Operating a charter vessel — whether you’re running fishing trips offshore, leading dive excursions, hosting sunset cruises, or renting bare boats to qualified operators — creates a layer of commercial exposure that a standard recreational policy simply cannot cover.
Charter boat insurance is a specialized product requiring carriers with deep experience in marine commercial operations. We work with markets that understand the business of chartering: the liability exposure of paying passengers, the wear and tear of high-use vessels, USCG compliance requirements, and the unique risks that come with both crewed and bare boat operations.
Coverages Available
Available coverages for charter boat operations include:
Agreed Value Hull Coverage
Full insured value at total loss with no depreciation — essential for high-value commercial vessels.
Commercial Liability (P&I)
Broad protection & indemnity for bodily injury to paying passengers, crew, and third parties.
Passenger Liability
Specific coverage for injury claims made by fare-paying passengers — a USCG requirement for many operations.
Crew Coverage & Jones Act Liability
Covers crew members’ injuries and illness under the Jones Act and applicable maritime law.
Bare Boat Charter Liability
Liability protection specific to operations where the renter takes command and control of the vessel.
Crewed Charter Liability
Coverage for operations where your captain and crew remain aboard throughout the charter.
Medical Payments (Passengers)
Covers medical expenses for passenger injuries regardless of fault.
Commercial Towing & Salvage
Emergency towing and salvage coverage appropriate for commercial vessel operations.
Hull & Machinery
Physical damage coverage for the vessel, engines, and all permanently installed equipment.
Windstorm Coverage
Protection against wind-driven damage — critical for vessels operating in coastal or offshore waters.
Hurricane Haulout & Storage
Reimburses documented haul-out and storage costs when a named storm is declared.
Ice & Freeze Coverage
Covers freeze-related damage during seasonal layup or unexpected cold weather.
Mechanical Breakdown
Covers repair or replacement of mechanical systems that fail due to a covered event.
Total Engine Failure Protection
Covers catastrophic engine failure that would sideline a commercial vessel.
Fuel Spill Liability
Covers accidental discharge cleanup costs and third-party liability — heightened exposure in charter operations.
Personal Effects of Passengers
Limited coverage for passenger belongings damaged or lost during a charter event.
USCG Documentation Compliance
Policies designed to meet Coast Guard certificate-of-inspection insurance requirements.
Business Interruption
Covers lost charter income if your vessel is out of service due to a covered loss.
Navigational Territory
Flexible territorial limits from inland waterways to coastal, offshore, and international waters.
Liquor Liability (Where Applicable)
Coverage for charter operations that include alcohol service to passengers.
Disappearing Deductible
Deductible reduction over claim-free policy terms.
Trailer Coverage
Available for trailerable charter vessels.