N&G sets new lifeboat charity scheme afloat
18 December 2018
Insurer donates first £100 to RNLI after one of its customers is rescued off the Scottish coast
RNLI lifeboat crews rescue dozens of boat owners in UK waters every year – and one marine insurer has come up with a unique way of giving back to the charity.
Leading yacht and motorboat insurer Navigators and General (N&G) has pledged to give £100 to the RNLI every time one of its Yacht and Motorboat Policy customers is rescued – and it’s just made the first donation.
The Brighton-based insurer, which is owned by Zurich Insurance, handed a cheque to the RNLI after crews towed a customer to safety whose yacht had become grounded off Inverkip, Scotland.
Speaking about the initiative, Martin Lovell, Customer Segment Manager for N&G, said: “We often hear from our customers about the amazing work the RNLI and other charities do to keep our coasts and inland waterways safe for everyone to enjoy.
“These charities rely solely on donations so, when we refreshed our Yacht and Motor Boat Policy, we were determined to do something to recognise the work they do.
“We’ve made a commitment to give £100 to these charities every time one of our customers is rescued by their volunteer crews. We’re delighted to be able to donate to such worthwhile causes who do so much to make the UK a great place to get out on the water.”
The scheme follows N&G’s refresh of its Yacht and Motor Boat Policy, in which it added a ‘Rescue & Evacuation’ section that provides up to £50,000 cover for any costs incurred in searching for, rescuing and evacuating customers.
“This is actually an important piece of the policy, not least in the interest of saving the customer’s life,” Lovell added. “In many other countries, organisations such as the RNLI do not exist, and therefore customers have to pay local authorities for search and rescue costs should they need them.
“In France, for example, the French Coastguard will often charge in excess of €10,000 (£8,900) to rescue those who encounter difficulty out on the waves – so our cover certainly goes a long way to giving our customers peace of mind.”
Picture credit: RNLI/Mary Harris