Business Details
34 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Marine Surveyors & Insurance Investigations
Todd & Associates is a San Diego-based marine survey and insurance investigation company founded in 1992. With decades of combined experience in the marine industry, our team specializes in marine insurance claims, accident investigations, thermographic inspections, and expert litigation support. We utilize cutting-edge technologies like infrared thermography to deliver accurate, non-destructive damage assessments and expedite claims resolution.Our services extend nationwide and internationally, serving marine insurance providers, legal professionals, and boat owners. We maintain affiliations with leading marine organizations, including the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors and the International Association of Marine Investigators. Our commitment to innovation and precision has established us as a trusted partner in marine risk management and forensic analysis.
Services
Marine Surveys
Accident Investigations
Infrared Thermography
Salvage Coordination
Expert Witness Testimony
Stolen Vessel Recovery
Damage Appraisals
Forensic Analysis
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of specialized marine industry expertise
- State-of-the-art infrared thermography for non-destructive testing
- Nationwide network of certified marine surveyors
- Proven 55% stolen vessel recovery rate
- Accredited professionals with litigation support experience
Associations and certifications
- Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS)
- International Association of Marine Investigators (IAMI)
Services
Marine Surveys
Our marine surveys provide comprehensive condition and valuation assessments for vessels of all types. Utilizing advanced infrared thermography and traditional inspection methods, we identify structural damage, electrical issues, and mechanical failures. Clients receive detailed reports with repair recommendations and market valuations to support insurance claims and transactions.
Accident Investigations
We conduct forensic analysis of boating accidents, including collision reconstruction and causation determination. Our team documents damage patterns, evaluates navigational practices, and produces expert reports for insurance claims and legal proceedings. Services include scene documentation, witness interviews, and digital evidence analysis.
Infrared Thermography
This non-destructive testing method detects hidden moisture intrusion and structural defects in marine composites. Using FLIR T640 thermography equipment, we identify delamination, core damage, and electrical hotspots with .035F sensitivity. Results are presented with thermal imagery and actionable repair guidance for insurance and repair professionals.
Stolen Vessel Recovery
Our stolen vessel program includes targeted email campaigns to 10,000+ law enforcement and marine industry contacts, database matching, and recovery coordination. We maintain a 55% success rate through international partnerships with IAMI members and law enforcement agencies across North America and the Caribbean.
Expert Witness Testimony
Certified marine surveyors provide expert testimony in maritime litigation cases. Services include report preparation, deposition support, and courtroom testimony regarding vessel damage analysis, accident reconstruction, and industry standards compliance for insurance defense and plaintiff representation.
People
Todd Schwede
President
AMS-certified marine surveyor with 40+ years in the industry. Specializes in accident reconstruction and thermographic analysis. Active member of SAMS and IAMI. Leads forensic investigations and expert testimony services.
Bill Trenkle
Marine Engineer
Certified marine engineer and surveyor with expertise in mechanical systems analysis. Focuses on engine diagnostics and structural integrity assessments using advanced thermography techniques for insurance claims support.
Maxwell Schwede
Forensic Analyst
Certified fraud examiner specializing in marine insurance investigations. Manages stolen vessel recovery operations and digital evidence analysis. Coordinates with law enforcement for nationwide theft prevention efforts.
Questions
What marine survey services do you offer?
We provide condition/valuation surveys, thermographic inspections, accident reconstruction, and expert litigation support for all vessel types.
How do you handle stolen vessel investigations?
We coordinate with law enforcement and marine investigators through our 10,000+ contact network, achieving a 55% recovery rate for stolen boats.
Do you work with international clients?
Yes, we serve clients globally with survey and investigation services supported by our international network of marine professionals.
What technologies do you use?
We employ FLIR T640 thermography systems, digital evidence analysis tools, and advanced forensic techniques for accurate damage assessment and claims resolution.
Can you assist with insurance claims?
Yes, we provide detailed survey reports, repair cost analysis, and expert testimony to support marine insurance claims processing.
Reviews (6)
Erin Ryan
Sep 28, 2022
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Reputable, reasonable, timely and good communication. Max went above and beyond when it came to the communication about my claim. First time having to hire a surveyor and work through insurance so was unfamiliar with the process and had lots of questions. Todd & associates made me feel confident when the process went smoothly and was handled quickly. Thanks again, was nice to work with a local SD family business.
Richard Benson
Nov 08, 2021
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My experience with Todd & Associates couldn't have been better. Thanks Max! They handled my claim swiftly and like true pros. I have had boats all my life and dealt with my share of marine surveyors, and this was by far my best experience. I highly recommend them!
Leon Farasati
Oct 22, 2021
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After doing research and seeking industry referrals, we contracted Todd & Associates for an accredited marine survey of our commercial passenger vessel. This survey was required for liability insurance policy, as well as the financing company, so we really needed a surveyor with the right level of experience and industry knowledge to perform a complete and thorough survey of our USCG inspected vessel and provide an accredited market valuation report.
Our surveyor was Max Schwede, and the entire process from initial contact with their office to the actual marine survey and final report were outstanding at a very reasonable cost. I highly recommend the company to anyone looking for a marine survey (recreational or commercial) and would certainly hire them again for future needs.
Our surveyor was Max Schwede, and the entire process from initial contact with their office to the actual marine survey and final report were outstanding at a very reasonable cost. I highly recommend the company to anyone looking for a marine survey (recreational or commercial) and would certainly hire them again for future needs.
Dawn Lewmor
Oct 13, 2021
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Great surveyors, who helped us get through our insurance claim. Very professional and helpful in helping us figure out what happened to our boat, and what to do next. Would definitely recommend them, as we are grateful for the help and guidance received.
Justin Jones
Apr 27, 2021
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They were hired by my claims adjuster and failed to mention that the boat lock to the cabin was tampered. This was the deciding factor that caused the claim to rejected. How do you leave that out?
Robert W.
Mar 11, 2020
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DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY! It is well know within the surveying industry that Todd & Ass are in bed with insurance companies. That's all they do, insurance surveys, so they won't bite the hand that feeds them, if you know what I mean! Think about that! When we filed a claim with our insurance company we were told to contact this surveyor. After researching their reputation we asked for more choices, and our insurance company said NO you MUST use Todd & Ass only! Period!
Pretty obvious what's going on here! OK so I called them. Also, as a side note, the next day their surveyor appeared on deck without being invited aboard! Our claim was denied, of course! Good luck!
Pretty obvious what's going on here! OK so I called them. Also, as a side note, the next day their surveyor appeared on deck without being invited aboard! Our claim was denied, of course! Good luck!
