IUMI Asia Forum Dubai 2023

IUMI Asia Forum Dubai 2023

Top 10 risks leading high-cost claims for container terminals

Wherever cargo is on the move, incidents may occur. Container ports are no exception to this rule. Find out the top 10 risks giving rise to the highest cost insurance claims for container terminals.

1️⃣ Quay cranes: it’s one of the key tools in container operations. Since it’s positioned on the waterfront, it’s hugely vulnerable. Boom collisions, gantry collisions or stack collisions are frequent incidents.

2️⃣ Rain & flood: terminals are situated on low-lying land, so they’re exposed to flood risk. Natural disasters can’t be prevented, but much can be done to mitigate the damage they may cause. It’s crucial to position valuable equipment on higher ground, and to secure operational assets.

3️⃣ Straddle carriers: blind spots during their operation may lead to collisions against containers stacks, and other straddles or vehicles. Not only that, but overturns result in bodily injuries. These risks can be mitigated by using automated tools to monitor their performance.

4️⃣ Lift trucks: forklifts, reach stackers, top picks, side picks… fall into this category. Common risks are collisions, tipping forwards and dropping boxes. However, the one risk that stands out is pedestrian injuries. While in operation, keep people away from them.

5️⃣ Trucks & vehicles: collisions and overturns of smaller vehicles happen often. To ensure the safe operation of internal transfer vehicles, third party trucks, and the like, implement traffic management procedures.

6️⃣ Ship in port: vessels may collide with the berth, and even the crane. Smooth communication among all parties (port, terminal, pilot, tugboat…) may prevent these incidents.

7️⃣ Yard cranes: the main risks encountered are collisions, hitting equipment and people, and knocking boxes from stacks. Stack collapses often lead to crane, container and cargo damage. This can be avoided by implementing automated stacking technologies.

8️⃣ Fire: lift trucks are to blame for most fire-related damages. Proper maintenance is key to minimising this risk. On a different note, cargo-related fires are also a common occurrence. Analyse your storage and operating areas to reduce the risks of fire, and implement a fire-fighting procedure to minimise the damage.

9️⃣ Theft: the marine industry loses billions to cargo theft each year. In this context, new technology’s a blessing in disguise, as cyber-crime is on the rise. Physical and system security, as well as thorough checks on anyone entering container ports, are of utmost importance.

🔟 Bad handling: cargo may get damaged at the terminal. But the damage may have also occurred before the cargo reaches the container port. Terminals must keep records to prove the condition of the goods at entry and exit.

Yes, all of the above can go wrong in container port operations 😅. Make sure to take preventive action… and, if worse comes to worse, contact us for assistance with your claims 📧

10 benefits of marine mediation

Abraham Lincoln once said: “Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbours to compromise whenever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often the real loser – in fees, and expenses, and waste of time.”

But how do you get the parties to a conflict to compromise? The answer lies in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) forms, such as mediation.

Mediation is nothing new. However, it didn’t become accepted as part of the legal process until the ‘90s. Since then, mediation clauses appear in commercial maritime contracts, like charterparties, insurance policies, LOF 2000 and in the BIMCO Standard Ship Repair Contract.

So, let’s become better acquainted with this ADR methodology 👇.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻?
Marine mediation is an unbiased, voluntary and confidential process to resolve disputes. The parties select a neutral third person – the mediator – who will work with them to reach a settlement to their mutual satisfaction. It’s a solution to keep marine and boating disputes out of court.

𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿?
Anyone can act as a mediator as long as the parties agree. It’s common to rely on professionals such as:
· Legal experts
· Former judges
· Senior mariners/ship captains
· Maritime experts (engineers/surveyors)

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻?
There isn’t a fixed format. Maritime mediations involve a mixture of ‘break-out’ sessions (the parties retire to separate rooms) and joint discussions.
By meeting each party individually, the mediator gains a better understanding of the dispute and can look into available settlement options.
After the preliminary meetings, all parties convene. The mediator helps disputants come to a consensus on their own. A good mediator will point out the parties’ common interests, and emphasise the dire consequences of an ongoing conflict.
If mediation does the trick, the parties will resolve the matter amicably and sign a settlement agreement.

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲?
⚖️ The parties wish to preserve their business relationship.
⚖️ Lawyers advise that the balance of responsibilities in the dispute is unclear.
⚖️ The cash values don’t justify substantial legal costs.
⚖️ The Court may impose cost penalties if the parties can’t show they considered mediation.
⚖️ The parties wish to settle the dispute ASAP, without publicity and in private.
⚖️ The parties are directly involved in negotiating their own agreement.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹?
The parties may refer to arbitration or proceed to litigation.


As Jack Sparrow so wisely said 😉: “Why fight when you can negotiate?” Contact our expert team for alternative, hassle-free ways to solve your disputes.

P.S. Read more about the 10 benefits of mediation in the attached infographic.

Dubai World Insurance Congress

Dubai World Insurance Congress [DWIC] 2023

The DWIC is a reputed platform that brings together industry leaders, experts, and professionals from the insurance sector, fostering discussions, knowledge exchange, and collaborations on various facets of the industry. The congress served as a melting pot of innovative ideas and strategies, aiming to shape the future of insurance.

Jorge Díaz and Juan José Domínguez, both essential figures in Marlin Blue, carried the responsibility of representing our values, vision, and commitment to excellence in the insurance sector. Their participation highlighted our ongoing efforts to be at the forefront of industry developments and our dedication to contributing meaningfully to the evolving landscape of the insurance industry.

Juan José Domínguez, the New CEO of Marlin Blue

Juan José Domínguez, CEO of Marlin Blue

Understanding the role of the receiver in cargo claims

Good things come to those who wait. Do they, now?

Sometimes, that long-awaited consignment is delivered to you and, to your dismay, you realise that your freight has been damaged. You may be tempted to play the blame game and point a finger at the carrier or shipper.

This behaviour won’t get you far. Instead, keep a cool head and act immediately to recover some of the lost value.

The first question you may want to ask yourself is:

What’s my main role as a receiver?

As a receiver or consignee, it’s your job to receive and collect the goods from the carrier.

And, in the process, you must ensure that they are received as agreed. In other words, you must inspect the products (i.e., nature, quantity, quality and packaging) upon arrival at the destination port, so any defect or discrepancy can be traced back to the carrier.

This procedure avoids liability disputes that may arise if a damaged consignment were examined at the buyer’s own premises.

What are the receiver’s responsibilities?

You’re responsible for taking all possible measures to ensure that any loss or damage to cargo can be resolved by means of a freight claim.

Let’s break the process down into 8 actionable steps:

1. Accept the damaged goods

Granted, you may be tempted to send the driver away. However, refusing to accept a damaged or short-shipped delivery may backfire on you.

For a start, keeping the cargo may help you determine whether the shipper is liable (e.g., poor or inadequate packaging), or if the harm occurred while the goods were in the custody of the carrier.

Plus, if you don’t accept the damaged freight, it may be sent back to the carrier’s warehouse for storage while the claim is processed. As a result, you may incur storage and processing fees.
And let’s not forget that most insurance policies require that you accept the freight and may commission a surveyor to verify the damage in person.

2. Note any shortages or damages on the Bill of Lading (BOL) or proof of delivery (POD).

An unannotated delivery receipt serves as proof of undamaged delivery. So, make sure to note any issues resulting from the carriage and delivery of your cargo at the time of receipt.

And indicate the nature and severity of the damage. The more details, the better.

  • If the damage will render the product unusable, note it.
  • If there are any exceptions (e.g., cartons that are dented), note it.
  • If there are concerns about concealed damage, note it.

Writing “Subject to Inspection” won’t help your case. Rather, note “Damaged” and inspect your cargo thoroughly.

As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. So, take photographs of the damaged goods and keep them as visual supporting evidence.

Lastly, if the cargo is sensitive or high value, you may want to hire a third-party surveyor. A well-documented and clearly written survey report may tip the balance in your favour.

3. Reach out to your carrier or freight forwarder.

Let your logistics operator know that your freight was delivered in damaged condition. And do it sooner rather than later.

Even if you first notice the damage or shortage after the delivery, and you are aware that you have two weeks to file a damaged freight claim. Alert your carrier as soon as you notice that your delivery isn’t intact.

4. Keep the cargo and its packaging.

As inconvenient as it may be to store damaged freight, you should hold it while the claim is being processed. 

Carriers are entitled to mitigate loss and, if you don’t give them the opportunity to salvage the damaged cargo, they may deny your claim or not pay it in full.

Having said that, if you’re dealing with cargo that spoils (e.g., food) or hazardous materials, outside disposal laws may supersede a carrier’s salvage rights.

5. Prevent further damage to freight.

Find a safe place to store the cargo and leave it there. Avoid moving it to minimise the odds of additional damage.

Also, if part of the cargo is wet, damaged or rotten, segregate it from cargo that is salvageable.

6. Pay your freight charges.

When you file your claim, you’ll need to attach a copy of your paid freight bill. Regardless of who is at fault, and even if your shipment is damaged, wrong or lost.

By paying your freight bill, you show your willingness to come to an agreement.

7. File your claim ASAP.

Don’t procrastinate. If you file a claim after the initial claim period, that claim will be voided.
Include all relevant evidence, such as:

  • Bill of Lading indicating damages.
  • Proof of delivery.
  • Paid freight invoice.
  • Sales invoice showing the price paid for the damaged goods.
  • Freight claim form or a letter with a detailed description of the loss and the claim amount.
  • Pictures of the damage.

Once your claim has been filed, keep copies of everything. Having evidence readily available strengthens your claim.

8. If your claim is denied, explore other avenues.

There are many options a receiver has after a freight claim is declined:

  • Submit additional documents. Prove that your claim is legitimate and fight the denial.
  • Engage the shipper. They may have additional documentation or leverage with the carrier.
  • Work with the carrier’s sales department. If the shipper or you are good customers, they may turn a blind eye.
  • File a lawsuit. Cargo carriers will often settle prior to court.

 

Freight claims are your means of recovering some of the lost value when goods are damaged or lost while in transit. If both shippers and receivers understand who’s responsible for the cargo at each time and work together, the claims process will be smooth and lead to a successful outcome.

And if you find yourself struggling to come to a fair settlement, Marlin Blue specialises in alternative dispute resolution. Send us your claim and we’ll figure it out for you.

What causes cargo damage and how to prevent it

Cargo damage may happen at any stage during transit. Regardless of the mode of transport you use. Even if you plan every shipment with the utmost care, you just can’t foresee everything. Besides, there are conditions that are out of your control, such as accidents or natural disasters.

When damage occurs to cargo, you may suffer product and financial losses. Not only that but this sort of occurrence may take its toll on your business relationships with your customers.
You can take action to prevent cargo damage from happening if you identify potential risks and prepare your consignment accordingly.

But, firstly, you have to understand…

What are the 5 types of cargo damage?

Cargo-related claims may come in many shapes and forms. However, there are only five types that are classified as cargo damage.

Physical damage

During transit, cargo experiences intense longitudinal and transverse forces. As a consequence, it may roll, drop or slide around.

This may cause physical damage, such as dents, cracks or major scratches, even if the goods are properly packed.

Wet damage

One of the greatest enemies of cargo is damp. Moisture arising from condensation, container seawater ingress and the like, may result in significant damages to your consignment.

Contamination damage

This sort of damage occurs when a foreign body is found in your cargo, which renders it impure. This means your goods will be considered unsafe for human consumption or other industrial or operational usages.

Contamination damage affects solids, liquids and even gases. And the contaminant may be water, another type of cargo, a chemical additive or solid matter.

Reefer related damage

Perishable commodities (e.g., fruits, vegetables and meats) are sensitive to temperature changes. That’s why they are transported in controlled atmosphere refrigerated containers.

However, despite the controlled environment, cargo may still suffer damage during transit. Some common occurrences are bruising, thawing, freeze damage, discoloration and over-ripening.

Infestation damage

Infestation happens when a large number of insects or animals (mainly rodents) are found in a cargo.

It mostly affects agricultural products and it leads to contamination of cargo, rendering the goods unsuitable for human use.

What are the possible causes of cargo damage?

Physical damage

At first sight, the ocean may look like a flat surface. Well, far from it. Wind, currents, waves… All these variables how vessels move across the water.

There are six types of ship movements:

  • Heave: vertical motion
  • Sway: transverse motion
  • Surge: longitudinal motion
  • Roll: longitudinal rotation
  • Pitch: transverse rotation
  • Yaw: vertical rotation

So, not just forward and reverse, but up and down, side to side, and even heaving into the air.

Now, these movements cause different strains and stresses on the cargo inside the container. Even more so if the cargo isn’t secured properly, which would make it sway during transport.

With this in mind, it will come as no surprise that the main cause for physical damage is bad stowage, such as:

Incorrect securing of cargo (e.g., not using enough dunnage or lashing materials).
Uneven weight distribution (e.g., placing cargo in just one area, rather than spreading it evenly).

Improper loading of cargo (e.g., piling heavy crates on top of lighter pallets).

Wet damage

Cargo may be damaged due to condensation. Condensation occurs as a consequence of temperature fluctuations during the voyage. However, it may also happen if you use the wrong sort of container (i.e., a normal container rather than a ventilated one).

Overall, the most common cause for moisture damage is hatch covers’ leakage, followed by heavy weather.

These two incidents tend to go hand in hand. Badly maintained hatch covers fail to meet their intended use: prevent water from entering the cargo hold when the boat is sailing through bad weather.

Contamination damage

Insufficient cleaning of the boat’s tanks and improper cargo handling during loading or discharge are the main causes for contamination claims.

And so is odour transfer. Delicate cargoes (e.g., foodstuffs, clothing, tea, cotton, to name but a few) are very sensitive to contamination due to odour.

Reefer related damage

Given the nature of reefer cargo, it goes without saying that an equipment malfunction or power failure is bound to result in damages.

Other factors to watch out for are:

  • Human error in setting of temperature
  • Improper stowage, leading to poor air circulation
  • Improper dunnage, which allows cargo to sway, causing crushing
  • Lack of proper pre-cooling

Infestation damage

Infestation happens when insects or rodents move into one container from previous containers or cargo.

Another scenario leading to this sort of damage is pests being transferred from an infested warehouse where the cargo was kept.

How can we avoid cargo damages?

Here are some tips:

  • Use the correct type of container for the kind of cargo to be loaded.
  • Ensure that the right lashings and dunnage materials are used to prevent cargo from moving.
  • Distribute cargo weight as evenly as possible.
  • Make sure incompatible products aren’t mixed in the container (e.g., clothing and chemicals).
  • Use anti-humidity materials or ventilated containers for water-sensitive cargo.
  • Ensure the doors of the container seal properly.
  • Clean all tanks, pumps and lines thoroughly to avoid contamination.
  • Make sure your reefer container has a valid Pre-Trip Inspection (PTI) certificate, attesting to the correct functioning of the cooling unit, temperature control, and recording devices.
  • Ensure that the warehouse where your cargo is stored is free of pests and rodents.

Now, you may be thinking it’s down to your shipper or forwarder to implement these precautionary measures. So, if your cargo does get damaged during transit, the whole blame game will start: Who’s at fault? And how can you prove it?

Ascertaining liability is time-consuming and draining… unless a professional claims handler does it on your behalf.

Let us handle your cargo damage claims within just a few clicks.

What you need know about freight claims

As a cargo insurer, you give your clients peace of mind. Sinking, collision, stranding, fire, thieves, jettison… are all perils of the sea that may end up in loss or damage to cargo. By taking out insurance, the policyholder is protected from any resulting financial loss.

However, clients are unlikely to remember your skill, care and diligence in helping them purchase or renew cargo insurance. It’s a given that you’ll be on your best behaviour when you’re trying to sell them an insurance policy.

Do you know what sticks, though? The quality of your claims service. And this is never truer than when a policyholder suffers a complicated loss event, which may lead to lengthy claims handling and legal disputes.

Your freight claims procedure has an impact on how you’re perceived in the market and it may set you apart from the competition… for good or bad.

Freight claims handling isn’t a walk in the park. Based on our experience, here’s what customers expect from you when they report a cargo claim:

Resourcefulness & troubleshooting skills

Efficient claims handling is all about crafting the right strategy to allow your customers to get back to business ASAP. If the future of a commercial relationship seems compromised, if a vessel is being held back due to unreasonable demands, if administrative and legal issues become a stumbling block… Claims handlers need to look beyond formal rules and dig into practical and commercial realities.

You must think out of the box to provide solutions allowing the assured to resume what they are there for: shipping.

Unbiased management

Make sure to seek objective advice from independent surveyors and loss adjusters in order to quantify larger losses. Together with legal advisors, these professionals will ensure that claims investigation and assessment overcome any implicit biases.

Centralised handling

The assured should liaise with one single decision maker when an emergency arises and during the ensuing claims settlement process. Although H&M policies tend to be insured by a group of insurers, one of them should be vested with the power to act on their behalf in claims-related issues. Having a claims leader to relate to will make the assured feel that they are in good hands, rather than being passed around like a hot potato.

On a different note, having a single organisation involved in relation to both H&M and P&I results in all parties being aligned to find the most rational, cost-effective and less risky course of action. Information is shared and decisions are made faster, leaving the allocation of costs and any residual risks for a later stage.

In-depth knowledge

Clients will expect you to navigate two core areas with ease:

  • Technical maritime expertise: you need to understand the situation the vessel may be facing, as well as the salvage, removal and repair processes.
  • Maritime law, including charterparty law and international conventions: this allows you to break down the consequences of the different options under consideration.

Global capacity

Knowing where a maritime casualty will happen would make its handling much easier. However, in the absence of a crystal ball 😉, it’s crucial that you have access to a global network of competent local service providers.

Depending on the type of accident, you may have to hire an experienced lawyer to deal with local authorities. Perhaps you’ll need to resort to surveyors to pursue a claim against a third party, or to technical expertise for a vessel repair service. Having a global support network is key to overcoming any obstacles that may arise as the claim unfolds.

Round-the-clock availability

New York is the city that never sleeps… and the shipping industry follows suit. Casualties may happen at any time of the day or night in different time zones.

That’s why a 24/7 emergency phone service for claims handling is a must. But not any operator can be on the other end of the line. Customers expect to receive immediate, effective answers, so your call centre must be manned by experienced claims people who won’t hesitate to take any required action.

Letters of undertaking (LOU)

The assured’s major concern in the face of a casualty is the resulting delay to the onward carriage of the cargo. In collisions and other incidents with a liability potential, the claims handler may have to put up LOU or bank guarantees to minimise interruption to the vessel’s voyage.

Accurate documentation processing

It may seem that there’s no secret to issuing claims-related documentation. At the end of the day, it’s all formulas and legalese. Well, let’s not play down its importance. Submitting the correct documents within the stipulated timeframe is key to ensuring that claims are compensated sooner than later.

As an insurer, you’re bound to be well-acquainted with every step the claims process entails. However, it may pay off to take this heavy burden off your plate.

Expert claims professionals can help you by:

  • Streamlining your claims handling processes
  • Focusing on risk mitigation, as well as claims response
  • Implementing preventive measures
  • Lessening the amount of the claim
  • Ensuring the claimant has adhered to the insurance clauses
  • Recovering losses from liable parties

Talk about a win-win situation: you’ll be saving precious time while someone else looks after your interest. But, most importantly, your freight claims handling will help you earn your customers’ loyalty and set you apart from other insurers.

Would you like to see how easy it is to file a claim with our expert team? Put us to the test

Institute Yacht Clauses (IYC), or “Spanish clauses”?

In order to sail in Spain, it’s compulsory to take out civil liability insurance for all motorboats, or for sailing boats longer than 6 metres (Royal Decree 607/1999 of 16th April 1999). When the time comes to sign their policy, your customers may be puzzled by the choice between “Spanish clauses” and “English clauses”.

Wondering where the differences lie?

Let’s start with some background information:
📝 The “English clauses”, whose official name is “Institute Yachts Clauses” (IYC) were drawn up by the Institute of London Underwriters in 1985.

📝 “Spanish clauses” is simply the term used to refer to insurance policies issued by default in Spain, which were last updated in 2014.

The main difference between both types of insurance is that…
👉 Spanish conditions work by inclusion, whereas English conditions work by exclusion. 

This means that, when you take on Spanish insurance, the risk covered by the insurer are clearly stated in the policy terms and conditions. However, the English clauses include everything that is not explicitly excluded.

In a nutshell, IYC and Spanish clauses differ in terms of the coverage they grant the insured in certain areas:
·        All risks.
·        Insured value.
·        Speed warranty.
·        Theft.
·        Sister ship.
·        Charter
As yachts can vary enormously in shape, size, and use, customers will rely on their insurer or broker to advise them on which policy wording will best suit their vessel and its intended use.

In the attached carousel, you’ll find more detailed information on the criteria that differentiate both sets of clauses.

9 most common boat insurance claims

Managing Yacht Claims with Expertise

“Not even God himself could sink this ship”. This is a quote from an employee of the White Start Line, at the launch of the Titanic. Yet she sank…

Accidents do happen, and they come in different shapes and sizes. That’s why we’d like to put our experience in claims handling at your service, by warning you about the 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝘀.

Let’s count up to 9 👇:
1️⃣ 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗯𝗼𝗮𝘁: thefts account for a high percentage of claims. We hate to be the bearer of bad news… If your boat is stolen, it’s unlikely to be recovered in usable condition. In other words, you’ll be facing a total loss claim.

2️⃣ 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: claims for theft of equipment are on the rise. The most common items stolen are outboard motors, electronics and generators.

3️⃣ 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁: submerged trees, floating debris and the like pose a major risk to your vessel. This type of incident may result in stuffing boxes and underwater gear being demolished. Beware during periods of drought, as water levels drop and create risks that were not apparent before.

4️⃣ 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗹: these are the number one cause for claims. Most collisions happen because of lack of attention, excessive speed and blind spots. FYI, jet skis and motorboats are the most common type of boats to collide with another vessel, due to busier waterways in summer.

5️⃣ 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: boats may end up under water due to corrosion, bad weather and slipping the moorings. This would be the most expensive form of boating incident.

6️⃣ 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿: high winds, damaging rains and hurricanes can wreak havoc on your boat, which may end up tossed onto shore. If it comes to lightning, things may get uglier. Your board electrics may be disabled or short-circuited, resulting in fire.

7️⃣ 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲: physical loss or damage may be caused by someone else on purpose, while you’re away from your boat.

8️⃣ 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴: a popular saying among sailors is: “There are two kinds of boaters: those who have run aground, and those who will.” It’s easy enough to misjudge the depth of a channel or miscalculate a tide… “little” distractions that end up with you hitting the bottom.

9️⃣ 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀 & 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: the former caused by wiring problems and the latter by issues with fuel. They’re becoming rare, what with all fire detection systems available. However, when they do happen, they often result in a total loss of the vessel.

Wouldn’t you say it’s better to be safe than sorry? Check out the carousel to find out what you can do to prevent boating accidents.

P.S. Most importantly, if an accident does happen, we’re there to handle your claim 🙋♂️🙋♀️.