Commercial Marine Boat Dealer & Marina Insurance

Safeguard Your Business from the Unknown

Owning a boat dealership or operating a marina comes with its risks, but getting all-inclusive coverage should be a top priority to protect your investments. Let us wade through the choppy waters of commercial marine insurance so your business runs smoothly. We’re here to make sure you’re covered.

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How W3 Matches You with All-Inclusive Commercial Marine Insurance Plans

There’s a common saying in the marine industry that a one-size-fits-all commercial marina policy actually fits no one at all, so your first step should be getting in touch with an insurance specialist to find coverage that meets your needs.

Whether your business requires General Liability insurance with a side of Dealers Inventory or a policy that includes piers, wharves and docks, W3 Marine advisers are here to make sure you’re covered, every step of the way. Our customizable insurance coverage plans are perfect for commercial marinas, boat dealers, manufacturers, and marine contractors.

We work alongside a roster of “A-rated” insurance companies that offer us the flexibility to match coverage to individualistic, commercial marine needs. Boat manufacturers laud us for our commitment to protecting their inventory, and marine contractors set sail with full confidence they are in compliance with Federal Maritime (Jones Act) & (USL&H) laws. Marina operators and boat dealers hold comprehensive insurance policies at the most affordable rates possible – secured by yours truly.

It’s our pleasure to help clients weigh coverage cost against potential risks. The result is protection that addresses each commercial marine scenario. Take the guesswork out of commercial marine insurance. Contact our team today.

Considerations for Insuring Your Commercial Marina or Boat Dealership

Loss & Injury

As the boat dealer or marina operator, you’re likely to be liable in the unfortunate event that something occurs on-property or off; whether it's the loss of goods, damage to a customer vessel, a collision, or injury. This is why it’s important to hold liability insurance, specifically for commercial marina operators.

Vandalism/Theft

Unfortunately, people do vandalize and steal parts or entire boats from time-to-time. Just because the boat is at the marina premises, doesn’t instantly make the marina liable. It’s always best for the boat owner to have a policy in place.

Pollution

Should a commercial marina or boat dealership be found responsible for polluting local waters, there could be a hefty penalty. If your commercial marina is at risk of pollution, address it quickly and effectively. Every customer of a wet slip facility should be able to produce an insurance policy evidencing pollution spill coverage. In the absence of customer coverage, the marina could become liable for tens of thousand of dollars in clean up and fine.

Storm Damage

According to Florida law, marina dock owners can’t hold vessel owners responsible for damage done to their property in a storm. Make sure you’re carrying your own marina coverage to protect all buildings, docks, and other owned property/liability exposures.

What to Expect with Boat Dealer & Marina Insurance

Contingency planning should be the wind force behind your sails. In your risk profile, we’ll consider factors like marina maintenance, inventory, property damage liability, pollution concerns, and many more. The insurance products that protect your investment are all based here through W3 Marine.

Our advisers’ expert guidance and access to high-level markets set us apart from other marine insurance agencies. When you contact W3 Marine for a commercial marine quote, expect maximized personalization. We’ll help reveal your potential risks and safeguard your investments against them.

We make the process as easy as a maritime breeze. When you contact W3 Marine, expect the following:

  • A W3 adviser will ask specific questions regarding your exposures.
  • After forming a general picture of your commercial marine coverage needs, specialized coverage may be advised. Coverage is then quickly bound to offer you protection as soon as possible.

Current Marina & Boat Dealer Insurance Coverage Plans

As marine insurance advisers, we’re often asked open-ended questions like, “What insurance do I need?” Before answering, we learn the nuances of business needs, so that every possible exposure is identified and covered.

We offer customized protection, not one-size-fits-all solutions. With wading waters and day-to-day business happenings, most boat dealers and marinas face potential losses from many sides.

Whether you’re a marina owner concerned about site maintenance and safety, or a boat dealer safeguarding against inventory property damage, W3 Marine has coverage plans for you.

Expect to opt for marine General Liability as your baseline minimum coverage. After that’s in place, our agents will advise you regarding the need for specialized protection that includes (but is not limited to):

  • Piers, wharves & docks

  • Protection & Indemnity

  • Tools/equipment

  • Workers Compensation

  • Jones Act

  • Sudden & accidental pollution

  • Commercial property

  • Commercial auto

  • Bumbershoot coverage

Make sure you have the right insurance for your business.

Contact Us to Get Started

Standard Coverages for Boat Dealer Insurance

We’ll wade through some of our most commonly asked queries below (marine pun intended). Call us for additional answers.

What is Bumbershoot insurance?

This type of insurance provides umbrella-like coverage, meaning that it provides an extra layer of liability protection to maritime property owners. It’s specifically designed to offer unique coverage in the case of collision, salvage and marine exposure.

What exposures are typical for marine contractors?

Liability that may occur during the job. For example, someone tripping over your equipment. Another cause for concern is damage to a client’s property or that of a neighboring property/seawall. If you’re working from a barge, watercraft or pollution liabilities may exist.

As a contractor, what am I liable for?

Products and completed operations. If you’ve completed a job and an accident occurs, a third party claim may arise as a result of your work. Whether or not you have been negligent, you’ll incur legal fees in this situation. Any and all property damage or bodily injury to third parties caused by your crew’s work will be considered in claim award amounts.

Can boat manufacturers insure their raw materials against theft and destruction?

Builders risk coverage will address this exposure. It also will cover in-stock component parts. The finished products should be insured at selling price when possible.

What if a vessel I sell malfunctions?

Once you’ve completed the boat and it is sold, an accident related to your completed work could result in a third party liability claim. Your work/products will be excluded, but the liability arising from it may be covered in this case if found negligent.

Do I need USL&H coverage?

This is an area in which corporation owners can have their personal assets exposed to jury awards. Florida is surrounded by water; most inland waterways are navigable. If a land-based employee is injured, he/she may qualify for this federal benefit, which is excluded by a state workers compensation policy. Department of Labor fines of up to $10,000 and an owner’s personal assets are at risk. As a safeguard, take our brief survey to determine if you face exposure.

Get Your Customized Marina or Boat Dealer Insurance Quote

Take the guesswork out of something as important as protecting your business by working with W3 Marine Insurance. Years of dedicated experience and access to high-level markets allow us to formulate the perfect insurance plan tailored to the needs of you and your business.