eaking gas tank covered by insurance?

[tgodiver]

I went offshore this Saturday and hit a real rough wave and it ruptured the<br />internal gas tank of my 24 ft center console console boat. The tank is<br />under the console and is 100 gallons. Will insurance cover the repairs for<br />this? If so, what is the best way to explain this to insurance company so<br />they will cover it?<br /><br />tgodiver@hotmail.com

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: eaking gas tank covered by insurance?

I'm no lawyer, but I can act like one on iboats. I believe most policies stipulate that there must be an "accidental and sudden tearing or rendering asunder" to qualify. This fits the description, but on the other hand, the boat is expected to meet these wave conditions under normal use. If you had struck an obstruction, you'd have a better case, especially if you also had boat damage to accompany the fuel tank damage. This will be a tough sale. Do you have any weather stories or news reports to substantiate sudden bad weather?

 

[DJ]

Re: eaking gas tank covered by insurance?

I do not think so. You had a mechanical failure.

 

[magster65]

Re: eaking gas tank covered by insurance?

If I were an insurance adjuster I'd want to see the damage to the tank. A clean stress fracture I'd cover the repairs but a fracture that starts in a corroded area or previous repair I'd deny the claim. That must have been one helluva' wave... Your tank is not secured properly or is installed in a way that 'stresses' it. You should remedy the cause as well as the symptom. Good luck.