Should the worst happen and you have suffered damage or loss of your vessel we will help you in every way possible but in the first instance you must help yourself. Taking positive steps to control your own claim will be recognised by your insurers and lead to a quicker and more acceptable conclusion. Use the bucket and don't just wait for the helicopter to arrive!
Basic Rules
- Always do what you can to limit the damage or salvage the vessel.
- Obtain the services of a competent yacht yard or repairer to make a temporary fix if vessel is un-seaworthy or if the vessel is exposed to further damage
- Keep a good record of events, times, costs etc.
- If the damage has been caused by another party, get a witness to the event or written admission of liability.
- Check your policy wording to determine if the damage or cause is not an excluded event. Be aware of the excess applicable to your policy
- Once the vessel is safe, obtain estimates for repair/replacement, two if possible, as soon as possible from boatyards or repair facilities but do not authorise or proceed with repairs until instructed to do so by underwriters.
- You must not without our prior consent admit liability, make any offer to settle or compromise any claim against you. Any correspondence from any third parties should be passed onto us.
- You should notify the police as soon as possible of any theft, malicious damage or other crime involving your vessel or any insured items. Make a note of the police crime reference number you are given.
- Retain and look after all broken/damaged items for inspection.
- If racing and you believe the third party to be liable, protest the third party and obtain witness statements if possible.
Once you have read the Guidance Notes please register your claim with us as soon as possible by telephoning us on +44 (0)1394 615755 during office hours (9.00am - 5pm, Monday – Friday) or by emailing us here: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We will send you a claim form which must be completed and returned to us as soon as possible so that underwriters can confirm whether the claim is recoverable under your policy, advise the best cause of action and confirm which is the best repair/replacement option. Alternatively, please download the relevant claim form for your policy insurer from the options below (you can find the insurer on your policy schedule) and either email or post back to us, noting your reference or policy number.
Yachtmaster Underwriting Authority
- Navigators & General - Download/Print Claim Form
Other insurers:
For all other insurers please contact us as soon as possible so that we can advise you further.
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For absolute emergencies out of hours and at weekends please phone: +44 (0)7704 497693 or +44 (0)7768 279866 and leave a short message and phone number if we can't answer immediately so that we can call you back.
