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Protecting your marine business is our business.
Find a Markel marine agent and get a free, no-obligation quote today.
You know the risks in your business. Thankfully, so do we.
Helping you protect your business with customizable, affordable insurance coverage is our top priority. With over 45 years of marine experience, we understand the risks and liabilities that commercial marine business owners like you are exposed to. A Markel Tradesman™ or marine business insurance policy from Markel can provide you with insurance protection and meet your business needs.
Why is insurance for my marine business important?
When you look at the assortment of businesses that fall under the commercial marine category, it’s obvious that this is not a one-size-fits-all category. There’s a big difference between a business that rents rowboats by the hour and a blue water sport fishing charter.
That’s why our marine business insurance program is designed from the ground up can offer a broad spectrum of coverage features for a wide variety of marine business uses. Insurance coverages can be designed specifically to help keep your business afloat.
What we offer
Markel has 45 years of experience providing specialized insurance protecting for marine businesses including:
- Boat or PWC rental facilities
- Boat clubs
- Boat schools
- Commercial fishing boats
- Bed and breakfast boats
- Bareboat charters
- Guide charters
- Sport fishing charters
- Sightseeing excursions
- Owner/operator vessels (environmental, artisan, weed control, etc.)
Our coverages can include:
Available for all usages
Physical damage
Can provide coverage for repairs or replacement of your boat if it is damaged or stolen. Flexible deductible options are available.
Watercraft liability
Can provide protection for legal liability you may have for bodily injury or property damage through ownership, maintenance or use of the vessel.
Pollution liability
Can provide coverage for the sudden, accidental and unexpected discharge or spillage of a contaminant from the insured vessel.
Trailer coverage
Coverage for the trailer used to carry the insured watercraft.
Business interruption coverage
When a physical loss to a covered property occurs, it can lead to costly downtime. Business interruption coverage helps marine businesses withstand a covered loss so it is "business as normal."
Watersport liability
Coverage for bodily injury or property damage while the insured vessel is being used for waterskiing, aquaplaning, or any similar sport in which a person(s) or object(s) are being towed.
Premises or slip liability
"Slip & fall" coverage can provide insurance protection for the insured if another person is injured while on the insured's property.
Medical payments
Can help cover necessary medical treatment resulting from an accident-causing bodily injury to any person while in, boarding or leaving the insured vessel.
Personal property
Can provide coverage for personal items not generally required for the safe operation or maintenance of the vessel (i.e. cameras, water-skis, sporting equipment, etc.). Coverage includes items while aboard an insured vessel or while being loaded or unloaded.
Emergency towing & assistance
Coverage can help reimburse the reasonable cost incurred (up to the limit purchased) if commercial towing assistance is required. Includes delivery of gas, oil, parts or a loaned battery (excluding the cost of items themselves) or emergency labor, while away from safe harbor.
Fishing equipment
Coverage on a primary basis for fishing equipment while aboard the insured vessel or when it is stored in a locked storage facility. Fishing equipment can include gear and equipment used in the legal taking of fish, including rods, reels, lures, rigs, line, tackle boxes and related electronic gear.
Uninsured and underinsured watercraft
Provides coverage for damages an insured person is entitled to receive due to a watercraft accident caused by an uninsured/underinsured vessel.
Crew liability
Provides coverage for the legal liability of an insured to a paid captain or crew member, and for obligations and duties under Jones Act or general maritime law.
Preferred charter (sport fishing only)
- Tournament fee reimbursement – reimbursement for the non-refundable portion of a tournament entry fee
- Referral liability – can cover legal obligations if the insured negligently refers people to another professional charter and they are injured
- Emergency expense reimbursement – coverage for the lodging and transportation expenses due to a covered physical damage loss, while more than 250 miles from mooring location
- Limited commercial fishing – allows usage for limited commercial fishing
Coverages offered vary and may not be available to all risks.
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Frequently asked questions about marine business insurance
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General questions
What is Markel Tradesman?
There are unique risks to owning a business and owning a commercial marine business is no exception. Markel understands these risks, and for over 45 years, has been helping insure marine businesses like yours with our Markel Tradesman™ coverage. The Markel Tradesman™ program is insurance protection designed to help you protect your marine business.What type of marine businesses do you typically insure?
With over 45 years of experience insuring marine businesses, chances are, we’ve seen a business like yours before. Examples of marine business risks that would fall under our Markel Tradesman™ program include:- Boat or PWC rental facilities
- Charter boats used for guides, bareboat, sightseeing or sportfishing
- Bed and breakfast boats
- Boat clubs
- Boat schools
- Commercial fishing boats
- Owner/operator (environmental, artisan, weed control, etc.)
Do you insure charter boats?
Whether you are a professional captain taking out guest passengers out for sport fishing, dinner cruises, sightseeing tours or even using your boat as a water taxi you can be protected with our Markel Tradesman™ coverage.What type of coverage do you offer for charter boat businesses?
Charter business owners have a variety of protection options so they can customize their coverage to fit their business needs and budget. Some coverages available for marine charter businesses include:Base charter coverage options:
- Windstorm extra expense
- Automatic tender
- Lower marine electronics deductible
Optional coverages available:
- Business interruption
- Primary fishing equipment
- Guest liquor liability
- Slip and mooring liability
- Premises liability
Optional preferred charter package coverage options:
- Tournament fee reimbursement
- Referral liability
- Emergency expense reimbursement
- Limited commercial fishing
At my facility, we rent out boats and also use those same boats for charters. Am I covered for both uses of the boat?
With our Markel Tradesman™ coverage, numerous business types can be listed on one policy. For example, if you use your boat for charters, but also have that same boat available for rental for your customers, both can be listed on the same policy. When talking with one of our watercraft insurance specialists, be sure to list all the different ways your boat(s) is used.I use my boat for my business, but also sometimes use it for personal use. Am I covered?
If you own a boat bed and breakfast, use your boat to charter and/or guide, or even use your boat in a light commercial capacity (i.e. corporately owned boat used for client entertainment or employee use), you may be covered if you use your boat for personal use as well.How do I get ahold of my agent?
If you're not sure who your Markel marine agent is, you can look on the declarations page of your Markel Tradesman™ policy (usually page 4 of your policy). Your agent’s information will be listed under “Your Agent” on the upper right-hand side of the page.How do I get a quote from Markel?
It's easy to get a quote from Markel. Simply find a licensed Markel marine agent in your area and request a Markel insurance quote.How do I make a change to my policy?
If you need to make a change to your Markel marine insurance policy, simply contact the agent listed on the declarations page of your policy.Can I pay my bill online?
Yes, visit our My Account page, where you can make a payment with a credit card, debit card or checking account. You can also decide if you want to make a one-time payment or set up automatic recurring payments so you never miss a payment. -
Claims questions
How do I file a claim?
We understand that no one wants to file a claim. That's why we do everything we can to make the process as painless as possible. You can report your marine business insurance claim by calling our office at +1.800.236.2453 or submit your claim online.How long will it take for my claim to be processed?
We are committed to investigating, evaluating and resolving marine insurance claims in a timely manner.Is there anything I can do to help speed up the claim process?
You can help streamline the claims and settlement process and avoid delays by providing the following information when you file your claim:- Policy number
- Date, time and location of loss or damage
- Description of loss or damage
- Digital photos (if possible)
- Phone number to reach you
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Get the insurance protection you deserve.
Find a Markel marine agent and get a free, no-obligation insurance quote for your marine business today.
Additional resources
Related products
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Boat
Specialized coverage designed specifically for boats 26 feet or less, such as pontoons, runabouts, fishing boats and more.
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Personal watercraft
Fit your budget and boating style with affordable and customizable coverage for your personal watercraft.
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Yacht
For watercrafts greater than 26 feet in length, such as a yacht, sailboat, sport fishing boat, trawler, or houseboat.