Marine Insurance Claims

If you’ve ever had to file a claim with your car insurance company, you know it’s a pretty simple and standardized process. In many cases, you simply call your insurance company, drive your car to an authorized shop, and a few days later you pick up your car, sign a document, and you’re on your way. Boat claims are different because of the vast differences in boats, the lack of standardized repair parts, and the challenges of making sometimes complex repairs using a much smaller pool of repairers. Boat repairs also are often significantly more expensive than owners expect.

What to Expect When Filing Marine Insurance Claims

The first step is pretty similar to how auto insurance works: you contact your insurance company, either by phone or online. If you call by phone, a BoatUS claims representative will take a “first report of loss” from you. They’ll ask you several questions regarding the loss, such as how and where it happened, then give you some instructions, as well as a claim number. Then the company will assign you a claims adjuster, who will assist you through the claims process and will contact you within a day or so. They’ll also ask you to provide a statement about what happened. (Note: This is a good time to take photos of the damage for your records.) The best way to avoid a potential coverage issue is to report any sort of accident immediately, so that the insurance company has every opportunity to determine the cause, nature, and extent of the claim.

What’s Covered Within Marine Insurance Claims?

Marine claims arise from disasters, accidents and lightning strikes to vessels, whether personal or commercial. Damage can occur at sea, while docked and even while being transported on a trailer. Not only can the hull of the boat be damaged, but the interior upholstery, electrical and cargo can be a cause of loss.

Marine insurance has evolved over hundreds of years, and navigating an insurance claim on your own can be difficult and stressful. While the insurance company’s claims adjuster may have seen thousands of marine claims, it is likely that this is your first. Are you aware of the true extent of the damage? Are you covered for pollution or wreck removal? Call us. We can help with your marine insurance claims!