BOAT INSURANCE

[malvizzu]

I have been in contact with Mr Mark Laferla JR, Assistant General Manager of Laferla Insurance Agency Ltd, with whom my boat, cars and home are insured. I had briefed Mr Laferla with ForTuna's claim to see Laferla Insurance's position, which after all, concerns myself as well as an insurer with the said company.

Mr Laferla took time and kindly commented as follows:

".... a bag/rope/fishing line getting caught in the intake or prop would be (and always has been in previous claims we've had) as a prop-fouling or such. Previously, insurance policies (including our own) used to consider prop-fouling as a specifically different type of claim, with its own applicable excess and limit. However, nowadays we have simplified our policy wording, policy structure and processes; hence a claim such as a bag being caught in the air-intake or propeller would be considered in the same way as a claim relating to hull damage due to impact for example. All claims for damage to the hull (including prop fouling) are handled in the same way, and excesses and limits are common.

I hope I've explained myself well. In short however, a claim for a debris caught in the air-intake or prop would be considered as covered. At least our policy would consider it as a valid claim, and likewise I expect that most policies in the local market would – because they're all very similar quite frankly."

In a follow up email, Mr Laferla quoted:

"... Regarding the claim, I can see your point, in respect of the fact that there may not have been 'obvious' evidence of what caused the damage but in the end it boils down to probabilities and quite frankly taking the client's word for it. I am not a mechanic and in such instances would rely on the advise provided by a qualified surveyor or mechanic – but if it is agreed that such damage could be caused by a plastic bag being sucked into or blocking the intake, then it would be assumed (unless there is evidence to show that something else could have specifically caused this damage) that it was in fact the cause of the loss, and hence considered a valid claim."

Hope this write-up is of help and consider Laferla Insurance as an alternative insurance company. Tight lines