Harbor View Marine Surveying

Marine Damage Survey

The purpose of a Marine Damage Survey is to assess the extent of damage to a vessel in the event of an accident. Other items typically included are recommended repairs, estimated repair cost, and determining probable cause. Boat owners should remember that when filing a damage claim, the surveyor assigned by the underwriter will be representing the insurance company's interest, which may or may not coincide with their own.

Owners have the right to hire their own surveyor to inspect damage and make recommendations as to repair methods and cost estimates. Additionally (depending on the policy), underwriters may even pay for this independent surveyor, subject to deductibles and the validity of the claim.