The storm has passed. The winds have died. And now comes the harder part — assessing the damage and figuring out what to do next. What you do in the first 24–48 hours after the storm significantly impacts your safety, your insurance claim, and your ability to recover.
⚠️ Wait for Official All-Clear: Do not return to your marina, dock, or waterway until local authorities have declared it safe. Post-storm conditions include downed power lines, unstable structures, and contaminated water.
Before You Return to Your Boat
- Confirm local authorities have cleared the area
- Charge your phone — you'll need it for photos and calls
- Bring protective gear: rubber boots, gloves, eye protection
- Have your insurance policy number and insurer's contact ready
First Steps When You Reach Your Vessel
- Do not board a capsized, partially sunk, or unstable vessel — it can roll further
- Check for fuel or oil slicks — if present, stay clear and call the Coast Guard or FWC
- Look for visible structural damage
- Check whether the vessel is still secure or has broken free from moorings
Document All Damage Thoroughly
Before anyone touches anything, create a comprehensive visual record. Photograph and video: the full vessel from all four sides, all visible damage close-up, the surrounding area, any identifying markings, and water line markings showing flooding depth.
💡 Pro Tip: Do a slow narrated video walkthrough describing damage out loud. Timestamped video is one of the strongest tools for maximizing your insurance settlement.
Contact Your Insurance Company
File your claim as soon as safely possible. Post-hurricane claims in Florida are volume-heavy — the earlier you file, the sooner your claim moves. When you call: report all damage even if minor, ask about salvage and wreck removal coverage, request a marine surveyor if offered, and get your claim number and adjuster's direct contact in writing.
Important: Do not authorize repair or removal work until you've confirmed coverage — unless emergency action is needed to prevent further damage or contamination. Document any emergency necessity thoroughly.
If Your Boat Was Displaced Onto Land
Storm surge can push boats hundreds of feet from water — onto roads, neighboring properties, parking lots, and yards. General rules: contact your neighbor immediately if on their property, contact law enforcement if blocking a road, contact the property owner if on commercial land, and contact county or FWC for state/county land.
In all displaced vessel situations, a professional removal company is the right call. We have equipment to safely extract vessels from land without causing additional property damage.
When to Call AAA Boat Salvage
Call us at (786) 981-4777 immediately if: your boat has sunk partially or fully, was displaced onto land or neighboring property, is too damaged to move without specialized equipment, your insurer requires professional salvage documentation, or the vessel is leaking fuel or oil.
We deploy 24/7 and can reach most Florida locations within hours of the storm clearing.
Lessons from Hurricane Ian in Lee County
From our extensive Ian aftermath work: act fast — vessels deteriorate rapidly in post-storm conditions. Document before anyone touches anything — many Ian claims were complicated by well-meaning family members clearing debris before documentation was complete. Keep your insurer informed at every step. And don't assume total loss — get a professional assessment before making that call.
How to Protect Your Boat Before the Next Storm
- Review your marine insurance policy annually — know exactly what's covered
- Have a pre-storm plan — haul out, inland marina, or secure mooring
- Contact us for overland transport to safe storage before storms approach
- Take a full photographic inventory pre-season for insurance purposes
Storm-Damaged Boat in Florida?
We respond 24/7 statewide as soon as safe access is possible. Free quote.
