Boat Insurance Claim

Filing a boat insurance claim involves several specific steps tailored to the region’s unique conditions and insurance practices.

• Review Your Policy: Ensure you understand what your boat insurance covers, including hurricane damage specifics, exclusions, and deductibles.
• Documentation: Take comprehensive photos and videos of your boat, documenting its pre-damage condition. Keep an inventory of onboard equipment and personal items.
• Preventative Measures: Follow your insurance policy requirements for securing your boat during a hurricane. This might include moving it to a designated safe harbor or using specific mooring techniques. Some policies require a hurricane plan to be in place.

• Safety First: Ensure your personal safety and that of others before assessing the boat’s condition.
• Initial Assessment: Once it’s safe, conduct an initial inspection of your boat. Document all visible damage with detailed photos and videos.

• Report the Boat Insurance Claim: Inform your insurer about the damage as soon as possible, but it is highly recommended that you do so with FGC Attorneys on your side. 
• Claim Form: Obtain and fill out the claim form from your insurer. Provide all required information, including your policy number, details of the damage, and supporting documentation.

• Photos and Videos: Submit pre- and post-hurricane photos and videos showing the damage to your insurer.
• Detailed Inventory: Provide an inventory of damaged or lost items, including their estimated value.
• Receipts and Records: Include receipts for the boat and equipment, maintenance records, and any recent appraisals.
• Repair Estimates: Obtain written estimates from certified marine repair shops for the cost of repairs.

• Inspection: An insurance adjuster will inspect the boat to assess the damage. They will evaluate the extent of the damage and determine the coverage under your policy.
• Provide Additional Information: Be prepared to provide any further documentation or information the adjuster requests.

• Review Settlement Offer: Once the adjuster completes their report, the insurance company will offer a settlement.  
• Negotiate if Necessary: You should hire FGC Attorneys to negotiate your boat insurance claim  and seek the compensation you deserve. 
• Accept the Settlement: If you agree with the settlement, you’ll typically need to sign a release form.

• Authorized Repairs: Ensure repairs are performed by authorized and certified repair facilities as required by your policy.
• Monitor the Repairs: Keep detailed records of the repair process, including photos, invoices, and communications with the repair shop.

• Inspect Repairs: After repairs are completed, thoroughly inspect the boat to ensure all work meets your satisfaction.
• Maintain Records: Keep all repair records, receipts, and any correspondence with the insurer for future reference.

• Hurricane Season Preparedness: Given Florida’s susceptibility to hurricanes, insurers often have specific requirements for storm preparations. Familiarize yourself with these and follow them meticulously.
• Hurricane Haul-Out Coverage: Consider add-on coverage for hauling out your boat before a storm. This can cover the cost of moving your boat to a safe location, which can help minimize damage.
• State Regulations: Ensure compliance with Florida’s state regulations regarding boat storage and mooring during hurricanes. Non-compliance can affect your boat insurance claim.
• Flood and Wind Damage: Understand the distinctions between flood and wind damage as policies may handle these differently. Ensure you have comprehensive coverage that addresses both.

• Stay Informed: Monitor weather reports and stay informed about approaching storms. Act promptly to secure your boat.
• Emergency Contacts: Maintain a list of emergency contacts, including your insurance agent, marina, and local authorities.
• Legal Advice: If you encounter difficulties with your boat insurance claim, consider seeking legal advice from a professional specializing in marine insurance claims.

FGC Attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve for your boat insurance claim, and it is highly recommended that you get FGC Attorneys involved in the beginning of the boat damage insurance claim process.