Navigating the Stormy Seas of Marine Insurance Claims with Expertise and Empathy

Paul Field, a seasoned marine loss adjuster and surveyor from Auckland, shares insights into the demanding world of marine insurance claims, especially those involving pleasurecraft. With over 25 years of experience, Field and his team at Field Assessors play a critical role as intermediaries in the insurance claims process, coordinating among various stakeholders including claim staff, brokers, and repairers. Field highlights the complexity of his job, which combines problem-solving to determine how boat accidents occurred with the need to be the empathetic point of contact for stressed and sometimes grieving boat owners.

The team’s expertise is frequently sought after for claims arising from a wide range of incidents, from boats submerged in remote locations to dealing with the aftermath of fatalities. Field emphasizes the importance of being the "eyes and ears" for insurance companies, providing vital information that aids in the decision-making process. He also touches on the role technology plays in facilitating assessments, allowing for digital inspections and consultations which have become invaluable tools in their operations.

During peak boating seasons, the volume of claims spikes dramatically, underscoring the seasonal nature of the job and the varying challenges it presents. Despite the pressures, Field’s firm remains committed to delivering high-quality assessments across New Zealand, leveraging their deep industry knowledge and technological advancements to efficiently handle claims. This commitment underscores the unique blend of technical skill and human compassion required in the niche field of marine insurance claims.