The Crest of Beauty...The Players
| The Crest of Beauty...The Players | |
Specialist Marine Insurance Consultants (The Insurers)
Our houseboat Picton was insured at the time of the accident caused by Crest Nicholson's Penarth Marina. This insurance was always arranged via an insurance agent, 'marine insurance experts', Bristol Channel Marine Insurance Consultants (BCMIC). We agree with the sentiments expressed by Mr. Tony Burris of this company, "There is a truism which is often overlooked that the quality of your insurance agent may be measured in terms of their ability to get results when an incident leads to a claim." We could not have put this better ourselves, but in our case we first had to be able to make a claim!
We were introduced to Bristol Channel Marine Insurance Consultants (by Charles Bush, former Penarth Marina Manager) as the preferred choice of the marina operator. This was back at the time of our entry into Penarth Marina, on 12th January 1997. We were given to understand, and we accepted, that both gentlemen and their respective business interests, had a very close and good working relationship. Together with a warm first-welcome and friendly manner, provided by Mr. Bush, we had every confidence to place our trust with BCMIC.
Hindsight is a beautiful thing. All these years we have thought that we were effectively 'covered' or 'insured', with the services provided via this agent, only to find out, that in the event of a real major grounding incident and subsequent discovery of a leak, no claim could ever have a chance of being successfully prosecuted, whilst in Penarth Marina. At one point matters became so desperately frustrating that in a letter dated, 25th June 2002, Mr. Tony Burris, BCMIC advised, "Taking an impartial view of your unfortunate situation in which damage has not been identified ( because it could not be!) we would suggest that you bury the marine insurance approach." He also further added the following comments, "You have not requested my personal opinion, however, if you are fighting a battle to remain "in situ" you should drop the grounding incident and concentrate on achieving the requirements which would withdraw the Marina's intention to have your vessel removed or you may be faced with greater stress!"
So there we were then, our Specialist Marine Insurance Consultant, appears to know what's best for us? That our houseboat has taken a heavy bash, courtesy of Penarth Marina, but nevertheless, kindly suggests that we forget the insurance claim and shut up? He also appears to be well informed that we will face greater stress too? Perhaps that close relationship with the marina operator was never intended for our benefit after all? Great advice from a 'specialist marine insurance consultant'! Thank you Mr. Burris, of Bristol Channel Marine Insurance Consultants!
The insurance company selected by BCMIC have never paid out. In fairness to the actual insurance underwriters, this is simple to understand and why we presently see no reason for them to have particular mention here. Crest Nicholson (Penarth Marina) would not grant us permission to take the vessel out of the water at Penarth, and/or, put it onto the designated Emergency Lifting Pad. This was despite the fact that they knew the vessel had developed a leak, after they had caused an accident to it! Accordingly, neither the insurance company, or anybody else, could quantify actual damage sustained, because nobody was given permission to look at it! Neither could anybody estimate for costs to fix it. Therefore, no claim could be made.
Time stands still for no-one and we are no exception. Our insurance on our houseboat expired on 10th January 2003 for the first time ever, since our entry into Penarth Marina back in 1997.
The insurers confirmed in writing that they would renew insurance cover, but only when they were in receipt of a full report declaring the vessel fit. This would have involved lifting the boat to dry dock for inspection/repair. Most regrettably, neither the insurers, BCMIC and/or Crest, found a way to make such an event possible.
All 'the players' have been informed or invited to become aware of, the full circumstances surrounding this Beauty of Crest - a total shafting experience. In particular, that the M.V. Picton, our home, had been involved in a major incident at the Penarth marina, caused by Crest Nicholson Marinas Limited.