After a loss, make everyone safe, call your broker or insurer, stop further damage and document everything before repairs start. Report to the authorities where the law requires it. If the insurer refuses or underpays, file a formal dispute with it; if you are still unhappy, take it to the Superintendencia de Seguros y Reaseguros de Panamá.
The first hours
- Safety first. Get people out of danger and call for help. Who to call, from SENAN to the canal, is in boating emergencies: who to call.
- Call your broker or insurer as soon as you can, and note the time, the person and any claim number.
- Stop the damage getting worse. Pump, tow, cover and secure. Most policies require you to take reasonable steps and pay their cost; keep receipts. Towing and salvage explains the difference between a tow and a salvage claim.
- Do not admit liability or agree payments with another party. Exchange details and let the insurers talk.
- Do not start permanent repairs until the insurer or its adjuster agrees, except emergency work to save the boat.
Reports to the authorities
An accident with injuries, a collision, a sinking or pollution can have to be reported to the AMP and other agencies; the rules and deadlines are in reporting a boating accident. A fuel spill also needs a spill report.
For theft, file a police complaint (denuncia) and keep the copy: insurers ask for it. For anything in Canal waters, the ACP will run its own process. Keep copies of every report, because the insurer will ask for them.
Evidence that gets claims paid
- Photos and video of the damage, the scene and the boat's position, with time stamps.
- The logbook, chartplotter track and weather at the time.
- Names, licences and statements of the operator, crew and witnesses.
- The policy, the patente, the operator's AMP licence and, for a charter, the passenger list.
- Maintenance records and receipts, which answer the "wear and tear" question; see maintenance records.
- Repair quotes and the emergency costs you paid.
For a charter boat, the incident record is part of the claim. Documenting a charter incident sets out what to capture. You can use the incident report template as a starting point.
The adjuster, the yard and the deductible
The insurer usually appoints an adjuster or marine surveyor to inspect the boat, often after a haul-out. Ask which yard they will accept and whether you may choose; haul-out yards lists the options and their tide limits. Get at least one independent quote.
The insurer then confirms cover, the amount and the deductible. Read the settlement before you sign: check whether electronics are paid at new or depreciated value, and whether the deductible is the one in your schedule. On a total loss, an agreed hull value matters most.
Lightning, theft and other common losses
Some losses come up again and again in Panama. Each needs its own kind of evidence:
- Lightning. Rainy-season strikes can kill electronics without visible damage. List every unit that fails, with make, model and serial number, and have a marine electrician write a report before replacing anything. Lightning and boats in Panama covers prevention.
- Theft of outboards and tenders. Keep serial numbers and photos on file now. Check whether your policy requires a lock or a locked stowage.
- Grounding. Pacific tides of 4–6 m leave boats aground on falling water. Record the time, tide and position, and have the hull and running gear inspected after a haul-out. See groundings and collisions.
- Sinking at the dock. Often caused by a failed hose, a bilge pump or a blocked cockpit drain in a downpour. The insurer will ask whether it was sudden or the result of poor maintenance.
If the insurer says no
Ley 12 of 2012 requires insurers to make a complaint procedure available. MAPFRE Panamá's published procedure, for example, says the insurer must give a formal response within the 30 days set by law once a complete dispute is filed, and the claimant then has 90 days from receiving that response to file a complaint with the Superintendencia de Seguros y Reaseguros. Check your own insurer's procedure for its channel and requirements.
The Superintendencia has a consumer protection department. Panamá América reported that it received 261 formal complaints in 2019 and 2020 and ruled in favour of consumers in 158 resolutions. Put your dispute in writing, attach the evidence, and cite the policy clause you rely on. A marine lawyer is worth it on a large hull claim.
Why boat claims are refused
- Outside the navigation limit. See navigation limits.
- Paid use on a pleasure policy. See charter vs recreational insurance.
- Unnamed or unlicensed operator.
- Wear, corrosion or poor maintenance rather than a sudden accident.
- Late notice or repairs made before inspection.
- Undisclosed facts in the proposal, such as a previous loss or a change of berth.
Most of these are fixed when you buy the policy; see boat insurance in Panama.
Your practical starting checklist
- Make everyone safe and call for help if needed.
- Notify your broker or insurer and write down the claim number.
- Take reasonable steps to stop further damage and keep every receipt.
- Photograph everything and save the track, log and witness details.
- File any required report with the AMP, police or other agency.
- Let the adjuster inspect before permanent repairs, and get your own quote.
- If you disagree with the decision, file a written dispute, then go to the Superintendencia.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the insurer have to answer a dispute in Panama?
MAPFRE's published procedure gives 30 days, which it says is set by law, from a complete dispute filing. Check your own insurer's procedure.
Can I complain to a regulator about my boat insurer?
Yes. The Superintendencia de Seguros y Reaseguros de Panamá handles consumer complaints after the insurer's own process.
What should I do after a lightning strike?
Make the boat safe, then list every unit that fails and get a marine electrician's written report before you replace anything. Tell the insurer quickly, because hidden damage may appear later.
Can I repair the boat before the adjuster comes?
Only emergency work to save the boat or stop further damage. Keep receipts and photos, and wait for approval for permanent repairs.
¿Dónde presento una queja contra mi aseguradora en Panamá?
Primero ante la aseguradora, por su procedimiento de controversias. Si no está conforme con la respuesta, ante la Superintendencia de Seguros y Reaseguros de Panamá.
The next question to answer
The full costs and insurance collection. Read Boat ownership costs and insurance in Panama.
Buy a policy that pays. Read Boat insurance in Panama.
Which reports to file and when. Read Reporting a boating accident in Panama.
Same topic in Florida: coming from the US? Compare Documenting a Boat Insurance Claim.
Official resources
Use the relevant Panamanian authority for current requirements and fees. These resources are the next place to check; a practical recommendation is not an agency determination.
- Ley 12 de 2012, regula la actividad de seguros (vLex, secondary copy) ↗
- MAPFRE Panamá: manejo de controversias 2026 (insurer procedure) ↗
- Panamá América: Superintendencia de Seguros resarce más de 476 mil a usuarios (Mar 2021, secondary, press) ↗