How to Make a Jet Ski Insurance Claim and Avoid it Being Declined
Knowing what to do if you have a jet ski accident can make a significant difference to how smoothly any resulting claim is resolved. As important is knowing why claims are often declined and the steps you can take to avoid having a problem.
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Making A Jet Ski Insurance Claim
What to do immediately after an incident?
If you have an accident on your jet ski, staying calm and acting quickly will help protect everyone involved and also support your claim:
- Check everyone is safe and all passengers are accounted for.
- Exchange details if another party is involved, but do not admit fault or liability.
- Prevent further damage where it is safe to do so, for example by moving the jet ski to the land.
- Document everything with clear photos or videos of the damage and scene.
- Make notes quickly while details are fresh, including time, location, and what happened.
- Report serious incidents such as theft, vandalism, or collisions to the police or harbour authority and obtain a reference number.
- If you are abroad and need emergency assistance, contact the nearest British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate or the 24/7 FCDO line in the UK at +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
Contacting your insurer
Contact your insurer as soon as possible after the incident, even if you are not yet certain whether you will proceed with a claim. Early notification is often a policy requirement. When you call, provide basic details of what happened, when, and where, and be ready to share information about any other parties involved.
Managing your claim
Once your claim is underway, providing accurate information and cooperation will help avoid delays. You will typically need to:
- Complete all claim forms fully and accurately.
- Provide all requested documents promptly, including registration details, maintenance records, and purchase invoices.
- Make your jet ski available for inspection if required.
- Avoid discussing or admitting liability with other parties without first consulting your insurer.
Your insurer or claims handler will review the details and confirm what is covered under your policy. Review any settlement offer carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear. Once agreed, repairs or payments will be arranged. Keep all receipts and invoices for any related costs.
If your jet ski is assessed as a total loss, your claims handler will guide you through the next steps, including any salvage considerations.
After your claim is settled
Once everything is complete, it’s worth taking a few final actions:
- Check your cover still meets your needs, particularly after any repairs or upgrades.
- Use the experience to improve safety and reduce the risk of future incidents.
- Remember that any loss or incident will need to be disclosed when arranging future cover, so always be honest with insurers going forward
Quick claim checklist:
- Prioritise safety and secure the vessel if possible
- Take photos and record key details
- Do not admit fault or agree any settlement independently
- Report the incident to police or harbour authority if required
- Contact your insurer as soon as possible
- Submit forms and documents quickly and accurately
- Cooperate with any inspections or surveys
- Keep all receipts and records
How To Avoid A Jet Ski Claim Being Declined?
Understanding your policy is essential to ensuring you are properly covered when you need it. Below are the most common reasons jet ski insurance claims are declined, and what you can do to avoid each one.
| Reason Declined | How To Avoid |
|---|---|
| Failure to meet security requirements |
Theft accounts for around 40% of jet ski insurance claims. Insurers often require specific security measures such as locks, alarms, immobilisers, or secure storage. Make sure you fully understand and consistently meet the security conditions set out in your policy. |
| Use by an ineligible person |
Policies often include strict criteria relating to the age, experience, or qualifications of anyone using the jet ski. If someone who does not meet these criteria has an accident, your claim may be rejected. Always check that anyone using your jet ski meets the policy requirements. |
| Operating outside the agreed area |
Insurance policies define a cruising area within which you are covered. Using your jet ski outside these limits is unlikely to be covered. If you plan to travel further afield, update your insurance before you go. |
| Failing to take proper care |
Most policies require you to maintain your jet ski in a seaworthy condition, use it responsibly, and ensure it is not operated by anyone who is unfit to do so, such as someone under the influence of alcohol. |
| Leaving the jet ski unattended afloat |
Insurers may decline a claim if your jet ski was left unattended in the water away from its specified mooring. Ensure a responsible person is always close enough to monitor it and intervene quickly if something goes wrong. |
| Not updating changes in circumstances |
If something changes, such as moving your jet ski from a secure facility to an open location, this could affect your cover. Inform your insurer of any changes during the policy period to stay fully protected. |
Key takeaway: Reporting an incident quickly and accurately can help with the smooth settlement of any subsequent claim, while staying aware of common pitfalls and keeping your policy details up to date can significantly reduce the risk of a claim being declined.
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Author: Bob Bevan
Bob is an insurance expert with over 40 years of industry experience. He co-founded Visicover and led the development of its award-winning online boat insurance product.
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