Question 1

Do you work directly with marine insurance companies for boat repairs?

Lukas · Accepted Answer

No. We document the damage with photos and give you a written estimate to send to your insurer; the claim stays between you and your insurer. We start the repair once you OK our estimate.

Question 2

Can you perform repairs under manufacturer or extended warranty?

Lukas · Accepted Answer

Repairs paid for by the maker's warranty usually have to go to the maker's dealer, and we are not a dealer for any brand. We do maintenance and repairs outside the warranty, following the maker's schedule, and dated receipts for that maintenance help if you ever make a warranty claim. For an extended warranty plan, check with the provider before any work starts.

Question 3

How long does an insurance-covered repair typically take?

Lukas · Accepted Answer

It depends on the damage and on how soon parts arrive, so we can tell you only after the inspection. Once you OK our written estimate, we schedule the work and tell you when we expect to finish.

Question 4

Do you provide repair estimates for insurance claims?

Lukas · Accepted Answer

Yes. We document the damage with photos and give you a written estimate with the parts and labor to send to your insurer. The claim stays between you and your insurer.

Question 5

Will you match the insurer’s approved budget for repairs?

Lukas · Accepted Answer

We quote what a safe, lasting repair needs, whatever the insurer approves. If your insurer pays less than our estimate, you can take it up with them or choose which work to do, and nothing is done without your OK.

Question 6

Can you store my boat during the insurance claim process?

Lukas · Accepted Answer

No, we do not store boats. We repair the boat where it is kept, at your slip, dock or storage yard, or at our San Pedro shop while we work on it.

Question 7

What should I do first if my boat has partially or fully sunk?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

Make sure everyone is safe first: if anyone is in danger, call the Coast Guard on VHF channel 16 or 911. Then call your insurance company, which may arrange for the boat to be raised, and report any fuel or oil in the water to the National Response Center. Do not try to start the engines. Once the boat is raised, call us at (213) 693-0224 to drain and pickle the engines; we fit urgent work in as soon as we can, Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 6 PM.

Question 8

Do you provide written estimates for insurance claims?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

Yes. Once the boat is raised, we inspect it, document the damage with photos and write a detailed restoration estimate (damage found, repair scope, labor and parts) that you can send to your insurer. We are a repair shop, not a marine surveyor or insurance adjuster: the claim stays between you and your insurer, and your insurer decides what it covers.

Question 9

What does a sinking damage inspection include?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

We inspect the engines, drivetrain, electrical system, fuel system and onboard equipment, and note any visible hull damage for a marine surveyor and boatyard to assess. Water damage, corrosion risks and safety concerns are documented with photos to set the restoration scope.

Question 10

Can a sunk boat be safely restored?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

In many cases, yes. It depends on how long the boat was under water, whether it was salt or fresh water, and which parts were submerged. Our estimate shows what restoration would cost; whether to repair the boat or write it off is decided between you and your insurer.

Question 11

How long does it take to receive a restoration estimate?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

We send the written estimate as soon as we can after the inspection and tell you when to expect it. Boats with flooded engines or electrical systems may need more diagnostic time first.

Question 12

Will you meet the recovery company, surveyor or insurance adjuster at the boat?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

Yes. We are glad to meet the recovery company, your surveyor or the insurance adjuster at the boat and share our findings, photos and estimate. Your insurance company runs the claim and decides what it covers.

Question 13

Can an estimate help me decide whether to repair or sell the boat as-is?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

Absolutely. A professional restoration estimate gives you a clear cost breakdown, helping you decide whether repair, resale, or insurance settlement is the most practical option.

Question 14

What does a collision damage assessment include?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

We inspect the hull, deck, transom, propulsion, steering and the structure we can reach, and document what we find with photos so the repair scope is clear. Areas below the waterline need the boat hauled out, and some damage only shows once parts are removed; if we find more later, you get a revised written estimate before we fix it.

Question 15

Can you identify hidden damage after a boat collision?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

Often, yes. We check where collision damage tends to hide: stringers, bulkheads, engine and shaft alignment, steering and the running gear. Underwater areas need the boat hauled out, and some damage only shows once parts are removed; anything found later gets a revised written estimate before any work.

Question 16

Do you provide written repair estimates for insurance claims?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

Yes. We document the damage with photos and write a detailed estimate with labor hours and a parts list for you to send to your insurer. We are a repair shop, not a marine surveyor or insurance adjuster; your insurer decides what it covers and may send its own surveyor.

Question 17

How accurate are your collision repair quotes?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

Our estimates are based on a hands-on inspection and our experience with similar repairs. Collision damage can hide behind panels or below the waterline; if we find more once work starts, we stop and give you a revised written estimate, and nothing extra is done without your OK.

Question 18

Can you assess damage from docking or marina accidents?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

Yes. We inspect damage from docking impacts, pilings, other boats and marina structures. Even a minor-looking impact can cause structural or alignment problems that should be checked.

Question 19

Do you work with marine surveyors or insurance adjusters?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

We are mechanics, not surveyors or adjusters. You can share our photos, findings and written estimate with your insurer's surveyor or adjuster, and the claim stays between you and your insurer. If a marine survey is needed, we recommend an accredited marine surveyor.

Question 20

How soon should I get a collision damage assessment after an accident?

Fryderyk Florczak · Accepted Answer

As soon as you can, before the boat is used again. If the boat is taking on water or anyone is in danger, call the Coast Guard on VHF channel 16 or 911 first. A prompt inspection helps prevent further damage and gives you photos and an estimate for your insurer.

Insurance Repair Estimates

Insurance Repair Estimates in Long Beach and San Pedro

What the work covers

When to call

Questions about insurance repair estimates

What should I do right after damage?

Can a boat that sank be restored?