Sometimes it’s your own mistake, sometimes it’s just bad luck to have a boat accident or malfunction. The fact is: yachts run aground, collide with other ships, lose their masts, get leaks, get a scratch or two, or they can be stalked by thieves. Fortunately, all of this happens extremely rarely compared to the total number of sailors and boats. But it happens.
That’s why it is important to have boat insurance. The majority of Florida boat owners have one and it is better that way. Accordingly, hardly anyone thinks about what actually needs to be done if damage does occur. Do you just call the water police or take the boat to the nearest shipyard or hire a damage adjuster? And if so, where do you get it from? You don’t have to do any of those things if your boat is insured.
Contact Insurer
It makes sense to contact your insurer as soon as possible after an accident or damage claim. The experts then explain what needs to be done. In this way, the extent of the damage can be kept to a minimum. They then ensure that the damage is repaired as quickly as possible. Incidentally, you should also seek advice from the insurer even if it appears to be just a trifle. If further and, above all, larger consequential boat damage suddenly occurs later, it is good to be able to document the damage history right from the start. In addition, the damage experts usually have experience of recognizing when damage is actually hardly worth mentioning and when the ship should perhaps be rushed to the nearest repair yard.
Process Claims
As soon as the first opportunity arises, prepare an average report and send it to the insurance company. The broker or insurance company provides the appropriate forms as quickly and as often as an Internet download. Then wait for the repair order.
Under no circumstances should you arrange for the repairs to be carried out yourself without the consent of the insurance company, unless it undoubtedly serves to reduce the damage. In the event of more serious damage, the insurance company will commission an expert to assess the damage. Based on his work, it is ultimately determined how much money the owner can expect from his insurance. If there is a dispute about the amount of damage: Above all, do not order any repairs before clarification has been made, even if it lengthens the whole process.
Conclusion
If you act prematurely, you risk your insurance cover. Some insurance companies not only have the amount of damage determined by an appraisal, but they also ensure that the damage is repaired professionally and, if desired, support the customer in finding a suitable repair company. Demont Insurance offers additional information as to how you can get coverage for your boat before an accident.