By Wallace L. Clapp, Jr., CPCU
Insurance on yachts and pleasure boats, personal watercraft, houseboats and marinas is a special class of business not usually written by retail agents in their standard companies. For this reason, a number of specialty managing general agents have been established to handle yacht and pleasure boats as a specialty line.
Most underwriters are boaters themselves and have had years of experience in handling yacht and pleasure boat accounts. Many of these offices provide facilities for yachts only and boats or personal watercraft. Others are exclusive managers of insurance for marinas and watersports rental. Some facilities handle all classes, while other managing general agents, which offer a general line of property and casualty insurance products, include yachts and pleasure craft in their offerings to agents and brokers.
The following is a description of the classes of business for personal marine coverages, as well as a list of markets that offer coverages for yachts, pleasure boats, personal watercraft and marinas.
Antique and classic boats
Antique and classic boats are defined as vessels other than the ordinary manufactured pleasure boat. Standard insurers writing pleasure boats and yachts are not interested in most wooden-hull boats, custom-builts or those of a highly unusual nature. Antique and classic boats are those built 25 or more years ago. Most wooden boats and some older classic fiberglass boats would qualify for this category. The boat must be seaworthy to qualify for coverage on an all-risk, full marine basis. Coverage is written for agreed value on the hull. The policy also includes liability coverage, uninsured boaters, medical payments, personal effects and trailers. Business is often produced on an association basis--for example, all owners of Chris Craft antique boats, etc.
High performance boats
This is a type of pleasure boat designed to provide high performance for cruising, waterskiing, etc. Insurance is a broad form marine policy covering personal and business-owned vessels capable of speeds up to 100 miles per hour. Hull and liability coverage, including medical payments, personal effects, and uninsured boaters, is usually sold as part of a package. Limits generally extend up to $500,000 for hulls and $1 million for liability. Policies are issued at agreed value with named operator warranty. Extended land transit coverage, transit and storage only, and machinery damage coverage are available as options. Extended navigation areas are available. Single- or multi-hulls are eligible.
Houseboats
Insurance underwriters consider houseboats to be in the same category as yachts and pleasure craft. Rates, insuring conditions and coverages are similar. Hull and liability coverages are written on the yacht form. The main difference between yachts and houseboats is that because of the construction of a houseboat, the craft is not as easily navigated, is less seaworthy in rough water, and is more unwieldy than the sleeker yacht. The houseboat is usually powered by an inboard/outboard drive with single or twin engines up to 400 h.p. Values, including luxury fittings, may range up to $50,000 or more. The policy is underwritten on the basis of the experience of the owner or pilot, use of the boat, length of time in the water, and the rate area in which the boat is navigated. Policy includes hull, boat equipment, personal effects, liability, medical payments, and uninsured boaters coverage. Policy is subject to a minimum deductible.
Personal watercraft (jet skis)
This class of watercraft encompasses a wide range of single engine inboard powered vessels no greater than 16 feet in length and using a water-jet pump as the primary source of propulsion. Operators/passengers may either stand up, sit upon (motorcycle style), or sit in the unit depending on the manufacturer. Included in this class are Jet Ski, Waverunner, Tigershark, Wet Bike and Sea Dog "cycle" style models, as well as Jazz and Rage "mini boats."
Exposures include high performance and handling characteristics coupled with minimum operator and passenger protection. Waterskiing and other towing activities have become additional exposures as power of these units increases. Coverage includes hull, liability and medical payments. Units are valued on an actual cash value basis. Trailers and waterskiing liability can be added. Liability limits are available generally to $300,000.
Marinas
These businesses are important to yacht and pleasure boat owners. Marinas provide mooring facilities, repair, alteration, maintenance, storage, fueling, and many other services for the pleasure boat owner. Coverage under a marina package policy includes property, general liability, marina operators legal liability, protection and indemnity insurance, boat dealers inventory, work boat hull, and piers, wharves and docks coverage. The marina operators legal liability policy covers the legal liability of the marina operator for loss of or damage to private pleasure boats while in the operator's care, custody or control.
The policy closes the gap left by the "care, custody and control" exclusion of the general liability policy. Premium is based on gross receipts. Watersports rental insurance is available for marinas that rent out personal watercraft, pleasure boats, kayaks, water skis and wind surfers. Insuring operations such as parasailing and chartered boats can be arranged.
Watersport rentals
Rental of all types of watercraft from personal watercraft to houseboats has become an increasingly popular alternative to ownership of a boat. Coverage is afforded to the owner of the rented watercraft, not the renter. Liability, hull damage and watersports liability coverages are available. Underwriters require use of a written rental agreement containing appropriate "hold harmless" language. Hull coverage is generally written on an actual cash value basis. Premium is based on gross receipts.
Yachts and pleasure boats
Package policies are available for most types of power or sailing vessels. The policy is usually written on an all-risk basis covering both physical damage (hull) and liability risks of the owner. Optional coverage is available for passenger liability, equipment, trailers and waterskiing liability. For small boats and yachts up to 60 feet, hull coverage may be arranged with limits up to $1 million. For larger "mega" yachts up to 200 feet, values may extend to $20 million. Liability limits generally are between $300,000 and $2 million, but some large yachts may be written for as high as $50 million. Boat trailers, personal effects, medical payments and uninsured boaters insurance are important options offered. Premium is based on size of boat, horsepower, navigational range, and experience of operator. Boats older than 25 years are generally written under separate antique and classic boat programs.
Markets
American Collectors Insurance, Inc.: 385 N. Kings Hgwy., P.O. Box 8343, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002-0343; (609) 779-7212; 800-257-5758; FAX 609-779-7289 (Jill Bookman). This specialty broker offers an antique boat program for pleasure boats that are 25 years old and older. Replicas of antique vessels are also eligible. The program covers agreed value on the hull; liability coverage (up to $300,000); uninsured boater (up to $5,000); medical payments (up to $5,000); personal accident (up to $10,000); emergency service (up to $100); personal effects (up to $1,000); and trailer coverage.
The program is available in the following states: AL, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, IN, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NY, OR, PA, TX, VT, VA, WA, WI. Coverage is underwritten by the American Bankers Insurance Co.
Brauer & Associates, Inc.: P.O. Box 20232, Columbus, OH 43220; (614) 451-7174; FAX 614-451-8810 (Paul W. Brauer, Jr.). This office handles insurance on yachts and pleasure craft with agents in 28 states located in the Midwest, Southwest and southeastern part of the U.S. Hull insurance may be written on craft with values from $50,000 to $20 million. The P&I (liability) limits are generally between $300,000 and $500,000, although there are some accounts with P&I as high as $50 million. There is no geographical limitation other than small craft in southern Florida. The primary market is Cigna.
J.E. Brown & Associates: 3000 Citrus Cir., Ste. 220, Walnut Creek, CA 94598; (510) 947-2990; 800-955-8213; FAX 510-947-3978 (Sue Wood). This agency provides pleasure boat insurance and personal watercraft insurance for agents and brokers in California for risks located in California. Coverage is available for: hulls, up to $60,000; liability, $300,000 maximum (boats) and $100/300/50 maximum (jet skis).
Ineligible for the program are boats in excess of 40 feet, except house and pontoon boats; boats with maximum speed in excess of 60 mph; and air boats, inflatable boats or high performance jet boats. The pleasure boat policy covers the hull, watercraft and waterskiing-towing liability, boat equipment, trailer, medical payments and personal effects. The jet ski program provides coverage for the hull, liability and medical payments. Limited waterski liability ($25,000) and trailer coverage may added. The underwriting company is American Modern Insurance Group.
Cape Cod Surplus Insurance (a division of XS Brokers Insurance Agency): 342 Gifford St., Homeport, Falmouth, MA 02540; (508) 495-2989; 888-628-1905 (MA); FAX 508-495-2806 (Adam W. Devine). This surplus lines broker offers programs for yachts and pleasure craft, personal watercraft, and high performance boats.
All programs cover hull, liability, equipment, uninsured boater, trailer. The watercraft program covers boats with speeds up to 55 mph. The high performance program is targeted at boats over 21 feet and with speeds between 55 and 100 mph. The yacht program is written on vessels greater than 26 feet with speeds less than 55 mph.
Hull limits are available up to $400,000 and liability limits to $1 million. Geographical territory is the Atlantic coast, and the agency services agents and brokers in New England only. Underwriters include Markel American, Merrimac Group of Florida, U.S. Specialty Insurance and Florida International Underwriters.
Castagna Specialty Risk: 10235 W. Sample Rd., Ste. 105, Coral Springs, FL 33065; (954) 341-5690; 888-277-7475; FAX 954-341-5873 (Paul Castagna). This wholesale broker writes yachts and pleasure boats and marinas on a national basis.
Cigna Recreational Marine: 1601 Chestnut St., Two Liberty Pl., TLP 34, Philadelphia, PA 19192-2345; (215) 761-6835; FAX 215-761-5471 (Richard S. Weidman, Jr.). This insurer writes yachts and pleasure boats and marinas in all states. Maximum hull coverage is $20 million or more. Maximum primary and excess liability limits vary according to vessel and program.
Business is emphasized from the Great Lakes, West Coast, Chesapeake Bay and upstate New York, and storm-protected East Coast regions. The coverage includes towing, uninsured boater, newly acquired boats and legal expenses.
Connecticut Underwriters Inc.: 329 Main St., P.O. Box 316, Portland, CT 06480-0316; (860) 342-0713; 800-243-3712 (outside CT); FAX 860-342-4392 (Christine A. Curran). This specialty wholesaler writes yachts and pleasure boats, jet skis, houseboats and marinas. The agency services agents and brokers in New England and New York.
The agency offers a yacht and pleasure program and a personal watercraft program through American Modern Insurance Group. Coverage is available for the average boat up to 40 feet and $60,000 in value. This program includes jet skis, houseboats, jet and bass boats. A marina program is available from the Great American and MIP, Inc.
The yacht and pleasure boat package includes: hull and motors, miscellaneous boat equipment, trailers, watercraft liability and waterskiing-towing liability, medical payments and uninsured boater coverage. Personal effects coverage is optional.
The agency also has access to markets at Lloyd's, Cigna, Royal and U.S. Specialty.
Continental Special Risks: P.O. Box 1820, Roswell, GA 30077; (770) 442-0727; 800-877-2463; FAX 770-751-0871 (Julie Branch). This managing general agency handles hull and liability insurance for yachts and pleasure craft, including inboard, outboard, sailboats, pontoon boats, bass boats, inboard/outboard, houseboats and jet skis.
The program includes coverage for the hull and all permanently installed equipment to a maximum value of $60,000. Also available is coverage for miscellaneous equipment and accessories and for trailers. Watercraft liability can be written up to a limit of $300,000. This includes medical payments. Uninsured boater insurance and waterskiing-towing liability are also available.
Watercraft coverage is available only in the state of Georgia, but the agency also services agents in Alabama, South Carolina and Tennessee, as well as Georgia. Insurers include: American Modern Insurance Group, Scottsdale, National Casualty, Lloyd's, Sphere Drake, Commercial Underwriters Insurance Co., U.S. Liability, Mt. Vernon Fire and Acceptance Insurance Co.
First Premium Insurance Group: P.O. Box 77, Covington, LA 70434-0077; (504) 892-7428; 800-256-2171; FAX 504-892-4282 (Richard W. Jenkins, CIC). This specialty general agent writes boat programs through American Reliable Insurance Co. which consists of a boatowners program, a small boat program and a jet ski program.
The boatowners program covers all types of pleasure boats, including inboards and outboards, inboard/outboard drive, jet boats, bass boats, jet skis, personal watercraft, sailboats, pontoon boats, houseboats, kayaks, rowboats, canoes and mini boats. Coverage is provided for the hull and equipment, personal effects and miscellaneous equipment, boat trailers, watercraft liability, waterskiing liability and medical payments. Maximum hull limits are $100,000, and maximum liability limit is $100/300/50. Maximum medical payments is $5,000. Personal watercraft are not written in this program. Boats that operate or are moored in coastal waters of New York and northern New Jersey are not written.
The jet ski/personal watercraft program provides hull and trailer, liability coverage and medical payments. Basic liability limits are $15,000 and can be extended to $300,000. Hull coverage is written on an actual cash value basis. Policies are subject to a minimum $250 deductible. The agency solicits agents and brokers in Arkansas and Louisiana only.
Florida International Underwriters: 2300 Glades Rd., Ste. 135, Boca Raton, FL 33431-7335; (561) 392-1323; FAX 561-392-9719 (Colin Fellows). This marine insurance program manager provides a personal lines boatowners package policy and an ocean marine yacht insurance policy. Any size or value of boat is eligible. Maximum liability limits written are up to $4 million primary and $10 million excess. Hulls are insured at agreed value, actual cash value or replacement cost. A high performance boat program is offered. Marinas and personal watercraft are also written. The agency also has an exclusive charter boat program. The office serves agents and brokers in all states. The firm also writes coverage in the Caribbean.
Keith R. Franson Insurance Services: 49430 Rd. 426, Ste. B., Oakhurst, CA 93644; (209) 642-4600; 800-993-9398; FAX 209-642-4633 (Keith R. Franson). This marine wholesale broker offers insurance facilities for yachts and small pleasure boats and marinas. The firm represents 10 marine carriers, including Commercial Union, Cigna, Maryland/Zurich and Reliance.
Limits vary among carriers; but for yachts and pleasure craft, the agency can write most risks from runabouts to mega-yachts, with P&I limits available up to $25 million on certain qualified yachts. The agency is licensed to write in AZ, CA, ID, NV, OR, UT and WA.
The firm also writes a program for yachts with owners living full time on the vessel. This is available in all licensed states except WA.
Global Marine Insurance Agency: P.O. Box 392, Traverse City, MI 49865-0392; (616) 947-9611; 800-748-0224; FAX 616-947-4407. Web site: http://www.gha-ins.com (Michael Smith). This marine wholesale agency, a division of Guyot Hicks Anderson & Associates, specializes in boat insurance only, including personal watercraft, performance boats, charter boats, personal watercraft rentals and private pleasure boats up to 200 feet.
The agency does business in all states. Insurers represented are: Cigna, Reliance, Commercial Union, Zurich, Chubb, USF&G, American Eagle, St. Paul, American Modern Insurance Group, Markel American, U.S. Specialty and Lloyd's. The agency offers special programs for antique and classic wood boats through Cigna and a Rinker Boat Company-endorsed program through American Modern Insurance Group.
Hagerty Marine Insurance: P.O. Box 87, Traverse City, MI 49685; 800-762-2628; FAX 616-933-1581. Web site: www. hagerty.com (Paul Schneider). The agency specializes in providing insurance coverage for classic wooden boats and some older classic fiberglass boats. Coverage is written on an agreed value basis. Maximum hull limit is $500,000, and maximum liability limit is $500,000.
Coverage is limited to private pleasure use only; no live-aboard risks are accepted; and no houseboats. The facility is licensed to write and service agents and brokers in all states except Alaska. The insurer is Greenwich Insurance Co.
Insurance Center Special Risks Ltd.: P.O. Box 1185, W. Springfield, MA 01090; (413) 781-7475; 888-773-7475; FAX 413-781-0050 (David T. Florian).
K&K Insurance Group: P.O. Box 2338, Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2338; (219)-459-5000; (marinas) 800-552-9253; (watersports) 800-927-4756); FAX 219-459-5511 (Lita Mello). This group, part of Aon Corp., specializes in insurance coverages for the sports, leisure and entertainment industry. It offers two programs for pleasure boating enthusiasts: a marina program and a watersports rental program.
The marina program provides property, marina operators legal liability, protection and indemnity, work boat hull, boat dealers coverage, inland marine, general liability, auto and excess coverages. The watersports rental program covers operations including boat rental, parasailing, bareboat charters, 6-pack charters, small tour boat operations and schools (windsurfing, waterskiing, sailing, surfing and kayaking).
Hull and primary and excess liability limits are variable. The programs cover the continental U.S. The firm services agents in all states.
LoVullo Associates Inc.: 689 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14230; (716) 856-3065; 800-876-3065 (NY); FAX 716-84-BOATS (David W. Pietowski). This managing general agent writes pleasure craft, such as high performance boats, antique boats and wooden boats, ski boats, sail boats, pontoon boats, house boats and bass boats. It also writes rental risks for jet skis, ski boats, pontoons, sailboats, canoes and rowboats. Marinas, boat dealers and yacht clubs are also available.
A new program has been added for personal watercraft, including jet skis, mini jet boats, Skidos and Waverunners. Unlimited hull values and liability limits up to $10 million are available. Geographical territory is inland waters, Great Lakes and Atlantic coast. The agency does business in CT, MA, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI and VT. Insurers used are: American Modern, Markel American, Cigna, Great American, Midwestern Mutual, Security Insurance Co. of Hartford, Commercial Union and Fireman's Fund.
Marine Underwriters Agency: P.O. Box 8699, Red Bank, NJ 07701; (908) 741-2800; 800-631-2147; FAX 800-548-0501. Web site: www.multiplex.com/L/A/MUA (Ed Stanley). This marine insurance specialist has been operating for 35 years. It provides insurance policies for private pleasure boats and yachts of any value. Liability limits are available up to $5 million. Personal watercraft and jet skis are also written. Coverage is written in all states except the Pacific coast states. The agency represents various insurers including Commercial Union, Cigna, Reliance and Royal.
Maritime General Agency, Ltd: (516) 757-1100; 800-366-8086; FAX 516-757-1063 (Christopher L. Pesce). This firm is the exclusive MGA for personal yacht business for New Hampshire Insurance Co. (AIG). The agency handles personal yachts, marinas, boat dealers and yacht clubs for the New Hampshire.
Hull limits range from $10,000 to $4 million; liability limits extend up to $2 million. Maximum speed must be under 45 mph. No wood hulls are written. The vessel cannot be in Florida for the hurricane season, and no winter coverage is available in Florida. Geographical limits are on the East and West Coast, Great Lakes and inland rivers and lakes throughout the country.
The agency services brokers in all states. Underwriters used are: New Hampshire, Royal and Security First of Hartford.
McGraw Group: 3601 Haven Ave., Menlo Park, CA 94025-1033; (415) 780-4800; 800-828-3003; FAX 415-780-4848 (Michael McGraw). The agency is the nation's largest writer of personal watercraft insurance. The product is available in all 50 states. Pleasure boats are written only in California.
The pleasure boat program covers ski boats, jet boats, runabouts, sail boats and performance boats. Eligible boats must not exceed $35,000 in value and 26 feet in length (except 32 feet for sailboats). Package programs include hull ($5,000 to $35,000); liability ($25,000/$50,000/$10,000); medical payments; and trailers and equipment. Limits for liability may be extended to $300,000.
The personal watercraft package program includes jet boats under 16 feet, jet skis and wetbikes. Coverage includes $15,000 liability, hull coverage, watersports liability (waterskiing and other activities). Optional coverages are medical payments, increase in liability limits up to $300,000 and trailer coverage. Insurers used are Pacific Specialty Insurance Co. and American Reliable Insurance Co.
Midwestern General Agency Inc.: 255 NW Blue Pkwy., Lee's Summit, MO 64063-1869; (816) 246-1200; 800-788-4347; FAX 816-246-1290 (Joseph D. Timmons, CPCU). This wholesale managing general agent offers a program for pleasure craft. The coverages available are: hull, liability, P&I, medical payments, rentals, marinas and marina operators legal liability.
Limits are $125,000 for hull and $500,000 for liability. Higher horsepower and high speed watercraft must be submitted to underwriters for approval. The agency services producers in Missouri and surrounding states. Underwriting companies include American Modern Insurance Group, Midwestern Mutual, First Marine Insurance Co. and Lloyd's.
M.I.P., Inc. (Marina Insurance Program).: P.O. Box 52, Wyckoff, NJ 07481-0052; (201) 891-4286; FAX 201-891-6632 (Bill Botz). This firm writes a package policy for marinas, boat yards and boat dealers. The facility is open to agents and brokers in all states.
Included in the package is insurance on: property, commercial general liability, marina operators legal liability, protection and indemnity, piers and wharves, boat dealers inventory and other coverages, such as contractors equipment, owned watercraft, builders risk, auto and umbrellas. Unacceptable risks are jet ski and waterski rental exposures and boat builders.
Old United Casualty Co.: 8500 Shawnee Mission Pkwy., P.O. Box 795, Merriam, KS 66202; 800-866-6090, ext. 271; FAX 800-777-BOAT (2628) (Douglas E. Semler). The insurer writes a personal lines boatowners package and ocean marine yacht insurance. Largest single watercraft written is for unlimited length; varied horsepower; speed boats 65 mph; yachts 55 mph; value up to $1.5 million. Primary limits are $500,000 for boats and $1 million for yachts. Excess limits are available up to $5 million. Hull coverage is written on an agreed value basis.
Medical payments, uninsured boaters, personal effects and emergency service/towing are available at no charge on the boatowners policy. Longshore and harbor workers compensation coverage is available in the yacht policy. An optional mechanical breakdown insurance endorsement is available; emergency towing/service coverage up to $10,000.
Recreational Products Insurance Division, Universal Underwriters Insurance Co.: 6363 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS 66214; 800-238-2446. FAX 800-425-4411. Web site: www.uuic.com/rpi (Glenna Menard). This company offers liability only and package coverage for personal watercraft and jet boats. Liability limits are $15/30/10 basic, extending to a maximum of $100/300/25. There are no restrictions on value, CC size and length, except that all boats must be jet drive only. Ineligible risks are hovercraft, swamp buggies, airboats, toobies, amphibious risks and homemade units.
RPI's programs are available to agents and brokers in all states except AK, AZ, HI, LA, MA, MS, NE, NM, ND, SD and WV.
Bruce V. Schneider Associates: 45 Middle Country Rd., Middle Island, NY 11953; (516) 698-3558; 800-224-1707; FAX 516-698-6128 (Bruce V. Schneider). This agency, which is devoted exclusively to marine insurance, has a number of programs for pleasure boat and yachting enthusiasts.
The personal watercraft program covers jet skis, Waverunners and mini boats. Liability limits are available to $1 million. The recreational watercraft program is written for house boats, pontoons, power boats, wooden hulls, homemades and sailboats. Another program is for high-performance boats, providing specific coverage for ski boats, racers, sport boats and performance cruisers. Coverage is for pleasure use with speeds up to 100 mph, transit and storage coverage for race boats. Hull limits extend to $500,000; liability limits to $1 million. Also provided is agreed value, machinery damage and extended trailering coverage.
The agency also has a seasoned yacht program designed for vessels over 10 years of age. Agreed value, machinery damage, full navigation, wood, fiberglass are eligible, and there is no age limit. Facilities are available for insurance on marinas and boat dealers and personal watercraft and powerboat rentals. Recently the agency developed a small boat program for boats up to 30 feet, speeds to 50 mph, values to $60,000 and age 12 years or less.
The agency services agents and brokers in all states. Issuing carriers are Markel American, Great American, American Modern Insurance, Ranger and Royal.
Sea to Sea Underwriters: 6515 S. 102nd St., Omaha, NE 68127-5413; (402) 891-9444; 800-732-2732; FAX 402-891-9333 (Kurt Limbo). This division of Babcock Underwriters offers a wide variety of policies for vessels from manually powered boats to high performance boats. Preferred as well as difficult-to-place risks are accepted.
Typical types of vessels written are: houseboats, personal watercraft, jet boats, outboards, bass boats, airboats, sailboats, cruising yachts, catamarans, high performance boats. The agency will write homemades, inflatables, wood hulls and other hard-to-place vessels. Personal watercraft rentals are a specialty.
Hull limits to $1.5 million are available. Liability limits are written to $1 million on a primary basis. Sea to Sea does not write risks harbored outside of or navigated beyond continental U.S. coastal waters. Business is written in most states and agents are serviced in all states. Insurers are Markel American, Markel Insurance Co. and Old United Casualty Co.
Seahorse Underwriters, a division of McGriff, Seibels & Williams: 2211 7th Ave., S. Birmingham, AL 35233; 800-277-66978; FAX 205-581-9447 (Susan H. Falcon). This agency offers boat/yacht and personal watercraft insurance programs. Hull limits are available on an agreed value basis up to $225,000; liability limits to $1 million. Boats faster than 60 mph; older than 20 years; and boats in Dade and Broward Counties in Florida are not accepted.
Navigational limits are East Coast and Gulf Coast; southern inland lakes and rivers; northern inland lakes and rivers; Chesapeake Bay and tributaries; Long Island Sound; West Coast; Puget Sound; Alaska; Hawaii; Bahamas; and the Caribbean. It serves agents and brokers in all states. The underwriting company is The St. Paul.
The boat/yacht and personal watercraft programs provide coverage for hull and equipment, tenders, personal effects, trailers, and towing charges, liability, medical payments, uninsured boaters, and Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation.
Service General, Personal Lines Division, a Burns & Wilcox Ltd. Co.: 30833 Northwestern Hwy., Ste. 220, Farmington Hills, MI 48334; 800-521-1918, ext. 258; FAX 810-932-9040 (William McCord, CPCU). This managing general agency writes hull and liability coverages for small pleasure boats, personal watercraft and yachts. Additional coverages include towing and uninsured boater coverage. There is no limit on either hull or liability insurance. Boats over 100 mph are not written, and surveys are needed for boats over 20 years old. The agency services agents and brokers in 46 states (excludes AK, HI, ME and NY). Policies cover navigation in all states where policy is written and yacht coverage is available in the Caribbean if home port is in the U.S. Insurers used are American Modern Insurance, Cigna, Zurich and Lloyd's.
Ski-Safe, a division of Sullivan & Strauss Agency: One Hollow Lane, Lake Success, NY 11042; 800-225-6560; FAX 800-225-6560 (press 6) (Howard Reiff). This agency is a division of Sullivan & Strauss Agency. It is a program manager for yachts and pleasure boats and personal watercraft for Cigna Property & Casualty.
The agency offers a special policy for members of the Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club. This policy provides hull insurance at an agreed value, full navigation, liability limits up to $1 million, pollution liability, and uninsured boaters coverage. The agency's specialty is coverage for ski boats and waterskiing liability and equipment. The Ski-Safe program is endorsed by the American Water Ski Association.
South & Western General Agency: P.O. Box 551119, Dallas, TX 75355; (972) 855-2900; 800-492-5351(TX); FAX 972-855-2970 (Albert Ostermann, Jr.). This managing general agency has programs for pleasure boats, personal watercraft, yachts and marinas. The agency is licensed and accepts risks in Texas only.
Pleasure boats are written with hull values to $50,000, up to 25 years old and 32 feet. Liability limits are $100/$300. Property damage, watersports liability and medical payments are available. Personal watercraft is written on an ACV basis; $300,000 liability limit. Property damage, watersports liability and medical payments may be added. Northland is the insurer for pleasure boats and personal watercraft programs.
Yachts are written with no maximum value or age restriction; liability limits are $1 million with excess available. Marinas are considered on a submit basis. There are no maximum values of property; liability limit is $1 million and excess. Various markets are available for yachts and marinas.
Stuckey and Company: 100 Centre on the Lake, St. Louis, MO 63367; 800-873-0228; FAX 314-625-8897; Web site www.stuckey.com (Dwight Stuckey). The agency writes pleasure boats and personal watercraft. Boats up to $60,000 in value, 26 feet in length and no older than 26 years. Eligible watercraft include: runabouts, houseboats, pontoons, jet skis, wet bikes, Waverunners and mini jet boats.
Coverage is provided for the hull and motors, miscellaneous boat equipment, trailer, watercraft liability, waterskiing liability, medical payments, uninsured boater, and towing and assistance. The programs are available countrywide. The underwriter is American Modern Insurance Group.
T.H.E. Insurance Co.: 10451 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, FL 33706; (813) 367-6900; FAX 813-367-9803 (Chuck Rosser). This insurer is a member of Allied Specialty Insurance Group. It offers a program of insurance for marinas. Covered under this program is property (up to $2 million); general liability (up to $1 milion) including marina operators legal liability and protection and indemnity; boat dealers inventory; auto; and special coverages for watersports rentals, restaurants, bars, boat shows and fishing tournaments. Coverages are written in all states except Vermont.
Van Wagoner Cos.: 1100 Jupiter Rd., Ste. 121, Dallas (Plano), TX 75074; (214) 423-6614; 800-727-999; FAX 214-423-7770 (Paul Van Wagoner). This wholesale broker provides insurance coverages for all personal watercraft. Limits are $1 million hull and $1 million liability. Geographical limits are the U.S. except Florida. The firm solicits agents in all states except Florida. Lloyd's is the underwriter.
Veitenhaus Agency, Inc.: 4260 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207; (414) 483-0220; 800-537-1501; FAX 414-483-4330 (Thomas A. Veitenhaus). This managing general agency writes all types of boats, including pleasure boats/yachts, personal watercraft, marinas and boat dealers and boat rentals. The firm can handle vessels of unlimited length, horsepower, speed and value. There is no maximum liability limit.
Coverage applies to coastal navigation, including Florida, worldwide and Caribbean coverage. The agency serves as administrator of the "Cruisers" insurance program. It represents 18 insurers, and solicits agents and brokers in all states.
Voyager Marine: 511 E. Carpenter Fwy., Ste. 464, Irving, TX 75062; 800-342-4444; (972) 506-0000, ext. 203; FAX 972-402-9090 (Richard Harvey). The firm offers a personal lines boatowners package and an ocean marine yacht insurance policy. It has no limits of length, horsepower, speed and value. Primary liability limits are available to $2 million, excess obtainable to $10 million. Hull coverage is written on an agreed value, replacement cost basis. Uninsured boaters coverage is an option. Coverage is also available for personal watercraft and boat rentals. The firm solicits agents in all states except Florida. Insurers used are: Reliance, St. Paul, U.S. Specialty, American Modern Insurance, Old United Casualty, Commercial Union and Lloyd's.
Westphalen, Bradley & James: P.O. Box 18477, Oklahoma City, OK 73154; (405) 751-0433; 800-777-7412; FAX 405-751-0192 (E. Sue Horn). The managing general agency offers a yacht program and a motorboat program.
The motorboat program is for boats powered by outboard, inboard/
outboard, sail or inboard motors. Length is from 13 to 28 feet. Navigational area is the lakes of AR, KS, MO, OK and TX. Optional coverage is available for rivers. Coverage provided is hull ($40,000), liability ($100,000, $200,000 or $300,000), miscellaneous boating equipment, medical payments, machinery depreciation waiver. On the yacht program, size is from 13 to 85 feet. Hull coverage is $1 million; liability $100,000, $300,000 or $500,000. Personal effects, medical payments and machinery depreciation waiver.
The coverage is written for agents in the state of Oklahoma only. Insurer is First Marine Insurance Co.
Worldwide Marine Underwriters: 1500 Kendale Blvd., Ste. 206, E. Lansing, MI 48823; (517) 333-4100; 800-339-1235; FAX 517-333-4200 (Bob Luellen or Jim Stypa, CPCU). Coverage is written for personal lines boatowners policy and an ocean marine yacht policy. Unlimited length, horsepower, speed and value. Maximum primary liability limits are $5 million; maximum excess limits are $25 million. Hulls are written on an agreed value basis. The agency specializes in high performance watercraft and yachts valued at more than $250,000. Coverage is solicited from agents on a worldwide basis. *