Commercial Boat Insurance for Small Fishing Vessels

Obtaining the right amount of insurance for your small fishing business can be essential to keep it financially protected. When it comes to buying commercial boat insurance, boat owners need to have a policy customized to meet their individual needs. What do you need to keep your business safe on the water? With a customized commercial boat insurance plan, you can protect your assets and minimize liability claims against your company. That can translate into protections for your company.

What Insurance Do You Need?

Owning a boat for commercial operations increases the risks against it. Now, your company can be sued for mistakes made. There are also workers that may require insurance protection from injuries. What type of coverage do you need if you operate a commercial small fishing vessel? This type of coverage should include:

• Property insurance, a comprehensive insurance policy to protect the property itself from risks associated with loss such as from fires, theft, and vandalism. You’ll also want to consider replacement value coverage, which helps you to replace your boat in the event it is lost totally.
  
  
• Contents coverage for commercial fishing vessels is very important, but must be customized. Depending on the amount and type of equipment you have on board, you may need separate equipment insurance as well.
  
  
• Liability insurance for small businesses is also important. If your operation is small, a general liability insurance plan may be effective. However, with a larger business, commercial umbrella insurance can become helpful.
  
  
• Workers compensation coverage can be necessary for any fishing vessels that have employees. Because of the increased dangers in a wet fishing vessel, workers compensation is vitally important for most small businesses.

In addition to this, it becomes important to work closely with a commercial insurer to determine other needs. You may need cargo insurance, pier, wharves and dock coverage, as well as marine liability insurance. You may need protection for your hull and machinery and support for shore side property. Business interruption, employee theft and commercial auto insurance can be important, too. It may seem overwhelming to find the right type of boat insurance, but with the help of an agent, you can customize your insurance to meet your unique needs and therefore keep your business safe on the open water.