Public Adjuster for Boat Insurance Claims?

[Roniszoro]

Is there such a thing as a Public Adjuster for boat insurance claims? These are the folks one retains to represent you in discussions with your insurance company when you have a loss on your house/condo.

I have a boat claim from Irma and want to be sure that I am well represented.

Thank you in advance for your input.

[Drew13440]

In Florida? Yes.


https://www.ucsfl.com/claim-types/marine-damage/


FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC INSURANCE ADJUSTERS​ - Home

[dennisjay]

Hiring a public adjuster to help settle marine claims usually is reserved for large, complex losses. It may not be worth it to give up such a large chunk of your settlement up front. Give the insurer an opportunity to assess the claim and make an offer. If they fail to be reasonable, then you may wish to hire outside assistance. Also, in Florida, regulators often will put restrictions on public adjusters during natural disasters because crooked adjusters come out of the woodwork, so you may wish to check with the state insurance department.

[Lake-Effect]

Originally Posted by Roniszoro

I have a boat claim from Irma and want to be sure that I am well represented.

In my limited experience with insurance claims (vehicle accidents, one home burglary), I have found that when the incident is clear-cut, the insured property is well-documented (lists with serials, receipts, etc) and the loss is obvious and comfirmed by photos and witnesses, the insurance company usually pays to the letter of the policy without much fuss.

Are you anticipating some problems with the claim?

[Dave22q]

Makes no sense to me. If your policy covers "reasonable" repair costs and you believe their surveyor low balled it, get an estimate from a local yard. Most companies will not fight if you have decent documentation but they might require an actual invoice to pay the difference after the work is done. Dueling estimates by adjusters is a waste of time.

[Shrew]

I've always used the company that is doing the work. With cars that is the bodyshop. With boats it's typically a yard or the specific individual(s) I've hired to do the work.

If you've hired a professional with a good reputation, they will typically want to do a thorough and proper job. They'll also want to bill as much as possible. The adjuster will try to reduce cost while complying with the scope of the policy .

The two will iron out their justifications and come to an agreement. I've never had an issue, even when hidden damage was involved.