Damage Assessment Yacht Surveys

Independent Reports for Insurance Claims

If your yacht has been damaged in a collision, grounding, fire, storm or other incident, you will need an independent damage assessment survey to support your insurance claim. Ardenna Yacht Surveys provides clear, thorough damage reports that document the nature and extent of the damage, identify the likely cause, and provide an estimate of repair costs. Our reports are prepared to professional standards and accepted by marine insurers.

What Is a Damage Assessment Survey?

A damage assessment (sometimes called an 'on-hire' or 'casualty' survey) is an inspection carried out after an incident to determine what has been damaged, how seriously, what caused it, and what it will cost to repair. It is normally commissioned by the yacht owner or their insurer.

The purpose is to provide an objective, professional account of the damage that both the owner and the insurer can rely on. A well-written damage report can help a claim proceed more smoothly and avoid unnecessary disputes over repair scope or costs.

Common Situations Requiring a Damage Assessment

• Collision with another vessel or fixed object

• Grounding — keel, rudder or hull damage

• Storm damage — rigging failure, hull damage, flooding

• Fire or explosion damage

• Vandalism or theft damage

• Trailer or lifting damage

• Post-accident assessment to confirm the extent of damage before repair

What the Report Covers

• A description of the incident and circumstances, as reported by the owner

• Photographic evidence of all damage

• An assessment of what has been damaged and the severity

• An opinion on causation where possible

• Estimated cost of repairs, with reference to appropriate repair standards

• Recommendations on whether the vessel is safe to sail, requires immediate remediation, or should remain out of the water

Simon will inspect the vessel as soon as practically possible after the incident and produce a written report documenting:

Acting Quickly After an Incident

Speed matters after an incident. Damage can worsen if a vessel is left in the water or improperly supported. Photographs and records taken promptly are also more reliable for insurance purposes. We aim to respond quickly to damage assessment requests and can often attend within a few days of being contacted.

Coverage Area

We cover the South West and South Coast from Cornwall to Hampshire, including the busy sailing areas around Dartmouth, Plymouth Sound, Torbay, Weymouth Bay, Poole Harbour, the Solent and the South Wales coast.