Marco Island is a boater’s paradise on the Gulf of Mexico. Unfortunately, when hurricanes strike, everything that makes Marco Island a boater’s paradise also puts your boat right in the line of fire. So, if your boat sustained damage in Hurricane Ian or another major storm, and the insurance company is giving you the runaround, you can fight back.
A Marco Island boat damage lawyer from the Law Offices of Anidjar and Levine can step in and help you get what you deserve. After all, you carry insurance to protect your finances from the damage that results from repairing or replacing your boat. So naturally, you expect your insurance company to step up when disaster strikes. Sadly, that doesn’t always happen. That’s why we’re here when you need someone to step up and fight for you!
How Can Our Marco Island Boat Damage Attorney Help You?
You have every right to insist your insurance company pay a boat damage claim in good faith following an accident or natural disaster. However, you as a lone boat owner vs. an insurance company and its array of lawyers and adjusters simply isn’t a fair fight—and they know it.
Fortunately for you, our Marco Island boat damage lawyers will fight to hold the insurance company to the letter of your policy. When Marco Island personal injury lawyer handles your claim, you get legal counsel willing to go the extra mile. So, you will have your lawyer’s contact information, and we’ll answer your inquiries promptly. Finally, our team members dedicate themselves to fighting for you for as long as it takes.
Some of the things we do for our clients include:
- Reviewing your policy and ensuring your insurance company adheres to its obligations
- Independently investigating your claim and working to uncover any evidence that strengthens your claim
- Negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf
- Challenging your insurer’s claim denial
- Fighting in court if we can’t come to a mutually agreeable settlement of your claim
Why Insurance Companies Offer Low Settlements or Deny Boat Damage Claims
Sometimes, insurance companies genuinely believe their settlement offer reflects the actual value of the claim. However, they may not fully appreciate your ship’s value or completely understand the repair costs involved. When these kinds of good-faith disagreements happen, our Marco Island boat damage lawyers could work out an amenable deal with your insurer.
Unfortunately, many insurance companies resist paying claims under the best circumstances. When they do pay boat damage claims, they have a financial incentive to pay out as little as possible.
That’s why so many Marco Island boat owners get lowball settlement offers or have the insurance company deny their boat damage claim. Remember that a lowball offer or claim denial may be a tactic. The longer it can delay the process or deny a claim, the more likely you’ll just give up and accept less money than you deserve. That’s why our lawyers don’t give up!
Does Your Policy Cover Hurricane Damage?
Many boat insurance policies include hurricane coverage provisions. However, standard hurricane coverage for boats often works like that for houses. Thus, they cover wind-related damage, but you may have to purchase an additional water-damage rider. Otherwise, your policy may not cover damage caused by a storm surge.
Even if your policy covers wind damage, it may only insure your vessel’s critical systems, which typically include:
- Outboard motor (or motors)
- Hull damage
- Damage to the sail
- Damage to the mast
Finally, you might have to purchase additional coverage for other boat systems, like your GPS, weather radar, and interior fixtures. However, no matter your policy’s limits, a Marco Island boat damage attorney from our firm will fight for you to receive the maximum payout you deserve under your policy.
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Things You Can Do to Help Your Cause in a Boat Damage Claim
The Law Offices of Anidjar and Levine stands ready to fight for any client who feels their insurance company isn’t treating them fairly in a boat damage claim. However, you can take several proactive steps to give yourself (and us) the best chance of getting a good result when you file a claim.
- Familiarize yourself with your policy. Make sure you understand the coverage limits and what your policy covers.
- If you add aftermarket components like GPS, weather radars, and interior fixtures to your boat, make sure they’re covered. Keep copies of your invoices and receipts for these upgrades.
- Keep a copy of your policy in a safe and secure place.
If your insurer tries to change your policy terms or denies your claim, these receipts and the original copy of your policy could be some of your strongest evidence.
How Much Can You Expect in a Boat Damage Claim?
Most insurance policies have a maximum coverage limit. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean your insurer will pay the maximum on your boat damage claim. Instead, your claim payout will depend on the amount of damage, the repair costs, and the replacement value of your vessel.
Because all these factors are unique to every claim, we can’t provide an average payout for boat damage claims. Instead, the only way to advise you on the potential value of your claim is by meeting you to review your policy and the damage to your boat.
Our Marco Island boat damage claim lawyers offer free case consultations for people in your situation. Let us give you the benefit of our experience in a no-obligation, zero-cost environment.
You don’t Have to Pay Upfront to Get a Marco Island Boat Damage Lawyer
For most boaters, their boat isn’t just an inanimate object. It is a source of pride and has become an essential part of their life. So, if your ship has sustained damage in an accident or hurricane, it’s possible that your home was also damaged, meaning you have many unplanned out-of-pocket expenses.
However, hiring a Marco Island boat damage lawyer won’t be one of them. Instead, the Law Offices of Anidjar and Levine will take your boat damage case on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees and won’t owe attorney’s fees unless we win your case or collect a settlement. So, please reach out to our office today and see what our team can do for you.
