Bought a brand new boat in 2020 an I had a boat accident and the manufacturer is stating the boat is totaled, the dealership said it’s totaled, however the insurance company states it can be repaired. In my eyes the boat is totaled and unsafe for me or my loved ones. Has anyone experienced this? I can really use some help and direction.

get statements from both that it is totaled and unsafe to repair, submit to the insurance co. with a demand for payment.

then plan on getting a lawyer if they refuse.

Sorry to hear about your boat. Unfortunately, insurance companies, like a lot of other things, have become harder to work with. Your best chance is to get some repair quotes that exceed the cost of replacing the boat. Look closely at all the accessories that are attached to the boat, if they are covered by your insurance. Those items can up the repair cost. Seals around ports, electrical repairs, bent equipment mounts, and trim issues can up the cost of the repair. Look for minor things that occurred during the accident. Cracks can indicate structural damage, especially if they are away from an impact. I had a boat capsized by the US coast guard while under tow , so I feel for your situation. Let us know what happens.

Thank I will do. And thank you for the reply's. Hop along, if I go the lawyer route do you know of any?

Where are you located? I know a couple of lawyers.

Hmmm. The dealership probably wants you to buy a new boat. The manufacturer wants you to buy theirs.


The insurance company says it's fixable. Something they'll be insuring after the repairs.

Get it fixed and trade it in.

Sounds reasonable!

Located in Texas.

I'd have to tell the insurance company they are NOT a boat repair shop what would they know?? Are they going to fix it themselves??

Darrini: I had a sailboat that totaled in a hurricane. Insurer was a Florida company, but underwritten by Lloyd's. Two of three surveyors said it was totaled, but then they said Lloyd's was wanting to repair it, based on the third surveyor(who was in their pocket). I threatened the surveyor with a conflict of interest lawsuit, but still Lloyd's still dug in. After many months, I finally wrote to the Florida Insurance Board, and they contacted the insurer, and things started happening fast. I had my full payment in three weeks. Seems the company didn't want the state poking around in their files. Don't be hesitant to get the Texas Insurance Board involved, and let the insurer know that you've contacted them.

Insurance companies will use any excuse to not pay you, or delay paying you. I feel certain that in several of the big buildings in London, Lloyd's has several floors called "Department of Dirty Tricks".

You paid your premiums. They accepted the risk, and you paid them for it. They owe you.

IslandJim

Getting the Texas Insurance Board involved should get you payment.

In Texas I believe a insurance company can only have a few open complaints with the Insurance Board and still do business in the state. Getting them involved seems to make insurance companies more reasonable. Just mentioning it helps sometimes.

need to be more specific than "Texas" for location.

I just had to file a claim with the TX Dept of Insurance as I had a claim denied. I've also contacted a lawyer. Stay tuned as I will post the results myself once there is final resolution.

Wow, that is crazy. Sad state of affairs these days. Please keep keep us posted.