Claims

What do I do if my boat is damaged?

You should always inform local police or authorities if the loss involves theft, vandalism or more than one person (e.g. you hit someone else's boat, someone hit your boat, etc.). Be sure to obtain a police report or incident report number from the reporting official. Get as much information as possible from any other people involved such as their name, contact information, insurance information, witness’ contact information, etc.

If the boat is in danger of sustaining further damage if it is left as it is after the loss, do everything as practicably possible to prevent more damage from occurring, such as moving or covering the boat.

You may then obtain an estimate of repair at the shop of your choice. In order to have the claim settled as quickly as possible, it is best not to repair the damage before you submit the claim given that the adjuster may need to inspect the damage prior to the repairs being completed. This will also help you decide whether to claim the damage or absorb the cost yourself as the damage may be less than your deductible amount.

Inform a marine insurance specialist at MD Marine Insurance at 1-877-MARINE3 of the claim as soon as possible. They will help you determine whether or not the damage will be covered by your policy, and whether or not the cost to repair exceeds your deductible amount. They will also advise you how submitting a claim may affect your premium, which may also be a determining factor whether to submit the claim or absorb the cost yourself.

For questions regarding any claim situation, please contact a member of our staff 24/7.

Where can I take my boat to have it fixed once I submit a claim?

You can choose the repair facility that you would like to repair your boat. This allows you to decide who you are comfortable dealing with and who you trust with the repairs to your boat.

Do I always have to pay my deductible?

You are always responsible for your deductible amount unless the boat is declared a total or constructive total loss (“written off”), in which case, the deductible is waived. In the event that another person is responsible for the damage to your boat, and once the claim is settled, we may try to recover your deductible amount from the responsible person when possible. This is not always successful, nor do we pursue the responsible party in every case.

What information will you need in order to open a claim?

In order to open a claim, we ask the following questions:

• When did it happen?
• Where did it happen?
• Was anyone injured? (if yes, names of the people and the extent of their injuries)
• What happened?
• Was another boat or person involved?
• Was a police report made?
• What was damaged?
• Have estimates been done for the damage?
• Where is the boat now?
• Has the damage been altered or repaired yet?
• How can we reach you during the day?

If you are not sure of all of these details, a claim can still be opened; however you may be required to provide any missing information prior to the claim being paid.