Insurance Claims
Insurance Companies
The damage is surveyed and a then a suitable repair determined so quotes can be attained based on time and cost. Investigations can be made into the cause of the incident so liability can be determined. When works have been completed the vessel can be inspected to ensure the works carried out have been completed as per expectation and no further recourse can be made.
Having worked on small claims to million dollar claims, by charging on a hourly rate the claim can be handled to the satisfaction of all parties.
Individuals in Dispute with the Insurance Company
There are occasions where an individual may not think they are being fairly treated by an insurance company. This can happen where an insurance company will look to limit the claim amount and dispute the scope of the repair. This can cause considerable stress to an individual and in this case, we would assess the situation and then substantiate the claim.
I have turned claims around based on factual arguments, or increased the scope of works to the satisfaction of our client.
Reasons to Dispute and Prudent Uninsured
As a general guide the reasons why a claim maybe disputed are:
- the vessel was not deemed seaworthy
- reasonable care had not been taken to avoid loss or damage
- 'non-disclosure' for example relevant information had not been provided or not disclosed such as a previous claim
- fraud, people have been known to have create an claim, albeit rare.
One important thing to remember is that after an incident the insurered must act as a 'prudent uninsured' meaning that actions should be taken to limit the loss as if the vessel was not insured. Any monies may be claimed later of course.