Filing an insurance claim can be a confusing and lengthy process. In many cases, people have never been involved in a claim before. They may not think to do things in the moment that may help them later during the claims process. Let us help by offering some tips when filing a Marine General Liability insurance claim.

Call Insurance Agent and Insurance Company

The most important place to start when there has been a loss is with your insurance agent. If you are unsure whether a claim should to be filed, your agent can help. Your agent will collect the necessary information, and guide you with the next steps that you will need to take. Do not hesitate to contact your agent, he or she handles claims daily and will be able to give you advise that can save you time and aggravation.

List All Damages Incurred

Make a list of all the damages that have been incurred. Some damages may not be obvious, and may require further investigation by the adjuster or another trained professional. Make notes of any specifics about the incident like time of day, weather, and people present at the time of the incident.

Take Pictures

Having proof of damage can affect the outcome of a claim. If an incident occurs, take pictures to document the damage to property as soon as possible. This will help the adjuster if emergency repairs need to be completed to prevent further damage. Keep all photos and receipts for emergency repairs in a safe place and be sure to hand them off to the adjuster as soon as possible.

Prevent Further Damage

After assessing and documenting the damages, do what you can to prevent further damages from occurring. Whether that means clearing the area of other materials, or securing machinery, do what you can to limit the extent of the damage. It is also important to exercise caution when trying to prevent further damage. If it is not safe to be in the area, do not risk injury to yourself or others by trying to limit damages to property.

Who Should the Company Contact to Follow Up on Claim?

It is important to organize who will oversee the claims process within your company. Make sure this person has access to certain information about your business that may be needed during the process. Also, having one person be in charge may also make this process more efficient and ultimately help close the claim faster.

Having the proper insurance coverage is crucial for the success of any business, and every business needs coverage specific for its characteristics. If you have any more questions, would like further explanation, want to change your general liability policy to a marine general liability policy, or are interested in any other form of business insurance, please contact us by calling 954-828-1819 or visiting mhginsurance.com. We look forward to assisting you with all your insurance needs.

No matter what type of business you have, every business has unique needs when it comes to liability protection. Especially if your business is conducted near or on the water, such as marinas and shipyards. Marine general liability coverage is necessary for businesses of this nature. There are some businesses who aren’t aware of the difference between marine general liability and commercial general liability. One difference is that commercial general liability policies often include an exclusion for work done on or near water. This is important because if the incorrect policy is purchased, there may be no coverage at the time of a claim. Claims typically happen when you least expect them. The following are three common marine general liability claims. 

Slip and Falls 

We are all familiar with slip and fall accidents. Businesses on or near the water can create more opportunities for wet floors, or other areas of moisture. It is important to have proper signage around your property/building giving warnings of “slippery when wet.” Installing non-skid flooring is another way to help prevent a slip and fall claim. Keep in mind that slip and falls can happen whether there are wet floors or not. No matter how much precaution you take, you still need proper insurance coverage in case of a claim.

Damage to Someone Else’s Property

Just as damages and mishaps can happen on your property, they can happen on others’ property as well. If your business involves employees doing work at a marina, shipyard or private dock, you may be held liable for damage caused by your employee. Properly train your employees, and provide safety procedures that employees are required to follow at every location. Marine contractors that do work involving welding are especially vulnerable to this type of claim.

Pollution Liability

Work done on or near the water involving boats has an inherent risk of a pollution loss. There are state and federal regulations involving pollution both from gasoline and oil. Both substances are used daily in many marine operations. It is very important that the policy include coverage for Sudden and Accidental Pollution Liability. A marine contractor can be subject to stiff fines and penalties for polluting a body of water.

Having the proper insurance coverage is crucial for the success of any business, and every business needs coverage specific for its characteristics. If you have any more questions, would like further explanation, want to change your general liability policy to a marine general liability policy, or are interested in any other form of business insurance, please contact us by calling 954-828-1819 or visiting mhginsurance.com. We look forward to assisting you with all of your insurance needs.

No matter what type of business you have, every company has unique needs when it comes to liability protection. Especially if your business is conducted near or on the water, such as marinas and shipyards. Marine general liability coverage is necessary for businesses of this nature, however there are some business owners who aren’t aware of the difference between Marine General Liability and Commercial General Liability. So, let’s look at a few reasons why you might need a Marine General Liability policy (MGL) over a Commercial General Liability policy (CGL).

Define the Difference

One easy way to understand what type of policy best suits your business is by defining the different types of insurance.

Commercial General Liability policies protect business owners against third party claims for bodily injury, property damage, damage to premises, fire damage to premises caused by negligence of the insured, and personal and advertising injury (slander and false advertising). These policies are designed for business that conduct their operations on land only. Most contain specific exclusions for work done on watercraft and any work done over water. The standard Commercial General Liability policy will also not extend liability for anyone operating a watercraft or for damage to a watercraft that is in the insured’s care, custody, or control.

Marine General Liability policies will respond to a third party claim for liability in the same way as a Commercial General Liability policy and they will also include coverages designed specifically for those who work at sea. These policies include coverage for marine contractors and others who work on or near water. They provide coverage for the typical liability risks that businesses incur, which are covered in a standard commercial general liability policy, and may be endorsed to offer additional, more specific protection that addresses the more unique needs and potential risks associated with maritime operation, such as:

• Liability when renting or leasing a boat or watercraft. Protection includes property damage to the vessel, as well as pier damage;
• Liability and hazards faced by marina operators, and includes property and structure damage protection;
• Liability met by terminal operators against loss or damage of cargo;
• Liability met by operators and owners of piers or wharves, covering damage to property of others while in their custody, including tugs, tows, cargo and equipment.

Many are Uninsured or Underinsured

Companies may try to save money by choosing a policy with a lower premium. The problem they often face is that they may be purchasing a policy that specifically excludes the work they do on a daily basis. Even if you spend the majority of your time working on land, one project on a ship or over water might lead to a claim that is not covered by a standard Commercial General Liability policy. Your insurance broker should consider your risks, as working around water means specific coverages are needed.

Custom Plans are Available

Marine General Liability coverage can be tailored to include hull and P&I, international liability, contractor’s equipment, and more.  It is essential to seek the advice and information from a trusted, knowledgeable broker, such as MHG Insurance Brokers. The team at MHG Insurance Brokers is well versed in the risks and coverage requirements of those who work in the industry. MHG Insurance Brokers works with you to determine your specific needs and budget, and will create a comprehensive liability package that will meet every one of those needs.

Having the proper insurance coverage is crucial for the success of any business, and every business needs coverage specific for its characteristics. If you have any more questions, would like further explanation, want to change your general liability policy to a marine general liability policy, or are interested in any other form of business insurance, please contact us by calling 954-828-1819 or visiting mhginsurance.com. We look forward to assisting you with all your insurance needs.

Good work is as hard to find as good workers are to keep. Anyone that works in a Human Resources role can attest to the difficulty of attracting workers, keeping workers happy, and making sure employees are motivated. This can be even more true when talking about yacht crew members. Crew members are constantly moving from one ship to another for many different reasons. The following tips can help you formulate a plan to help keep your crew on your vessel. They can also help to motivate crew in general, as workers may work harder knowing that they are being ‘taken care of’ or feeling grateful for the position they are in on board.

Salary

The most obvious thing that can motivate someone to work for you, or to work harder, is money. Are your wages competitive in within the industry? Depending on what someone’s title is, they can make anywhere from $30,000 to almost $500,000. By offering competitive salaries, crew members may be more inclined to come work for you and may think twice before deciding to leave.

People They Work With

One aspect of employment that can be considered priceless is the people that work with you. While this applies to many jobs, it carries even more weight with yacht crew members. One reason is because crew are essentially family. Would you want to live and work closely with someone you didn’t like?

Itinerary

Many crew members decide what yacht they may want to work on by looking at the itinerary. One of the benefits of being part of a crew is getting paid to sail around the world, and visit places you may have otherwise never even considered going. Also, some crew members may only want to stick to certain areas they are familiar with, or places they consider safe.

Vessel Size

The size of the yacht can be a deciding factor in where someone decides to work. After all, the larger the yacht, the better it looks on the resume. Not to mention there are more positions to fill, giving you the opportunity to work with more people. Let’s not forget also, that a larger yacht can also mean a higher salary. Some crew prefer the environment of a smaller yacht, where there are often less personalities to work with and sometimes a less strenuous work environment.

Insurance Benefits

The last tip, and probably most important one, is offering a complete insurance benefit package for you crew. While money is important to sustain your life, without your health you won’t have a life to live. Sailing around to world, going from country to country, leaves those who work on board at risk if something ever happened to them. Where would they go? Who would they talk to if they didn’t speak the language? Not having to worry about paying what could be thousands of dollars for an emergency medical situation can be the ultimate benefit for a yacht crew member. Having other coverage such as benefits for lost wages, routine care, dental and vision are also key components to providing a complete package.

Having proper insurance is important whether you are at sea, or docked at a shipyard. MHG is your specialized broker when it comes to crew insurance. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to find the policy that works best for you. If you are interested in purchasing, or have any questions about yacht crew insurance or travel insurance, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com. For more information on preparing to work on a yacht, read our previous blog, “Yacht Crew Insurance Terms 101”.

Many people in the insurance industry work hard to avoid the bad reputation that insurance typically carries. However, people often jump to negative conclusions about anything involving insurance. Time and time again, we come across people who have the wrong idea of what an insurance broker is and why they are actually advantageous to the consumer. We have heard they are a waste of time, waste of money, and only care about making their commission. Being a dedicated group of insurance brokers, we can tell you that those descriptions are often false! Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but when we hear information that is incorrect, it encourages us to step in. Do you know what an insurance broker does?

If you know the answer to, then you are already aware of all the benefits of using an insurance broker. If not, learn why you should be using one. Take the time to find a quality, reputable broker to work with you in fulfilling your insurance needs. Not only will it be time well spent in the beginning, but it will also serve you well for the entire time that you have insurance needs, whether you are working on a yacht or wherever your travels may take you.

Brokers Can Offer More of a Selection

One benefit of an insurance broker is the selection of policies and plans. Typically, brokers can help you select insurance from a variety of different companies. Different insurance companies offer different plans, so having access to plans from multiple companies can afford you the opportunity to find the coverage that fits you best.

Also, depending on the insurance brokerage they may sell different types of insurance, allowing you to have a one stop solution for all your insurance needs.

Brokers Do Much More Than Sell Insurance

While brokers may act as the middle man between you and the insurance company, they can be so much more than that. An insurance broker will conduct research for you, file and assist you with the claims process, and work to get you the best coverage option for your situation. Often times a broker has direct connections with decision makers at the insurance companies so you may not have to sit on a 1-800 line for a long time, only to learn someone doesn’t have the authority to help you. Brokers also know which carriers provide consistent service, allowing you to avoid companies that may not deliver the level of care that you deserve at time of claim.

We Work for You

As brokers, we do not work for any insurance company, we work for you! Our goals are to please you, and make sure all you questions and concerns are handled. If you think about it, with all the benefits of using an insurance broker, it is certainly better than just going out and buying a policy from an insurance agent. Will an agent fight for you and your best interests?

Having proper insurance is important in every aspect of life. Whether you are at sea needing international coverage, looking for proper life insurance coverage, going on a vacation, etc. MHG is your specialized broker. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to find the policy that works best for you. If you are interested in purchasing, or have any questions about marine crew insurance, travel insurance, U.S. life and health, expatriate insurance, or property and casualty, please contact us at

As insurance brokers, our number one priority is to look after you, the client. Our focus is making sure you have the coverage you need, that you are taken care of, and we are ready to fight for you regarding any claims or issues you are experiencing. Since we have your best interests in mind, it is troubling when we come across other insurance brokers and agents claiming to offer MLC compliant health insurance policies, because actually there is no such thing. It is prudent to have health insurance, but there is no rule in MLC requiring you to do so. Let me explain.

What is MLC?

MLC stands for Maritime Labour Convention, and is a code that was started in 2006 that helps protect crew members who work onboard ships and other vessels. Basically it is a book of different items that ship Owners are liable for in the operation of their vessel. It was implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO), and should be followed by all commercial vessels or else face potential fines, detention or even vessel arrest. For more details on MLC, visit ILO.org for more information.

Don’t Believe the Hype

MLC does require ship owners to have some insurance in place (called Financial Security). Insurance like permanent disability, accidental death, and some other non-medical items like repatriation. But, it DOES NOT require ship owners to provide medical insurance! Where things tend to get confusing is that MLC requires ship owners to be liable for medical bills. While we highly recommend you to insure your crew so that you are not liable for the full amount of medical bills, MLC only requires you to cover the bills.

Work with Someone You Can Trust

It’s hard to count on someone that you can’t trust, so why would you leave your medical insurance to someone who does not provide you with accurate information? If a company is advertising MLC compliant insurance, do you think they have the knowledge, experience, and research capabilities to help you? Work with someone you can trust, after all there is a good chance you will be reaching out to this person or company in a time of need or desperation, make sure you can count on them.

What About Private Vessels?

As stated before, MLC is only applicable for commercially operated boats. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be offering insurance to your crew if you’re a private vessel owner. Any owner would like to attract the best crew possible, and having benefits that protect them could help to secure the best workers.

Having proper insurance is important whether you are at sea, or docked at a shipyard. MHG is your specialized broker when it comes to crew insurance. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to find the policy that works best for you. If you are interested in purchasing, or have any questions about yacht crew insurance or travel insurance, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com. For more information on preparing to work on a yacht, read our previous blog, “ Yacht Crew Insurance Terms 101”.

It seems as if every day we hear myths regarding insurance brokers. We often find ourselves debunking false statements and explaining to clients that they received inaccurate information. Sometimes, people or products get a bad reputation that is unwarranted, for whatever reason. So here are five common myths that may have given the term insurance brokers a bad name.

1. “Insurance brokers are more expensive”

Have you ever heard the saying, “brokers make you broker”? That saying could not be further from the truth. In contrast, working with a broker can actually save clients both time and money, in addition to frustration. Insurance brokers receive their compensation from insurers, but that does not (or should not) cloud the judgment of a good broker to recommend whatever policy is most appropriate to the situation as presented by you, the client.

2. “Insurance brokers work for the insurance company”

There are a lot of people who think that insurance brokers work for the insurance company, however again that is not correct. A broker advocates and works on your behalf. Basically, they work for you! Yes, they work with the insurance company in order to deliver proper coverage to people, however their concern should always be their clients.

3. “Insurance brokers are just a middle man”

While brokers may act as the middle man between you and the insurance company, they are so much more than just a middle man. In many cases, an insurance broker will conduct research for you, file and assist you with claims through the entire process, and work to get you the best coverage option for your situation. Often times a broker has direct connections with decision makers at insurance companies so you don’t have to sit on a 1-800 line for 20 minutes to talk to someone that doesn’t have the authority to help you.

4. “Insurance brokers can’t offer the best plans”

Insurance brokers can offer the same plans that an insurance company does, for the same premium as going straight to the insurance company. In fact, going through an insurance broker should give you more value for your dollar simply because of all the added benefits that an insurance broker will perform for you.

5. “Insurance brokers aren’t as knowledgeable”

Insurance brokers are very knowledgeable. They spend all day, every day dealing with insurance. They know the industry, they live and breathe insurance, and they understand all the confusing terminology and phrases, which hopefully they can explain to you in a straightforward, no nonsense way. They also know the insurers, and the people who work there, which is a significant advantage over you calling a toll-free number and hoping for the best.

Having proper insurance is important whether you are at sea, or docked at a shipyard. MHG is your specialized broker when it comes to crew insurance. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to find the policy that works best for you. If you are interested in purchasing, or have any questions about yacht crew insurance or travel insurance, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com. For more information on preparing to work on a yacht, read our previous blog, Yacht Crew Insurance Terms 101.

Have you ever heard the saying, “brokers make you broker”?

Brokers and insurance companies tend to have a bad reputation. Some people immediately have negative thoughts whether they are warranted or not. In fact, when we ask someone if they know what an insurance broker is or what they do, we receive all kinds of answers, most of them being negative. It’s time to improve on the perception of an insurance broker.

Take the time to find a quality, reputable broker to work with you in fulfilling your insurance needs. Not only will it be time well spent in the beginning when finding a plan, but it will also serve you well for the entire time that you have private health insurance needs, on a yacht or wherever your travels may take you.

Common Misconceptions

Insurance brokers aren’t evil, in fact they are quite helpful. It is a common misconception that brokers work for insurance companies, however that couldn’t be further from the truth. As insurance brokers, we work for you, the people!

It is also incorrect that working through an insurance broker costs the client more money. In contrast, working with a broker can actually save clients both time and money, in addition to frustration. Insurance brokers receive their compensation from insurers, but that does not (or should not) cloud the judgement of a good broker to recommend whatever policy is most appropriate to the situation as presented by you, the client.

Who Can Benefit?

Everyone who works on board a private or charter yacht that is travelling internationally should have private health insurance. Whether health insurance is provided by the vessel owner, or is purchased by each crew member individually, each person needs protection from a potential financial disaster caused by an unexpected illness or accident. The challenge is that it can be quite a task to sort through all of the options allowing you to determine what plan is best suited for your needs, or the needs of your group. This is where an insurance broker can be an invaluable source of information, and most importantly a helping hand.

So What Does a Broker Actually Do That You Cannot Do Yourselves?

First, they spend all day, every day dealing with insurance. They know the insurance industry, they live and breathe insurance, and they understand all the confusing terminology and phrases, which hopefully they can explain to you in a straightforward, no nonsense way. They also know the insurers, and the people who work there, which is a significant advantage over you calling a toll-free number and hoping for the best.

Second, insurance brokers evaluate and research the marketplace on a regular basis. A reputable broker knows the dynamics of the health insurance industry, what the headlines are, what is no longer relevant and which carriers provide consistent service. Nothing is more frustrating than finding an insurance plan that fits your needs, only to realize at time of claim that the company does not deliver.

Finally, a broker advocates and works on your behalf. If and when a situation arises where a shore-side helping hand is needed you can turn to your broker for assistance leaving you to continue to concentrate on your employment at sea.

How Do You know if a Broker is Reputable?

Word of mouth is the best form of marketing for a business, as well as the best form of research for a customer. There is no better way to find something than by asking someone you trust who has experience with your issues or concerns. This is also the case when finding a good insurance broker. Generally though, you want to look for a broker with experience and longevity in the health insurance business and one who certainly should be able to provide references. It is also important that the broker is specialized and experienced in the yacht crew area as it is quite different from the typical expat insurance market.

Having proper insurance is important whether you are at sea, or docked at a shipyard. MHG is your specialized broker when it comes to crew insurance. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to find the policy that works best for you. If you are interested in purchasing, or have any questions about yacht crew insurance or travel insurance, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com. For more information on preparing to work on a yacht, read our previous blog, “ Yacht Crew Insurance Terms 101”.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your health insurance isn’t covering what you expected it would? Sometimes mistakes are made, and just because your insurance carrier isn’t paying for something, doesn’t always mean that you will be left to foot the bill. There are steps that you can use to take action and to ensure that you receive the coverage you purchased. By filing an appeal or disputing a health insurance claim, you can hopefully change the outcome. Filing an appeal can sometimes feel like a daunting task and can seem like a hassle, but by following these tips, we hope to ease the process for you, so you know what to expect.

1. Read Your Policy

The most important thing that you can do when you are filing an appeal to a health insurance claim is read your policy. You should read your policy when you purchase it, then re-read from time to time so you are refreshed on the breakdown of your coverage. It’s also a good idea to review your policy before having any procedure. Doing so could help avoid a situation where you need to file an appeal. It’s also important to assemble all important paperwork, and keep an organized record of the details of your case (Who, what, when, where, why, how).

2. Try to Have a Main Contact at the Carrier

Having one contact can make the process easier for you. By doing this, you will not have to keep explaining your case to every person on the phone. Also, you may be able to build some rapport with your contact, which may inspire them to go above and beyond to help you.

3. Be Patient Approach in the Right Manner

Patience will be required whenever filing an appeal as the process can take some time. The insurance company will conduct extensive research to determine if your appeal is worthy. Going into the situation knowing that the process can take some time may help you with expectations. It’s also important to approach the situation in the right manner. In many situations in life, handling something in a positive, respectful manner can get you a lot further than having a negative attitude or having a chip on your shoulder.

4. Contact Doctors and Hospitals

Be prepared to contact doctors and hospitals, and do a little bit of investigating on your part. You may come to find that there was an issue with the provider and it was just a simple error.

5. Act fast

When filing an appeal, there may be a limited time that you have in order to file. Similar to a return policy when you buy at a retail store, you may only have a certain number of days to make an appeal.

Beware

If your claim appeal is with a network provider, by contract the insurer usually can only pay the network provider, not you. So if you pay the bill and are awaiting reimbursement, it can be complicated. Also, if you decide to not pay any bills and wait for the appeal process to finish, your credit may take a hit. Talk to your doctor or office that you are working with and let them know the situation. Try to keep them from sending your outstanding bills to collections.

If you have any more questions about what steps you should take when filing an appeal, please feel free to ask us or comment below! Having proper insurance is important whether you are at sea, or docked at a shipyard. MHG is your specialized broker when it comes to crew insurance. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to find the policy that works best for you. If you are interested in purchasing, or have any questions about yacht crew insurance or travel insurance, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com. For more information on common yacht crew insurance terms, read our previous blog, “ Yacht Crew Insurance Terms 101.”

Have you ever heard the saying, “You can learn the easy way, or the hard way!” Many say the best way to learn is through experiencing something that will have an impact on you, whether you personally experienced it, or someone close to you did. The important part is that whatever the impact was, it will motivate you to make the right decision. It could have been something bad that made you never want to go through that again, or something good that made you want to have the same result. The following is a case study of two different scenarios of clients who are experiencing the same issue. Both scenarios are handled in different ways, resulting in different outcomes.  

Scenario A

A client who takes a proactive approach to their health went in for their regularly scheduled ENG. During the screening portion of the physical, the doctor discovered a potentially harmful bacteria. Due to this client’s proactive nature of maintaining their health, the bacteria was caught before it had done any damage and they were able to have successful treatment with antibiotics.

Scenario B

A client who doesn’t like to go to the doctor decided to skip their regularly scheduled ENG because the yacht they were on did not have it as a requirement. Several weeks later, they began experiencing stomach pains, nausea, and vomiting. They didn’t think much of the symptoms they were experiencing, attributing it to a stomach bug. A couple weeks went by and the symptoms continued to get worse. At this point, the client decided it was time to go to the hospital, where doctors discovered a developing stomach ulcer, caused by Helicobacter pylori.

The Diagnosis 

Both clients had the same issue, an infection of Helicobacter pylori. Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers as well as stomach cancer. Much like Herpes, it is present in many people, 85% of people to be exact, and can go an entire lifetime without causing any issues. Our client from Scenario A was able to notice the infection early enough and have it treated before any symptoms presented themselves. Our client form Scenario B had a different fate that may have been avoided if they had their regular physical exam.

The Cure 

Going to the doctor can be a hassle, especially for a yacht crew member who may rarely be onshore to do so. However, getting your check-up is important to decide your overall health, as well as to detect any issues early enough so that something can be done proactively. Get a routine physical each year, even if your yacht doesn’t require you to do so. Otherwise it may be too late by the time you find out you are having an issue, even if you don’t have any symptoms. Having good medical insurance is crucial too because if any issues do arise, you may need costly medical treatment.

MHG is your specialized broker when it comes to crew insurance. Our insurance specialists have the knowledge and experience to find the policy that works best for you. If you are interested in purchasing, or have any questions about yacht crew insurance or travel insurance, please contact us at +1 954 828 1819 or +44 (0) 1624 678668 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com.