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Pursuing Full and Fair Compensation in Florida

Florida’s extensive waterways and vibrant boating culture create unique challenges when marine insurance claims arise. From personal watercraft to high-value yachts, insurers frequently rely on technical policy language and aggressive strategies to limit their payouts. Our Florida property insurance attorneys understand the intersection of maritime principles and insurance law and know how to counter these tactics. We approach every claim with precision and persistence, ensuring your loss is accurately assessed and your claim is taken seriously—no shortcuts or compromise.

Common Causes of Vessel Damage in Florida

Florida’s coastal and inland waterways expose boat and yacht owners to a wide range of risks. Some of the most frequent causes of vessel damage across the state include:

  • Hurricanes and tropical storms, especially during the Atlantic hurricane season
  • Storm surge and flooding affecting marinas, docks, and storage facilities
  • Lightning strikes that damage onboard electronics and electrical systems
  • Collisions in heavily trafficked waterways and crowded channels
  • Vandalism or theft at marinas, anchorages, and storage sites
  • Water intrusion resulting from severe weather or improper storage conditions
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What Rights Do Florida Boat Owners Have?

  • The right to submit an insurance claim: If your vessel is damaged by severe weather, a collision, vandalism, or another covered loss, you are entitled to file a claim with your marine insurer.
  • The right to fair payment under your policy: Florida law requires insurers to evaluate claims honestly and pay benefits consistent with the policy's terms, including repairs, replacement, and, when applicable, related expenses such as towing or salvage.
  • The right to dispute denials or undervaluation: When an insurer minimizes or refuses a valid claim, you are not required to accept that decision. Vargas Gonzalez Delombard can assist with challenging the insurer’s position, submitting supporting evidence, or pursuing legal remedies when necessary.
  • The right to pursue negligent third parties: If damage was caused by another boater, a marina, or a repair provider, you may seek recovery through a third-party insurance claim or civil action.
  • The right to legal counsel: You have the freedom to retain an attorney at any stage of the claims process. Insurance companies cannot restrict this right. Our property insurance attorneys handle negotiations, disputes, and litigation to protect your interests.
  • The right to prompt claim handling: Florida’s Unfair Insurance Trade Practices Act requires insurers to process and resolve claims within a reasonable timeframe and prohibits bad faith delays or improper claims practices.

Vargas Gonzalez Delombard: Helping You Protect What Matters

Vargas Gonzalez Delombard brings focused, high-level experience to marine property insurance claims throughout Florida. Our team is equipped to manage the unique challenges these cases present, including:

  • Performing detailed reviews of complex marine insurance policies
  • Working with marine surveyors and industry specialists to accurately assess damage
  • Properly valuing high-end components, custom features, and luxury finishes
  • Identifying and documenting both obvious and concealed damage
  • Handling claims involving all types of vessels, from personal watercraft to large yachts and superyachts
  • Keeping clients informed with consistent updates at every stage of the claims process

Our attorneys—including Rene Delombard, Andrew Vargas, and Louis Gonzalez—are known for their tenacity and results in insurance litigation. We understand the nuances of marine coverage and high-value vessel claims, and we do not allow insurers to minimize or delay what our clients are owed. 

If your vessel has been damaged and your insurer is not treating you fairly, contact Vargas Gonzalez Delombard for a free consultation and put our experience and advocacy to work for you.

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Property Claims for Boat Owners FAQs

How soon should vessel damage be reported?

What insurance coverage applies if my yacht was damaged at a marina?

How are luxury yacht damage claims handled?

Can I continue using my boat while the claim is pending?

What if my insurance claim was already denied?

How soon should vessel damage be reported?

Damage should be reported as quickly as possible. Take clear photos and videos right away and avoid moving the vessel or making repairs unless necessary for safety. Speaking with our firm before contacting your insurer can help ensure the claim is properly presented from the start.

What insurance coverage applies if my yacht was damaged at a marina?

Marina-related losses often trigger more than one policy, including your marine insurance and the marina’s liability coverage. We analyze all available policies to identify every potential avenue for recovery.

How are luxury yacht damage claims handled?

High-value vessel claims require a specialized approach. We coordinate with experienced marine surveyors and valuation experts who understand custom builds, advanced systems, and premium features to ensure accurate loss assessments.

Can I continue using my boat while the claim is pending?

Using the vessel before damage is fully documented and evaluated is generally discouraged. Doing so may worsen existing issues or give insurers grounds to challenge the claim.

What if my insurance claim was already denied?

A denial does not necessarily end the process. Many rejected or underpaid claims can be challenged successfully. We review the insurer’s reasoning, gather additional evidence, and pursue appeals or legal action when appropriate to seek full compensation.

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