Five decades of real-world experience in oil spill response makes the world of difference.

Our Oil Spill Response Management Is Second to None

• Emergency Hotline
• Non-Emergency Claims Contact
• Quick Steps in the Event of a Claim
• How to Expedite a Claim
• Claims Reporting Info

As the leader in the marine pollution insurance industry for more than 45 years, and in representing many of the world’s largest insurance providers, we offer unparalleled collective strength in underwriting, claims, and spill management and response. In the past five decades, WQIS has been involved in more vessel pollution events than any other marine pollution provider. Having the right team available to assist in the event of a loss and throughout the entire spill response is crucial for mitigating damages to the environment, supporting an efficient response, and also assists assureds in quickly returning to operational status. Our team is made up of an extensive network of trusted professionals that provide support from the moment a spill occurs until the spill is cleaned up.

In the event of a spill or an imminent threat of a discharge, time is of the utmost importance, which is why when an assured has a spill and notifies the oil spill crisis management team at WQIS, we are immediately available to them and are present every step of the way thereafter. For WQIS to better serve you, we recommend that our policyholders review our Claims Contacts and How to Expedite Marine Claims so that in the event of a spill, we are both well prepared to address the claim and resolve it quickly and efficiently.

Our spill team is available twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week and can be reached any time by calling the Emergency Hotline Phone Number.

Emergency Hotline Phone Number: +1 (800) 736-5750

Marine Claims Contacts

Ryan Puttick, SVP, Chief Claims Officer, Claims
+ 1 (212) 292-8709
rputtick@wqis.com

Harry J. Diamond, Executive Consultant, Claims
+1 (212) 292-8710
hdiamond@wqis.com

Quick Steps in Event of a Claim

How to Expedite a Claim

1. If there is a discharge or a substantial threat of discharge of a polluting substance involving an assured of WQIS, first make all required statutory notifications (for example, notifying the Q.I., U.S. Coast Guard, State and local authorities, etc.).
2. Immediately notify WQIS by calling the dedicated emergency hotline number: 800-736-5750. In addition, do your utmost to mitigate the loss, which is the most important policy requirement. Immediate notice allows WQIS to assign a response expert. It also allows WQIS to give you the benefit of our experience and knowledge of the applicable pollution laws and regulations, thereby protecting the interests of both you and WQIS. If you are unable to make direct contact with WQIS, leave a message with our hotline answering service so that we may return the call and receive your report of the claim.
3. Activate your in-house emergency response plan and any applicable Vessel Response Plans.
4. Consult with your broker and WQIS regarding the appointment of legal counsel and other professionals to assist as appropriate.
5. Notify your broker for advice and to review your coverage.
6. Ensure that you have a dedicated individual and point of contact to work with our spill management team to control the event and the response.
7. Work with your or our spill management team representative to develop clear and accurate reporting detail and cost documentation.
8. Involve your broker (if applicable) to ensure that no WQIS coverage or expense issues are overlooked.
9. Forward all claims-related documents including legal notices, third-party claims, invoices, and Coast Guard correspondence to WQIS through your broker or your or our spill management team representative.
10. Follow up with your broker or your or our spill management team representative to be sure they have received all the information they need to process your claim.

The WQIS Claims department is one of the most highly regarded in the industry. The reason for this is simple: We’re knowledgeable, experienced and prepared. Should a claim need to be filed, timing can be of the utmost importance. Below is the Initial Notice Report to give you an idea of what information will be needed. This form is for reference and information only and its completion does not relieve you from the requirement to report incident directly to WQIS.

Download a PDF of the Claims Report Form