Is your boat to be used for work or pleasure? Do you have a crew with nets to catch a mess of fish to sell, or will you troll and be happy if you catch one trophy fish or something to have for dinner? Do you take on paying passengers or just a few friends and family? This can affect your insurance. After all, it’s not just you and your property that’s become a liability but your entire livelihood.

Insurance and the Working Boat

Do you have paid crew members? Under the Jones Act and General Maritime Law, you are required to have a policy that covers your liability to the crew. Preferably, this policy should deliver distinct coverage for your liability as per the Federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. If they are injured on board your boat, this will fully cover your statutory liability to any shore-based workers on a temporary hire. Do you charter your boat or carry paying passengers? If so, many boat policies will exclude coverage in that case. If the circumstances are right, an upstanding insurance company might extend your coverage. It never hurts to ask. Don’t forget to find out if your policy has enough coverage for medical payments.

Contact Kinowski Agency Inc. in Amsterdam, NY

The rivers and canals surrounding Amsterdam, NY can be a pleasure to travel. It’s not a bad way to make a living, either! Whatever you do with your boat, you need to get it insured. If you’re in the boat insurance market, please get in touch with the Kinowski Agency Inc. We will put you in contact with a knowledgeable agent dedicated to helping you find the policy you need.