Maritime operations carry inherent risks and, while ocean transit is safer than ever, accidents still happen. When such accidents occur, it can be a daunting prospect for shipowners to know how to present a claim against their insurers. This is where average adjusters can help.
Willis Marine’s Average Adjusters provide specialist guidance throughout the process, advising on your options, explaining the financial implications under your policy and preparing comprehensive claim adjustments to ensure fair and prompt settlement.
Role and benefits of using an average adjuster
What average adjusters do
Average adjusters are specialists in marine insurance law and general average. They prepare claims for:
- Loss or damage to vessels, cargo or freight
- Claims against third parties
- The division of recoveries in incidents such as collisions
Key benefits
- Faster settlements – expert claim preparation ensures prompt agreement between shipowners and insurers.
- Fair outcomes – professional assessment helps prevent disputes and delays.
- Cost-effective – adjuster fees are recoverable as part of your insurance claim.
Types of claims we support
Average adjusters are specialists in the law and practice of general average and marine insurance. We have prepared adjustments for claims involving all types of vessels and can support the following:
- General average and salvage
- Particular average
- Sue and labor
- Loss of hire
- Collision and collision recoveries
Independence and impartiality
Average adjusters may also be called upon to prepare statements of claim against third parties and to deal with the division of recoveries for such casualties as collisions. They may be appointed by any party involved in a marine claim and are bound to act in an impartial and independent manner, irrespective of the identity of that party.
Why choose Willis as your adjuster?
Industry specialists
Our team are industry specialists and members of the Association of Average Adjusters (membership applicable to U.K. and U.S. colleagues only), delivering technical expertise that's accessible worldwide. The team is led by Tristan Miller, a fellow and Treasurer of the Association since 2015, bringing specialist experience in general average, hull and machinery and all marine insurance claims.
Global reach
We have average adjuster teams in London, New York and Singapore, supporting clients with clear and effective guidance in the event of a loss, minimizing damage to their balance sheet and reputation.
Complete claims service
At Willis, we can provide a full claims service. Whilst our claims team liaises with insurers and arranges payment, our average adjusters ensure preparation of your claim, streamlining the process from the time of the casualty through to completion of the insurance claim.
Maximized recovery
We advise on all costs that make up part of the valid claim and work to ensure your recovery is maximized. Our thorough claim preparation maximizes cost recovery, while our specialist expertise ensures efficient resolution.
Average adjuster contact
When the details mattered: securing recovery against the odds
A major energy company faced a potential total loss after an offshore support vessel suffered significant structural damage. Because the statutory time bar had passed and third-party repairers were unresponsive to surveyor queries, the client initially believed a claim was no longer possible.
Our team took proactive control, successfully negotiating a time-bar extension with underwriters. By working closely with consulting and insurance surveyors to isolate claimable items, we finalized the adjustment within the new deadline. Through our meticulous attention to detail, we secured a 100% recovery for the client, turning a discarded loss into a complete financial resolution.
This case study reflects a specific set of circumstances and may not be representative of all claims. Each claim is assessed on its own merits and the outcome will vary depending on the individual circumstances, policy coverage, and the willingness of third parties to engage. Similar results cannot be guaranteed in all cases.
FAQs
Disclaimer
WTW hopes you found the general information provided here informative and helpful. The information contained herein is not intended to constitute legal or other professional advice and should not be relied upon in lieu of consultation with your own legal advisors. In the event you would like more information regarding your insurance coverage, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. In North America, WTW offers insurance products through licensed entities, including Willis Towers Watson Northeast, Inc. (in the United States) and Willis Canada Inc. (in Canada).