The month of March is usually when communities start testing their tornado sirens and storm-warning systems before the season gets underway, and it’s a good time to also check up on the insurance coverage you carry for your marina or shipyard. Whether your operation is large or small, for commercial use or recreation, you may have a lot to lose in a tornado—and that means there’s a lot to think about before a tornado strikes.
Marinas and Shipyards Need Tornado Insurance Coverage Tailored to Suit Their Unique Needs
The damage that results from a single tornado can be devastating, and marine businesses of all kinds may have a lot to lose. However, general policies don’t always cover everything that marinas and shipyards depend on, and additional coverage options may be needed for:
- Furniture and fixtures
- Yard property and property in transit
- Cranes, forklifts, travel lifts, and other mobile equipment
- Outdoor equipment and fixtures
- Stock and building contents
- Post-storm issues like sewage back-up and specialized clean-up
- Expensive or specialized machinery
Ultimately it’s up to you to make sure that your marina or shipyard is sufficiently insured against tornado losses, and that means thinking of everything and checking it against your existing policies.
Additionally, any marina or shipyard will evolve over time, and that sometimes means growing beyond the initial insurance coverage you chose. By keeping up with changes to property and making appropriate choices about your coverage, you can better protect your marine property after a major loss.
Even With Forethought, Marine Tornado Claims Can Become Difficult for Policyholders
Even with care to insure all the elements of your marine business from any number of potential loss events, it’s still possible to run into trouble with a claim after the damage has already been done. If you are struggling to resolve a tornado claim, or if your claim has already been denied, contact our law office today. You may also find it helpful to request and read through our free book, Your Basic Guide to Marine Insurance.
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