Proactive Hurricane Preparation Saves Money

The Zurich claims team showed up quickly, and they too were amazed at the minimal damage; in fact, they were very complimentary of Chris and his crew.

Chris was very pleased when he realized that all of the Zurich insured boats included the Hurricane Protection Endorsement, which helps to reimburse the expense of storm preparation in many circumstances.

By encouraging such preparation, owners reduce the ultimate damage they (in the form of the applicable deductible) and Zurich would have to pay.

Chris has always been proactive and a very knowledgeable risk manager and he certainly demonstrated it. In my long career as a marine insurance agent, this account has a special place in my heart. One of the very first accounts that I insured in Florida was the predecessor to this fleet, and my
company has a long history with the fleet owners in this area that continues to this day.

Then along come Hurricanes Frances and Ivan (and who knows what else between the time I write this and you read it)! Chris calls me regularly, and with each event the process of preparing the fleet begins again.

Some of Chris’ staff have lost their homes (or had major damage) and had to focus on their own problems. They were not able to work as many hours, so the process is onerous but they keep on doing what’s right. I would like to thank Chris and his crew for a great job!!

I am very proud that we insure such a great fleet that is so well protected by a
caring dedicated manager like Chris. This year has proven that boats that are well managed by local, knowledgeable people can – with a little luck – withstand Mother Nature’s fury.

(Editor’s Note: Zurich Marine Specialty received the following personal testament from the president of one of its agencies. It represents a great story and important lessons about how to protect treasured vessels under catastrophic conditions. Reprinted with permission from Mike Smith, President, Global Marine Insurance Agency)

When I called Captain Chris Rogiers, the owner and manager of Yachting Vacations Charter Fleet at Burnt Store Marina in Punta Gorda, Florida, the day after Hurricane Charley, I had two thoughts in the back of my mind: one, I was not expecting to be able to contact him and two, I was expecting the worst.

Yachting Vacations manages approximately 25 Island Packet, ETAP and other yachts between 22 and 48 feet that were right in the middle of the storm. My concern was justified. My agency insures this fleet through Zurich Marine Specialty.

I was surprised when Chris answered the cell phone and even more shocked when he told me that they had come through with little or no damage! I was not surprised when he told me that there were many boats in Burnt Store Marina that didn’t fare so well.

Obviously, I wanted to know how the fleet had fared so well, and Chris was only too happy to tell me how he and his crew had worked many hours, totally stripping and preparing the boats. By removing everything that could catch the wind – including Biminis, dodgers, sails, covers, dinghies, etc. – and by triple-tying the boats, they came through in great shape.

Chris had already begun assessing any damage there was and making preparations
for repairs. One interesting fact Chris reported, and which he had never before experienced, was that the water level in
Burnt Store Marina dropped about six feet – which caused many boats lines to snap – and then it went up 12 feet on the storm surge. One large motor yacht pulled its pilings loose and was bouncing around the marina.