A mechanical breakdown can cost you a whole season, not to mention a lot of money. In addition, depending on the cause of loss, your boat insurance policy may or may not cover it. Just like your vehicle. Keeping up on the maintenance of your engine(s) is key to its longevity. Paying attention to new noises, vibrations, smells, etc. that you did not notice before and having a good mechanic take a look at it can also save you a lot of heartache in the long run. Many boaters in the North East, North West and Midwest are starting to... Continue Reading →

Hey guys and gals We just wanted to wish you all a very Happy New Year and big Thank You for your business! If you are not a current customer, give us a try! We have many specialty marine insurance carriers we work with and can typically find you a boat insurance policy with better coverage and a lower premium. Thanks again! Team Charter Lakes Continue Reading →

Claims service should be one of your primary concerns when purchasing any boat or yacht insurance policy. After all, isn’t that the reason you’re buying the policy in the first place?  Here at Charter Lakes we believe claims service is the value behind any marine insurance agency and the policies they sell.  Not to toot our own ‘ships whistle’, but proof is in the pudding as they say, so we thought we would share a few recent email comments from our clients who had to make a boat insurance claim…. “I can’t thank Charter Lakes enough for everything they have... Continue Reading →

“I want to do that!” is the cry we hear from people who see Dan Hernandez on television. These folks are doing more than adding sportfishing to their bucket lists, they are heading to the internet in droves to book charter boats for their family vacations. I recently read an article about the economic impact of fishing in Sport Fishing Magazine. I was struck by the magnitude of the numbers and the immense buying power of anglers: One million jobs are supported by sportfishing, mostly in the travel service industries and in the production of gear and boats – That... Continue Reading →

We would like to make a clarification concerning the cover article written in our Holiday Newsletter as it relates to a reference to Catch Shares regulation. For the past 30 years, the Guided Sport Fishing Industry has been supportive of Charter Lakes Marine Insurance.  We take that support seriously and are committed to supporting our clients and the industry as a whole in their pursuit of their business interests.  Whether the issue is related to the Coast Guard, the DOT or fishery management regulation, our only concern is that the Guided Sport Fishing Industry is treated fairly.  That was the... Continue Reading →

Grand Rapids, MI – Charter Lakes Marine Insurance announces the introduction of the Disappearing Deductible for the NACO Group Insurance Plan. NACO member policyholders will see their hull deductible disappear with our new Disappearing Deductible policy feature. Beginning in 2011, at your first renewal, your original elected deductible will drop by 25%. Each subsequent year you remain claims-free, your hull deductible will drop another 25% until it reaches zero. Once it reaches zero – it stays that way as long as you remain claims-free and insure with Charter Lakes and the NACO Group Insurance Plan. Current policyholders of the NACO... Continue Reading →

In the marine insurance business this phrase relates to dressing up a cheap policy to make it look more attractive than it really is. When you purchase a marine insurance policy you are transferring the risk of charter boat ownership to an insurance company who agrees to bear the risk in exchange for a premium. However, the insurance company writes the insurance policy. You have very little input into the terms and conditions of coverage. That is why it is so important to work with a marine insurance specialist who represents many marine insurers and understands the differences in policy... Continue Reading →

Many captains operate their business as a corporation but fail to inform us they are incorporated. It can be confusing if you own your boat personally and run your business as a corporation. Who should you insure? The answer is both you and your corporation should be listed as named insureds on your policy. Operating your charter boat business as a corporation is done primarily to transfer the liability of that business to the corporation and shield you from personal liability. To make this transfer complete, the corporation should be listed as a named insured on your charter insurance policy.... Continue Reading →

Taking the public for hire is serious business. The captain needs to be aware of who he/she is taking out. For many passenger’s, this is their first time on a boat and they most likely do not have any idea how to operate it or what to do in an emergency situation. If you or your captain fall overboard or have a serious medical condition, will your passengers know what to do? The following are some of what should be covered with your passengers before leaving port on each trip: • Show them where the life jackets are located so... Continue Reading →