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A Guide to Making a Claim
Whilst no-one wishes to experience any loss or damage to their boat nor any liability
to anyone else - these things happen. To provide you with peace of mind and a feeling
of security concerning your boat, you have taken out insurance. At Saga we aim to give you
that peace of mind and sense of security by providing an efficient and helpful claims service.
To ensure a claim runs smoothly we will need your assistance. We hope you will
take the time to read this section as it contains some useful guidance and sets out some
of your duties and responsibilities.
HOW TO CONTACT US
Tel: 0845 300 5338 from the UK or +441732 233 702 from abroad
Fax: 01732 871 482
E-mail: sagaboatclaims@saga.co.uk
While we aim to provide the highest standards of service, if you have any questions about
the handling of a claim you should in the first instance, contact the Claims Manager
on 0845 300 5338.
During the hours of 17:00 hours to 22:00 hours (weekdays) and 08:00 hours to 22:00 hours
(weekends and bank holidays) our claims line is managed by C Claims, who provide a service
to assist you with initial advice in circumstances that are likely to give rise to a claim
under your insurance.
You may leave a message after 22:00. Messages and any faxes will be regularly monitored
and your call returned as soon as practical.
C Claims Helpline will also seek to provide guidance on any necessary information concerning
the availability of repairers, surveyors, engineers or other specialists in order to
assist you at the initial stage of any problem.
Thereafter, all advice should be taken from and reference made to us and/or those parties
that we may appoint to advise and assist.
When loss or damage occurs act as if uninsured. This may seem unusual advice but it is
most important that, in the event of any incident involving your vessel you must take
all reasonable steps to minimise the loss.
Own Damage
- Take immediate action to safeguard and protect property from further damage or deterioration
(may include first aid to the engine).
- Enlist help (professional if necessary) if immediately required to safeguard / protect craft
and equipment. Try to agree a realistic charge or fee if a tow is required before acceptance.
- Retain and look after all broken/torn/damaged items for inspection.
Damaged by Third Party
- If racing, protest the Third Party if they did not accept a penalty. Obtain witness statements.
- Obtain details of boat type/class/number/name/club and any witnesses details in addition to
name and address, of helm and boat owner.
- Road Accidents - Obtain details of driver & insurer and any witnesses, or call
the police to the scene.
- If possible write down all the details and make a sketch of the site.
Damage to Third Parties
- If a third party wishes to hold you liable for damage (alleged to be your fault) provide
them with your insurers details, your name, policy number, boat type/class and boat name/number.
- Do not make any admission of liability and do not make any offer of payment.
- It is not necessary to disclose that you are insured (as with motor insurance). If you
receive a claim from another party (the third party) acknowledge the correspondence and
pass to us immediately.
Theft / Vandalism
- Any theft or malicious damage should be reported to the Police promptly.
- Keep a note of the Police Crime Reference Number.
- We will also need the serial numbers of any engines, tenders etc.
- Notify your club, local harbourmaster, etc with full details of the theft / vandalism.
While it does not necessarily follow that the costs of any such action will be fully covered
by the terms of your insurance, it is in your own interest to take such action. Should you
have any doubts as to what to do you should contact us immediately for advice and assistance.
Your local marina may also be able to provide assistance.
PROCEDURE
It is very important that we are immediately informed of any event that may lead to a claim
under your insurance. We will forward a claim form to you for completion as soon as we are
told of the incident. This should be returned to us, fully completed, as soon as possible
whether or not you intend to make a formal claim.
We may ask you:
(a) to obtain estimates for repairing any damage
and/or
(b) to obtain quotations for the replacement of any items lost or destroyed
Any estimates or quotations should be sent to us without delay. We reserve the right to
ask you to obtain alternative estimates.
We may instruct a surveyor to inspect and/or investigate. Except in an emergency or to
prevent further damage, repair instructions should not be given without prior agreement.
When you are satisfied with the repairs the invoice should be paid by you and the
receipted invoices should then be forwarded to us.
Useful Information
- Please remember that the repair contract is between you and the contractor. Any
instructions regarding either repair or replacement must come from you - the owner. You
must however, seek our agreement in the first place.
- The claim may be subject to deductions in addition to any policy excess and the
clauses in the insurance should be read carefully so that you are fully aware of
these (e.g. sails, covers and outboard motors).
This claims advice section is intended to provide some guidance should you have to
submit a claim under your insurance. It does not form part of any policy wording or give
any indication of acceptance of liability by the underwriters.
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