When damage happens the insurer appoints a loss adjuster. That adjuster may do the job properly, but does it for the insurer.
An independent damage survey is a measured record made on your behalf. Its purpose is not to fight the adjuster but to ensure the file also holds a document from your side.
What We Do
| Heading | Scope |
|---|---|
| Extent of damage | The boundaries of visible and measurable damage; hidden spread established by sounding and moisture readings |
| Cause | Whether the damage arose from a sudden event or an ongoing process, the distinction that decides cover |
| Prior condition | Comparison with any earlier survey report and service records: what state was this area in before |
| Repair requirement | How the work should properly be done, in effect a scope document |
| Consequential damage | What the primary damage triggered elsewhere, usually missed in a first assessment |
| The record | A photographed, measured, dated report. Evidence in the file. |
Common Situations
- Grounding: even with no visible damage, the keel root, internal structure and shaft alignment must be checked. This is the assessment most often left out.
- Impact and contact: a small mark on the surface can sit over crushed laminate; sounding establishes the boundary.
- Flooding: finding the source and establishing which systems were wetted, electrical and interior are usually the real cost.
- Storm and berthing damage: responsibility in a marina turns on the contract; the assessment concerns both sides.
- Fire: heat affects a wider area than it appears; laminate and electrical are assessed separately.
Working with the Adjuster
The aim is not a contest but a common footing. A measured, photographed counter-record usually shortens rather than prolongs the discussion, because both sides are looking at the same data. Where we disagree with the adjuster's findings we say so with reasons; where we agree, we record that too.
If there is a dispute
If the parties disagree on the cause of damage or the scope of repair: expert report for disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Pages
Do not start repairs before the adjuster has seen it. Let us plan the process together.
💬 WhatsApp 📝 Written quote 📞 +90 501 5 SURVEYScope: The survey is non-destructive and nothing is dismantled; details on the survey types page.
Notes from the field
- After a grounding we look inside even when nothing shows outside: the keel root, keel bolts and floors.
- Photographs should be taken before any repair starts; the insurance file needs the damage as it was found.
- If the propeller has struck something, the shaft may be bent; we measure vibration on the sea trial.