BoatUS Cat Team Tackles Matthew Claims

Recreational boaters are not required by law to have boat insurance. So while boaters debate if hull coverage (that covers damage to their boat) is right for them, having liability insurance coverage can prove to be a wise move.

This vessel was fortunate to be covered through a BoatUS Marine Insurance Program liability insurance policy. Blown deep into dense mangroves by Hurricane Matthew near St. Augustine, Florida; its removal is paid for through the policy’s liability coverage (up to policy limits).

The boat’s owner also has the benefit of salvage assistance provided by the BoatUS Marine Insurance Program’s Catastrophe Team which arranges for safe haul-out and secures the professional assistance and equipment necessary, such as barges, cranes and transport services.

The Cat Team is made up of professional surveyors, claims processors, transportation providers, and crane and barge operators who are working in areas from Florida to South Carolina.

“Can you imagine the owner trying to recover this boat on his own?” asks BoatUS Vice President of Public Affairs Scott Croft.

The team also arranged for the salvage of a 51 foot sailboat in St. Augustine, Florida. The vessel broke free from St. Augustine Marina during Hurricane Matthew and was safely re-floated.

BoatUS reports that while there are some localized areas of dock destruction and boat losses, damage to recreational boats as a result of Hurricane Matthew has not been widespread. “Damage turned out to be less than anticipated because the storm’s wall stayed offshore, but I’d also like to think boaters played a part as well in reducing damage,” said Croft. “They had plenty of early warning to prepare.”

Source: BoatUS