Education Corner : February 1997

Now What Do I Do?

That’s question that you may ask yourself after you’ve discovered that your boat broke loose in the wind storm, or is sinking because of the ice, that built up in the scuppers, or maybe you’ve just run aground, hard.

My insurance company sent me a letter, hoping that I wasn’t preparing a claim after the storms of December, and reminding me what to do to protect my boat, and minimize their claim exposure, after an accident of any kind. For your edification, I’ll pass their suggestions on to you.

• Contact your insurance company/agent as soon as practical. You do know their phone number and your insurance policy number, don’t you?
• Remove as much equipment as possible to a safe place to protect it from further damage or from looters or vandals.
• Protect the boat from further damage from weather exposure, leaks, ice, snow, etc. Regardless of the boat’s condition, it should be protected from the elements.
• The engine and other machinery should be "pickled" by flushing with fresh water and filling with diesel fuel or kerosene.
• If your boat is sunk, or must be moved by a salvage company, let your insurance company assist you with the arrangements. Do not sign any salvage or wreck removal contracts, without first reviewing it with your insurance company’s claims staff.

Your policy will (probably) pay reasonable costs for professional help in each of these areas. Check with your agent, ahead of time, to confirm what your policy will cover.

Here’s hoping none of us ever needs to use the suggestions above, but in case something unfortunate does happen, you’ll know where to start.