Galatea's claims handling approach is with a practical view for an effective resolution of our Insured's claims.
The main points we recommend you follow in the event of a potential liability Claim are (Guide notes only):
- Inform Galatea and your insurance broker immediately by e-mail, fax or telephone of any incident which could lead to a claim under your policy;
- Collect and maintain any evidence and all documentation in relation to the incident;
- Never admit fault or responsibility without Galatea approval
- Consider placing any other party involved in the incident on notice of a claim;
- Do not pass over your file to anyone without Galatea's approval;
- Do not appoint lawyers or surveyors without Galatea's prior agreement unless the situation forces you to do so immediately. If so, please advise us as soon as possible
- Keep Galatea informed of all material developments in respect of the incident or claim.
What do we need to assess your claim or potential claim?
Each Claim is unique, but almost all claims require at least the following:
- Name of our Insured (including e-mail address);
- Claim amount (estimated amount if not known exactly);
- Date of loss / damage or discovery;
- Date the claim was made (if no formal claim has been made please state accordingly);
- Claim description;
- Details of the circumstances giving rise to the incident;
- Any steps taken to mitigate the loss;
- Any notice of a claim to a third party company or individual involved in the incident;
- An opinion as to whether a surveyor should be appointed;
- A copy of the claim documents which, typically, may include: letter, email, fax from the claimant giving notice of loss or damage, invoice, packing list, legible copy of bill of lading /consignment note/ airway bill, any notice of claim you make against a third party;
- Once known, please always quote our claim reference in future correspondence relating to the claim.
What do we do after receipt of your claim?
Claims handling rests with our claims executives based in London. We pride ourselves in providing a prompt acknowledgement with preliminary advice.
In the event that the incident may give raise to a claim our claims executives may call upon the assistance of claims service providers locally to the insured at the place of the incident. All of our service providers have authority to take reasonable steps to protect our Insured interests but they must report to London and final decisions will be made in conjuncture with the Insured.
If an Insured believe an immediate decision is required during Galatea after hours the principle of acting as if uninsured will always meet with our approval.
Criteria to be adopted when selecting service providers
From our side, when appointing service providers our main criteria is to appoint the right expert for the appropriate incident ("horses for courses"). This could be a locally qualified marine surveyor, adjuster, lawyer or experienced claims consultants.
We make our selection based on the experience our executives have gained over many years in handling marine claims worldwide. Available to us are the worldwide Lloyd's agency network, local correspondents often used by marine underwriters and the International Group of P&I Clubs, and from tried and tested firms of specialist marine claims consultants.
Should the use of a lawyer be required we are happy to consider using one preferred by our Insured provided we are confident that he or she has the appropriate expertise.
To contact us regarding a claims matter please call or e-mail us: claims@galatea.uk.com
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