Marine insurance claims in Florida can be complex — especially after a hurricane, sinking, or major accident. This guide explains the process, what documentation you need, and how working with a professional salvage company makes the entire experience smoother.
Types of Marine Insurance Coverage
- Agreed Value Policy: Pays the full agreed value if the vessel is a total loss regardless of depreciation. Best for newer or higher-value boats.
- Actual Cash Value (ACV) Policy: Pays market value at time of loss accounting for depreciation. Usually cheaper but pays less on total loss.
- Liability Only: Covers damage you cause to others — not your own vessel. Common on older low-value boats.
Most comprehensive marine policies also include: physical damage coverage, salvage costs, wreck removal, pollution cleanup, and medical payments. Check your declarations page to confirm exactly what's covered.
First Steps After an Incident
- Ensure everyone's safety first
- Notify Coast Guard or FWC if required
- Photograph and video document everything before anything is moved or touched
- Call your insurer's claims line as soon as safely possible
- Get your claim number and adjuster's contact in writing
- Do not authorize repair or removal without insurer approval unless emergency action is needed
What Documentation Do You Need?
- Timestamped photos and video of all damage
- Written incident description (what, when, where, how)
- Police, Coast Guard, or FWC incident report number if applicable
- Witness statements and contact information
- Marine survey report if required
- Repair or disposal estimates from licensed professionals
- Salvage company documentation — job report, photos, disposal records
Working with Your Insurance Adjuster
Your adjuster evaluates your claim fairly — but insurance companies have financial incentives to settle for as little as possible. Protect yourself:
- Be responsive but take time to gather complete documentation before final submissions
- Never accept an initial settlement offer without careful review
- You have the right to request a second opinion or independent marine survey if you disagree with damage assessment
- Document all communications — date, time, who, what was discussed
- For total loss, get independent market value assessments before accepting any offer
Total Loss Determination
Your insurer declares total loss if repair cost exceeds roughly 75–80% of the vessel's insured value. In a total loss: your insurer takes ownership of the salvage rights, you receive your policy's loss payment, and the insurer is responsible for removal and disposal costs. We work directly with insurers in total loss situations to provide efficient removal and documentation.
How AAA Boat Salvage Helps with Claims
We provide full documentation packages for insurance claims:
- Pre-removal site photographs documenting vessel condition
- Written job report describing the vessel's state at removal
- Removal and transport documentation
- Eco-compliant disposal records and receipts
- Direct coordination with your adjuster if required
Tips to Maximize Your Claim
- Report promptly — delay in notification can reduce or deny a claim
- Document before and after — comprehensive pre-removal documentation strengthens everything
- Keep all receipts — emergency stabilization, marina fees, and alternative transportation may be reimbursable
- Know your policy exclusions before assuming everything is covered
- Consider a public adjuster for large or disputed claims — they advocate on your behalf for a percentage of the settlement
Need Insurance Claim Documentation?
We provide full job documentation for Florida marine claims. Call Kenneth directly.
