Lessons for other owners

What this page tells you: general lessons for other owners facing a major machinery failure.

General observations. Not legal or technical advice; check your own policy and contract.

1. Know who must establish the cause. Policies with a wear-and-tear / gradual-deterioration exclusion may require the owner to establish the cause of a machinery failure, even where the cause is hard to determine. Read the exclusions and ask in writing how cause will be established.
2. Plan for independent diagnosis. An insurer's survey may not set out to determine root cause. Consider engaging an independent engineer early.
3. Describe observations, not suspicions. On forms and in messages, record codes, readings and visible damage rather than suspected causes.
4. Keep an evidence file. Fault-code logs with timestamps (and check the controller clock), insulation and winding readings, dated photos with scale, and failed parts retained under custody.
5. Ask for documentation at delivery. As-built wiring, the manual for the installed model, and fill and commissioning records for every module.
6. Bring the parties together. A single witnessed inspection with the builder, manufacturer, installer and insurer's surveyor; give notice before anything is removed or destructively tested.
7. Agree scope in writing. Terms of reference, who pays, and what the report will cover.
8. Ask about lead times early. Major plant can take three to four months from order.
9. Keep a dated correspondence log. It helps keep everyone aligned.

See also: what a machinery claim like this involves, with our real numbers and a checklist.

Frequently asked questions