Your boat isn't running right.
You've got protection.
Now what?
Understanding the claims process before something breaks can save everybody time and frustration.
While procedures vary by provider, here's generally how a Marine Service Contract claim works.
Step One: Stop and assess the problem.
Continuing to operate a boat with an obvious mechanical problem can potentially turn a smaller failure into a much larger one.
That isn't good for your engine—or your claim.
Step Two: Take the boat to an appropriate repair facility.
Follow your contract's requirements regarding where repairs may be performed.
Step Three: Provide your service contract information.
Let the repair facility know you have coverage. Give them the information necessary to contact the administrator.
Step Four: Diagnosis.
The technician determines what's wrong and what repairs are required.
Here's an important point:
A failed part doesn't automatically mean a covered claim.
The administrator needs to determine whether the failure and required repair qualify under your specific contract.
Step Five: Authorization.
The repair facility typically contacts the administrator with its diagnosis and repair estimate. Additional documentation, maintenance records, photographs, diagnostic information or inspection may sometimes be required.
Don't authorize major repairs yourself unless your contract permits it.
Give the administrator an opportunity to review and authorize the covered repair.
Step Six: Repair and payment.
Once approved, the repair is completed according to the authorization. Payment procedures depend on the contract and administrator, and you're generally responsible for applicable deductibles and non-covered items.
This is where a quality administrator matters.
Selling a service contract is easy.
Handling the claim is where the promise gets tested.
My advice?
Keep your maintenance records. Know where your contract is. Understand your deductible. And when something goes wrong, communicate with the repair facility and administrator.
The goal shouldn't be complicated:
Diagnose it. Determine coverage. Fix it. Get the customer back on the water.
Because nobody bought a boat to watch it sit behind a service department.
— Terry Torline