Claim Question

[10M]

Unfortunately I need to decide whether or not to make a claim. Engine block froze and needs to be replaced. First of all, is this covered? Does it matter who winterized the boat in order to be paid on a claim? How much would a claim affect my future rates? Any risk of being dropped or not covered? I have a perfect driving record, 6+ years boating experience, excellent credit, but just got the boat last year and only have 1 season of insurance coverage on record. Any insight is greatly appreciated. If I have to pay out of pocket, this boating season will not happen. Insurance might help things out.

[GoFastSonic]

You are screwed. I am fighting with my insurance now they are not covering anything. Just cost me 27000 for 2 new motors

[jeff1000man]

Originally Posted by 10M

Unfortunately I need to decide whether or not to make a claim. Engine block froze and needs to be replaced. First of all, is this covered? Does it matter who winterized the boat in order to be paid on a claim? How much would a claim affect my future rates? Any risk of being dropped or not covered? I have a perfect driving record, 6+ years boating experience, excellent credit, but just got the boat last year and only have 1 season of insurance coverage on record. Any insight is greatly appreciated. If I have to pay out of pocket, this boating season will not happen. Insurance might help things out.

I am a claims adjuster by trade, (but not for boats) I have seen many different versions of the marine policy, and sometimes there is coverage for the freezing peril.

Look under the section of your policy titled items covered, and then the subsection that names the PERILS that are covered against, ( Ex: theft, collision, vandalsim, maliscious mistchief etc.) and see if freezing or water damage is listed under coverages.

Bet to read the policy before making claims in case you don't have coverage and it is obvious. Once you make a claim, whether payment is made or not, it stays on your record as having made a claim.

Good luck.

[GEORGE YURICK]

more than likely you are not covered...look at your policy...most will NOT cover that....especially if you winterized....if you had it done by a yard go back there....if they wont pay then contact your ins co and they may cover it and go after the yard....

more than likely you are screwed though.....

[WakezoneINS]

Originally Posted by 10M

Unfortunately I need to decide whether or not to make a claim. Engine block froze and needs to be replaced. First of all, is this covered? Does it matter who winterized the boat in order to be paid on a claim? How much would a claim affect my future rates? Any risk of being dropped or not covered? I have a perfect driving record, 6+ years boating experience, excellent credit, but just got the boat last year and only have 1 season of insurance coverage on record. Any insight is greatly appreciated. If I have to pay out of pocket, this boating season will not happen. Insurance might help things out.

Couple questions to better assess your situation:
Who is your carrier (for policy wording)?:
What is your approximation of the total dollar amount in damage?
What is the hull & machinery limit on your declarations page?
What is your deductible stated on your dec page?

Let me know these things and then I can better answer your question.

Thanks

[nashpda]

I am an insurance adjuster too. Unfortunately you are most likely SOL. It can vary by company but most view this as improper maintainence (just like not adding or running low on oil) and do not cover this. If there are circumstances other than just not winterized it could change. Was the boat stored inside a heated builing and a problem with the heat caused this. In that instance the building insurance may cover it but most likely you boat policy will not. You can turn in a claim and see what they say. That won't cost anything and won't have any effect on your rates if nothing is paid out.

Good Luck, hope I'm wrong!

[10M]

I looked over my policy and there is nothing in the exclusions section about it, but this doesn't mean they will cover it. My agent didn't really know, just said it doesn't exclude it. Talked to a couple dealers around here and they all seem to think the same....probably not but might as well try. I submitted a claim today, I guess we'll see what happens. I have nothing to lose at this point, pretty much expecting to be disappointed. I'll let you know how/if it goes.

[jeff1000man]

Originally Posted by 10M

I looked over my policy and there is nothing in the exclusions section about it, but this doesn't mean they will cover it. My agent didn't really know, just said it doesn't exclude it. Talked to a couple dealers around here and they all seem to think the same....probably not but might as well try. I submitted a claim today, I guess we'll see what happens. I have nothing to lose at this point, pretty much expecting to be disappointed. I'll let you know how/if it goes.

What kind of block do you need? I might have one i could let go if it is not something exotic.

Good luck though.

[10M]

Need a gen V 330hp 454. They aren't really expensive and I'm sure I can find one around here, it's just the worst timing ever. I'll see whether the claim goes through and go from there. thanks.