This section provides a general guide to the steps you should take if you have a potential Hull and Machinery claim under your policy. It also explains how we typically respond.
A potential claim could involve damage to your vessel or third-party property. Every incident is different, so this guidance is not exhaustive. If you are in any doubt, please contact our claims team for help.
Our hull claims team handles all incidents involving damage to or loss of insured vessels, as well as property claims made by or pursued against third parties.
Following an incident
Without putting yourself or your crew in danger, you should take reasonable steps to make your vessel safe and prevent further damage to it or other property. If a claim results, the costs of taking these measures should be recoverable under your policy.
In many cases, the cost of towage from sea to a safe port is claimable, regardless of the cause of the problem leading to the tow.
Notify Sunderland Marine as soon as possible of any event that may result in a claim under your policy. You can do this through your insurance broker, directly with our claims team or through your local Sunderland Marine office.
It is important to notify us as soon as possible so we can:
Offer immediate advice and assistance.
If necessary, arrange for any damage to be inspected before repairs begin.
Arrange to obtain statements from any relevant witnesses.
Advise on the appointment of salvors if your vessel is still in distress.
What we will do
Once your claim has been submitted, we will allocate it to one of our experienced claims handlers. They will keep you up to date on its progress and answer any questions you may have. We can discuss the repairs required and offer advice, while you remain in control of the repair process.
We will send you a claim form to complete as fully as possible, sign and return to us. Please complete the form in full and sign it, as an incomplete or unsigned form could delay the handling of your claim.
Our claims handlers will seek to gather all relevant documents and information as soon as possible. This helps us handle your claim promptly within the terms of your policy.
We understand the financial and time pressures you face following an incident and provide a prompt, transparent claims service.
We hope you will not need to contact our claims team, but if you do, our experienced claims handlers are here to help.
