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!

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

“PUBLIC LOSS ADJUSTERS CAN NEGOTIATE A PAYOUT THAT IS 20% TO 60% HIGHER THAN YOU CAN GET ON YOUR OWN.”

We are dedicated to making sure that the true extent of your damage is evaluated, documented and estimated in your best interest. Don’t try to navigate a difficult marine claim on your own. Let us help you by estimating your damage and negotiating on your behalf.

DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT, HEAR FROM OUR CLIENTS

I recommend Public Loss Adjusters without hesitation! I finally hired them after being overpowered by the insurance company. I couldn’t take their insistence in declining to pay fairly. They secured the settlement and we got their asking price.

~Beverly M.

Es una compañia con mucho carácter profesional. Ellos manejaron todo con la aseguradora con su conocimiento mucho mejor a que si lo hubiese hecho solo. Tengo mi dinero y me sobro. Ninguna queja. Gracias PLA!

photo~Marco V.