seeing a paycheck at the end plus the possibility of future work.
And if the insurer cant get someone to quote it makes your argument stronger for a concession.
Work with them not against them
assuming you haven't already taken that approach, if you have then I agree what more can you do
I would advise to think twice about throwing money at litigation, insurance companies do it extremely well. As to shipwrights the boys that work out of Yamba marina are nice fellows and have lots of contacts in the area, they might be able to help
Select to expand quotewoko said..
I would advise to think twice about throwing money at litigation, insurance companies do it extremely well. As to shipwrights the boys that work out of Yamba marina are nice fellows and have lots of contacts in the area, they might be able to help
I'll bet you could pay a shipwright / surveyor a lot less than the lawyer to put all the quotes etc. together for you.
Remote Location mostly solved - I used WhatApp video calls a few times now for quotes and reviews. (and there's Skype etc). Recently I got some quotes for fibreglass repairs on my deck. The repairers in Sydney and Central Coast. The boat in Pittwater. Nearly everyone can make HD video calls on their mobile phone.
If the quoter/reviewer needs more detail he can ask for close ups or supervise testing that he can ask you to do while watching. Doesnt work 99% of time but mostly solves the remote location problem.
In my medical day job we do it all the time.
