Boating…The costs to owning a boatSummer is fast approaching as is the joy of getting out on the water with friends and family. The numbers of Americans owning boats is at an all-time high.There are (5) basic costs associated with Boat Ownership.  But you can never put a price on the great times you will have with friends and family on a boat.1st) The cost of the boat.There are so many options for a boat owner today.  Selecting the right boat for you often depends on how you plan to use the vessel.  Relaxing, fishing, touring, to ski or board…will... Continue Reading →

If you are trying to reach us, we apologize for the challenges you are having. We are experiencing some technical issues with our main phone line and email system. September 26th-30thPlease know we are working to resolve those issues as quickly as possible. Hopeful this will be fully resolved today, September 30thYou can try to reach your producer, by going to this link and contacting your producer, directly, by phone. "The Team" tab.  Their direct lines are working.If you need to report a claim, call: (616) 890-0457  this is typically reserved for emergency claims and after hour claims.Questions or changes to... Continue Reading →

Reprinted with permission from the NACO newsletter- message to a committee of legislators Disaster relief funds for Great Lakes for hire charter boat owners All, I am President of the National Association of Charterboat Operators (NACO) representing charter boat owners and operators across the country from Alaska to Maine and including the Great Lakes. NACO has a substantial number of members from the Great Lakes Region including 2 Board Members. As y’all know the recent passage of the Cares Act provided $300 Million in covid-19 virus disaster relief funds to the Department of Commerce to provide to charter and commercial fishermen small family... Continue Reading →

In an effort to take care of our staff, their family, friends and everyone's health we are having the Gallagher Charter Lakes staff work from home, until a decision to return to the office is made.    https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/index.htmlWe are experiencing an event unlike most in many peoples' lifetime.  Please follow the guidelines, take care of yourself and those close to you.During this unprecedented time we will continue to service our existing clients as well as work with new clients. If you are an existing client many of your questions can be answered through http://www.charterlakes.com scroll to the bottom of the landing page and... Continue Reading →

Why you may be seeing rate increases in the Marine Insurance Marketplace. We hear clients asking why are my rates going up….I’ve never had a claim; Or, Why is it going up 20% or 30%.  Some policies are being non-renewed by the insurance company and the agency, (Gallagher Charter Lakes is a Specialty Marine Agency) is letting the insured know they are being non-renewed and are searching for alternative companies to offer coverage. Marine insurance stated back in the 1680’s in a little coffee shop in England; Edward Lloyd’s coffee shop.  From there, Lloyd’s became the world’s leading market for specialty insurance. ... Continue Reading →

HURRICANE SEASON is upon us:    Hurricane season has begun, and we have seen the devastating effects from the winds and rain, in the past. It is still, summer and a great time to enjoy the water; by the beach or on a boat. This can make an impending storm especially stressful. The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's article "NOAA Predicts Near-Normal 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season," which outlines what to expect from this upcoming hurricane season. The article predicts a 40% chance of a near normal season between June 1 and November 30 with 9 to 15 named storms... Continue Reading →

This Memorial Day we at Gallagher Charter Lakes honor the memory of those brave Americans who have stepped forward, put on the uniform of our nation, heroically fought to defend our freedoms, and made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can breathe as free people. Let us never forget their service, sacrifice, and dedication to liberty. God Bless these heros! Read on to learn more about the origins of Memorial Day. (source History.com) Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Memorial Day 2019 occurs on... Continue Reading →

Boat owners anxiously waiting to get their vessel out of storage and back in use, each Spring. The boat comes out in the spring, plays during the summer, and inevitably is put into hibernation/layup during the cold winter months. Maintaining your boat is a constant process. It takes a little work to winterize and then de-winterize your boat. It may be tedious, but it's necessary to your machine's longevity and your savings when done properly. Before we dive into our quick tips, all boats and engines are a little different / unique.  These steps are a guide and you should consult consult... Continue Reading →

Beware of SSO SSO (Struck Submerged Object) and there is no-limit to what the object may turn out to be.  Yesterday we posted about a large shipping container seen floating off the coast of South Carolina.  Last week a fisherman spoke of a container floating off the coast of SW Florida. About 1400 containers fall of ships every year.  Most boaters hit things like: oyster beds, stumps, logs, submerged watercraft, shopping carts, refrigerators, crab traps, buoys, moorings, old pilings or pieces of docks.  Those are on normal days.  After storms the list is infinite what may be floating just below the... Continue Reading →

How to Launch Your Boat with Precision The weather has finally warmed enough and the water is calling. You’ve prepped everything at home, started the motor with the earmuffs, put the plug in, checked the bilge, lights work, you are all set for a get day on the water and fueled up. Launching a boat can be very stressful... Follow these steps to a smooth, safe and efficient boat launch.   1. KNOW THE LAUNCH Look at the ramp for any submerged hazards, sharp drop-offs, broken concrete, low over hanging limbs or algae-covered slippery spots.   2. CHECK YOUR BOAT Test-start the engine while your boat is... Continue Reading →

10 Boating Basics Boating how hard can it be?  Buy a boat, put gas in and call a friend.  There are always friends willing to go boating with you.  Fun! Well if you are not prepared the adventure can become adventurous. 1)  Train Driving a boat is different than driving a car.  Because you’re 16 or 60, and are a “Good” driver doesn’t mean you will be safe boating.  There are navigation buoys (Red Right Return), direction of boat traffic on lakes,(it is supposed to be counter clockwise.)  Right of ways.  The 3 W’s -Wind, Waves, Wakes.  Swimmers, skiers, “Jet ski’s”, shallow spots, submerged... Continue Reading →

Congratulations, you’ve bought that special boat.  Whether it’s for commercial use or pleasure, you are seeking Boat Insurance: You’ve worked with an agent and given them all the details about who you are, if the boat will be insured in the name of your business or you personally.  Make, model, serial #, does it have a trailer, where you plan to use the boat and where you will keep it when you are not using it, how much personal property you might have onboard, folks in tropical storm areas-what is your storm plan and many more answers. Your agent then works with 1... Continue Reading →

Tuesday Tips – Understanding Boat Insurance We will cover several terms in the typical boat policy.  Boat insurance is often not regulated like a home insurance or auto insurance policy.  In fact most states don’t require minimum limits of coverage; making it even more important to understand your risks. Why have boat insurance?  The most common answer is in case my boat is damaged or stolen. That is important especially for your loan holder.  However, the other reason is incase people are injured or property is damaged. This week, we will discuss Pollution Liability Boat owners may be responsible for any clean-up and containment expenses... Continue Reading →

Every year there are an estimated 360,000 deaths worldwide related to drowning making it the 3rd leading cause of unintentional injury death and a cause for major concern (World Health Organization). Unfortunately, children make up a large percentage of these drowning accidents particularly if they are under 9 years of age. The chance to drown is exacerbated for kids when boating because of a variety of additional factors that can make the environment more difficult for inexperienced swimmers. Beach and Boating Safety Tips Water Safety When Around The Ocean Swimming from your boat in the ocean, in a river, or in a lake... Continue Reading →

Tuesday Tips – Understanding Boat Insurance We will cover several terms in the typical boat policy.  Boat insurance is often not regulated like a home insurance or auto insurance policy.  In fact most states don’t require minimum limits of coverage; making it even more important to understand your risks. Why have boat insurance?  The most common answer is in case my boat is damaged or stolen. That is important especially for your loan holder.  However, the other reason is incase people are injured. Our Second Tuesday Tip:  Bodily Injury *Please review your policy as not all policies in the boat insurance world are created... Continue Reading →

Tuesday Tips – Understanding Boat Insurance We will cover several terms in the typical boat policy.  Boat insurance is often not regulated like a home insurance or auto insurance policy.  In fact most states don’t require minimum limits of coverage; making it even more important to understand your risks. Why have boat insurance?  The most common answer is in case my boat is damaged or stolen. That is important especially for your loan holder.  However, the other reason is incase people are injured. Our First Tuesday Tip:  Medical Payments *Please review your policy as not all policies in the boat insurance world are created... Continue Reading →

This info is shared from the NACO newsletter. Great news and an early Christmas present for all of us and the maritime industry. The news below was sent out by the American Waterways Operators who we have been in a coalition of maritime industry members with on the EPA NPDES issue working to gain this success for many years.  The coalition is made up of over 300 diverse vessel owners and operators across the United States and along with NACO includes organizations such as the Sportfishing Association of California, the Passenger Vessel Association, and many commercial fishing organizations. We provided you the... Continue Reading →

Protection & Indemnity Insurance – What is it??? If you own a boat and have an insurance policy, you may have noticed in your policy you have Protection and Liability (P&I).  Has it ever been explained?  We will try to offer a brief explanation and highly encourage you to speak to your agent. If you look at your policy and you don’t have P&I coverage, please contact a marine Insurance specialist like Gallagher Charter Lakes.  This is a brief overview of P&I. FOR THE VERY LARGE OCEAN VESSELS P&I is liability coverage for the boat or ship owner.  Most of the commercial ocean vessels... Continue Reading →

Renting your place with your boat… More and more, people are renting their homes via apps and sites like; airbnb, VRBO and many more. This is often great for the renters and the owners. 5 Considerations: 1st- Is it legal in your area to rent your home 2nd- Does your home insurance policy cover your for rental exposures? 3rd- If you have a boat on the premise? Do you have insurance for rental watercraft coverage?  This is not standard in boat and yacht policies. 4th- You will need a rental agreement that is specific to the boat.  You will need a Hold Harmless or Liability waiver and a... Continue Reading →

1st, as with all insurance products, find a company with a strong financial outlook.  Is the policy from an “A rated” company?  Standard and Poors, Moodys and A.M. Best, provide letter ratings on insurance carriers; ‘A’ being the top rated and it goes down from there.  The insurance is only good if the company can financially stand behind the product, even in the case of a catastrophe.  That means, paying claims. Also, will you speak with people when you call claims or have to follow endless prompts, only to leave messages on a machine and wait for a return call? 2nd,... Continue Reading →

Hurricanes-Threatening the East Coast and Hawaiian Islands.  There are several storms spinning along both coasts. Want to remind our policy holders that most yacht and charter boat policies cover some portion of the cost to haul out and secure your vessel on the hard.  Review your policy and execute your storm plan sooner rather than later. Now is the time to get your boats secured until the storm passes. As boaters, there is nothing we can do to change severe weather.  We must be prepared and execute a plan for our safety and the safety of your boat and other property.  There is... Continue Reading →

USCG Urges Boater Safety: Thanks to NACO for sharing this article Labor Day Weekend Reminders The Coast Guard urges boaters to use extra caution while out on the water this Labor Day weekend. Coast Guard crews, along with local and state law enforcement agencies, will be patrolling, conducting safety checks, and watching for people boating while intoxicated or operating in an unsafe manner. Never boat under the influence: It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are stringent penalties for violating BUI/BWI laws, which can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges and... Continue Reading →

7 Tips to keeping your boating season safe - Most of these tips come from Sheriff and Coast Guard sites With the Labor Day Holiday comes the sign that summer is ending and in many places, the boating season is wrapping up.  This weekend, many people will head to the beaches, lakes and seas for one final time on Labor Day Weekend to celebrate with friends and family. However, a relaxing day on the water could turn deadly if boaters are not following safety guidelines. Coast Guard and Sheriff patrol warn those who head out to the waters this weekend- to practice safe boating,... Continue Reading →

Shared from NACO All Gulf Members who own and/or operate a USCG vessel with a Certificate of Inspection From: Capt Bob Zales, II Re: All COIs issued from Sector Mobile I own and operate a USCG COI vessel out of Panama City, FL which is under the purview of USCG Sector Mobile. I recently renewed my COI under the 5 year renewal requirement. When I received my new COI someone at Sector Mobile had changed my original route of navigation which was to operate up to 100 miles offshore from Apalachee Bay, FL to Brownsville, TX, the area under USCG District 8 Jurisdiction. The new... Continue Reading →

NACO   SAD NEWS FOR NACO MEMBERS and ALL FOR HIRE CHARTER OWNERS AND OPERATORS ACROSS THE COUNTRY It is with great sadness that I report that we have lost a great friend, husband, father, Air Force Serviceman, and dedicated worker for the For Hire Charter Industry, Captain Tom Becker from Biloxi, Mississippi. Tom was a great guy, dedicated family man and dedicated to his country and his livelihood in the charter fishing business. Tom retired from The U.S. Air Force where he served all of us. He retired to Biloxi and started his charter fishing business, Skipper Charters. Tom became a NACO member... Continue Reading →

Source WorkBoat Magazine: Coast Guard busts 147´ Florida yacht for illegal charter By Kirk Moore on August 21, 2018 WorkBoat Article The motor yacht Golden Touch II underway on Aug. 19, 2018, in the vicinity of Nixon Beach, Fla. Coast Guard photo. The Coast Guard’s campaign against illegal charter operations bagged a 147´ yacht in Florida Sunday, when an enforcement team found the boat overloaded with passengers and lacking a certificate of inspection. The 147’x28’9” Golden Touch II was carrying 47 passengers off Nixon Beach on Key Biscayne near Miami when it was stopped and boarded by a crew from the Coast Guard Miami station. The... Continue Reading →

Hurricane Lane -Threatens the Hawaiian Islands.   This is the first hurricane threatening the US this year.  You all probably remember the tremendous effects of the two hurricanes in 2017. Want to remind our policy holders that most yacht and charter boat policies cover some portion of the cost to haul out and secure your vessel on the hard. Now is the time to get your boats secured until the storm passes. As boaters, there is northing we can do to change severe weather.  We can be prepared and execute a plan for our safety and the safety of your boat and other property.  There... Continue Reading →

Gallagher Charter Lakes Marine Insurance specialists, takes training and development seriously, with a little fun mixed in. This year the team headed to Saugatuck, Michigan, a port along the coast of Lake Michigan. Working with a Captain there on "BOAT" , a 55 foot Chris Craft, we observed the channel navigation as well as the extensive safety measures followed  preparing for a voyage and during the trip. Safety of guests and crew are serious business.  Having a process and following the procress lead to a safe and enjoyable trip for everyone. Enjoy your guests and enjoy each trip by following a process and plan, before,... Continue Reading →

You are pretty successful at catching fish.  Looking to be your own boss and do what you love. Your love of the water and spending time with many types of people has you believing you can make a life out of fishing. Obviously, you understand the currents and how to catch a lot of fish.  How to get your tackle to do exactly what you need in order to catch fish. TO GET STARTED YOU NEED THESE 5 THINGS: 1. FIRST YOU NEED TO APPLY FOR A US Coast Guard captain’s license. http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=054-09&category=captains-license-info This is a legal requirement to operate the boat and charge people for... Continue Reading →

Summer officially begins this week.  And Charter Lakes Marine Insurance wants you to have a safe and enjoyable experience while you are out on the boat. Summer time means: boating, fishing, beach getaways, picnics, baseball games, golf and just getting outdoors. Exposure to the UV rays can be very dangerous. Those dangers are magnified while on the water. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 3.5 Million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year and on the rise.  90% of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to the sun’s UV rays. If you love being on the water, you probably... Continue Reading →

Charter Lakes Marine Insurance for Charter and Guide Fishing Just read an article of an illegal charter operation that was fined by the US Coast Guard over $14,000.  Probably not enough. They were not following inspection requirements and putting paying guests at risk. As a Charter Captain or Fishing Guide, you rely on clients, your boat and your equipment.  Missing any one of the 3 easily affects your livelihood. We see videos on YouTube or America’s Funniest Video’s… All time Epic Fails and Follies when fishing. Might be someone pulling the rod up and smacking themselves in the face, slipping down the bank... Continue Reading →

As the weather warms up, many of us head to lakes, rivers, or the ocean to fish, waterski, cruise, and relax onboard a boat, yacht or other personal watercraft. With nearly 12 million registered recreational boats in the U.S.*, it’s no wonder the waterways are a popular place to go. But, before you head out with friends and family, take note of a few important safety tips. 1. Make sure everyone wears a life jacket. Victims drowned in approximately 80% of fatal boating accidents. Of those, 83% were not wearing a life jacket. Insist that your crew and guests all wear a... Continue Reading →

2018 Hurricane Season begins June 1st.  What is your Plan? We hope everyone takes the best precautions they can to protect their property, and then best to just head away from the storm path if you can to protect yourselves and your family.  If you don’t have a plan, now is the time to put one together.  If you have a plan, now is a good time to review the plan. This is also a good time for us to remind everyone and provide you with the best information we can with regards to protecting your boat from damage. As boaters, there is... Continue Reading →

This Memorial Day we at Gallagher Charter Lakes honor the memory of those brave Americans who have stepped forward, put on the uniform of our nation, heroically fought to defend our freedoms, and made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can breathe as free people.  Let us never forget their service, sacrifice, and dedication to liberty.  God Bless these heros!  ... Continue Reading →

With the unofficial kick-off to summer arriving this weekend, many are planning long days on the boat. It’s surprising that in some states as much as 50% of boats for pleasure use are not insured.  (#uninsured #underinsured) So today, we are going to discuss some points to ponder. Boat insurance is more than covering your $2,000 - $10Million dollar vessel in case of a total loss.  There are agreed value policies and actual cash value policies.  Ask your agent the difference. What happens if you injure someone? I’ve seen it twice, another boat doesn’t see the skier in the water. Or, someone isn’t paying... Continue Reading →

10 things to review in your boat / yacht policy with your agent Know your policy and work with a licensed insurance agent that knows and understands the nuisances of a boat policy. Be an informed policy holder and know what's in the policy... you are paying for the coverage. There are obviously more than 10 things involved when evaluating a boat policy.  Spend time with your agent to become knowledgeable of your coverage.  This list comes from insureds while speaking with claims adjusters and while speaking with agents at the time of acquiring insurance. Agreed Value:  An agreed value policy may also... Continue Reading →

Hiring the right marine surveyor There are a lot of boats for sale right now and it seems there are a lot of folks out looking to get into boating this year. Anyone who has owned or purchased an older boat probably knows the pains of survey requirements. It’s one of the catch 22’s of owning an older vessel, and it’s often a tough pill to swallow in an all but otherwise enjoyable process.  You know the boat is in good condition so why should you have to pay somebody to tell the insurance company what you already know? The reason is simple... Continue Reading →

Gallagher Charter Charter Lakes announces their Sales and Marketing Director David Graham   David joins Gallaher Charter Lakes in the Grand Rapids, Michigan office. He brings with him over 20 years of sales and marketing experience. Including many years with Foremost Insurance.  David has worked in the field selling, leading sales teams and as a small business owner training companies on sales and leadership. He is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University. And a long time boat owner that loves fishing with his sons.... Continue Reading →

Spring has finally sprung.  Many seasonal “Skippers” are itching to get their boats in the water.  That means all the preseason checks on land.  Oil, fuel, battery, cleaning, put the plug in… Verify your license, registration and insurance are all current. Memorial Day is just around and the corner and for those in the North, that kicks off the unofficial summer boating season.  We all are hoping for warm sunny weather.  What can go wrong? As you load the SUV/Truck/Car;  the cooler full of deliciousness.  Hitch up the boat. Did you inspect the trailer: Inspect the tires!  Look for cracks in the side walls.  Replace... Continue Reading →

Recently the Gallagher Charter Lakes office put together a volunteer committee to start making a difference in the communities we live and work in. The entire office recently came together to donate items to make Easter a little more special for two local families. We were able to provide food for Easter dinner for both families, and we put together Easter Baskets for five children. We are looking forward to more opportunities to work together to make a difference.... Continue Reading →

Guide Courtesy of the Olive Law Firm.... Continue Reading →

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 get "geared... 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 done. The... Continue Reading →

02/01/2015 Charter Lakes Marine Insurance  is pleased to announce a NEW Guided Sport Fishing Insurance Program that provides  the broadest insurance protection we have ever offered at the most affordable price.  For the past 32 years Charter Lakes has insured Fishing Guides throughout the United States.  Our New Guided Sport Fishing policy is a culmination of all we have learned over that period of time.  Each Fishing Guide operation is a unique business with unique insurance needs.  Much depends on the location of the guide, the type of guided activities offered and the boat and equipment used.  We designed this insurance... Continue Reading →

Congratulations!! Bob Paulsen of San Pedro, CA was the lucky winner of the Gallagher Charter Lakes Insurance and Gallagher Fraser Insurance handheld VHF/GPS raffle held at the Fred Hall Sport Show in Long Beach, CA earlier this month. Bob is a lifelong boater and built his first boat at the age of 10. He is an avid fisherman and hunter. We enjoyed meeting many current and potential new clients at this show and hope to see you all again next year! Gallagher Charter Lakes Marine Insurance specializes in Boat Insurance, Yacht Insurance, Fishing Guide Insurance, Passenger Charter Vessel Insurance. Thank you for your... Continue Reading →

Gallagher Charter Lakes (a division of Arthur J Gallagher and Co.) is pleased to announce the addition of Roy de Lis to our Gallagher Charter Lakes family.  Roy joins us after a life time of work in the marine industry from building boats right out of college to working at a marine surveying company.   For the past (8) years Roy has focused his career on marine insurance primarily in the West Coast market.  Roy’s in depth knowledge of boats and marine insurance are prerequisites to working effectively in this industry, says Dan Longman, President of Gallagher Charter Lakes.  Translating that... Continue Reading →

04/01/2013 - Charter Lakes Marine Insurance, in partnership with Travelers Insurance Company is proud to announce a NEW Guided Sport Fishing Insurance Program that provides  the broadest insurance protection we have ever offered at the most affordable price.  For the past 30 years Charter Lakes has insured Fishing Guides throughout the United States.  Our New Guided Sport Fishing policy is a culmination of all we have learned over that period of time.  Each Fishing Guide operation is a unique business with unique insurance needs.  Much depends on the location of the guide, the type of guided activities offered and the... Continue Reading →

“I received notice today that (the fishing guide policy I purchased though) Charter Lakes Marine Insurance is going to pay the claim on my 2008 Yamaha 150 four stroke under the Latent Defect coverage of my policy after my power head failure. The claims department was great to work with and kept me in the loop throughout the process. They sure saved my butt…..Thanks for providing a great product.” Capt. Dave Pecci Obsession Sportfishing Charters Charlotte Harbor, FL ~ Kennebec River, ME www.obsessioncharters.com Thanks Dave, we appreciate your business. This is just one example of why having the right policy in place with the right agent... Continue Reading →

Wilmington, NC – Charter Lakes Marine Insurance is pleased to announce that Ryan Johnson has joined our Team to manage our Charter Lakes Outer Banks Branch office located at 1430 Commonwealth Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403. Ryan has lived in Wilmington with his wife and two children for the past 7 years. He brings with him many years of boating experience having worked as a mate and a captain on large yachts throughout the Atlantic Region.  For the past 12 years Ryan has focused his career exclusively on marine insurance where he has become a specialist insuring recreational and commercial watercraft. Ryan will manage... Continue Reading →

The USCG has reduced the testing rate from 50% to 25% of covered crew members due to the reduction of positive testing results.  The Federal Register notice was published today.  This will reduce the burden to vessels owners as the number of random tests will decrease.  NACO applauds this action by the USCG as it shows the continued effort of the Charter Boat Industry to provide safe vessel operations for the multiple thousands of passengers who use our services. NACO, through the efforts of our continued partnership with the USCG and the work of Capt. Ed O’Brien, USCG Liaison, Tom Becker,... Continue Reading →

NACO is pleased to announce another success in our continued efforts to reduce regulatory burdens and financial costs for our members. NACO worked with Congress on the recently adopted HR2838 USCG Reauthorization Bill, which includes a provision to extend the current exemption for vessels less than 79’ from having to obtain the EPA Clean Water Act NPDES Permit from December 2013 to December 2014. This provides another year to continue working with Congress on a permanent exemption. NACO President, Captain Bob Zales, II stated, “the NACO Board is comprised of hard working concerned individuals who work diligently to seek legislative regulatory... Continue Reading →

To all of our Customers, Stakeholders and Friends; It is with great pride and much excitement that we announce the merger partnership between Charter Lakes Marine Insurance and Arthur J Gallagher & Co. (AJG). This partnership has been forged over many years of working together. We finally took the plunge and made it formal this month. The first thing we want you to know is that nothing will change with our business practices at Charter Lakes. Charter Lakes will continue to specialize exclusively in Commercial and Recreational Marine Insurance. Dan Longman and Mark Van Epps will continue to be in charge of... Continue Reading →

11/13/2012 - Charter Lakes Marine Insurance, in partnership with Travelers Insurance Company is proud to announce a NEW Guided Sport Fishing Insurance Program that provides the broadest insurance protection we have ever offered at the most affordable price.  For the past 30 years Charter Lakes has insured Fishing Guides throughout the United States. “Our New Guided Sport Fishing policy is a culmination of all we have learned over that period of time” says Dan Longman, President of Charter Lakes Marine Insurance Agency.  Each Fishing Guide operation is a unique business with unique insurance needs.  Much depends on the location of the guide,... Continue Reading →

All Boat Insurance Companies vary in their commitment to the business. Commitment translates into dedicating the resources necessary to attract expertise, to provide the best overall value to their customers and provide the best customer service. Boat Insurance is unique from all other types of insurance in that boats operate on water and are exposed to different risks than land based property. Furthermore, liability is often governed by maritime law instead of state law depending on where the boat is navigated.  Hence the need for expertise in the underwriting as well as the claims adjusting functions of boat insurance. Many insurers offer... Continue Reading →

Our thoughts today are with those affected by Hurricane Sandy - we hope you all made it through the storm safely.  If your vessel has been damaged however and you need to make a claim, please know that as your agent we are here to help you through the process.  As soon as you are able to safely access your vessels location to assess damage, please contact our office at 800-879-2248 and we will help you on the road to recovery. Thank you Customer Service Charter Lakes Marine Insurance 800-879-2248... Continue Reading →

Mercury Marine has a great new feature now available on certain models called the TDS (Theft Deterrent System) that is not only a GPS tracking system to locate the vessel if it is stolen, but can also diagnoses engine problems, monitors battery strength, has the "geo-fence" feature to notify the vessel owner if it moves outside a designated area, and can also lock down the engines from full use if the key fob is missing (idle only).  Very cool - Check out the link.  Many boat insurance companies are now offering premium discounts for approved GPS tracking device systems like the... Continue Reading →

The words “total loss” probably bring a few situations to mind: convincing your wife it’s logical to spend your entire savings on an around-the-world fishing adventure, or your efforts at becoming a decent golfer. Sometime near the tenth round of golf lessons, you realized that your slice is never going to correct itself and maybe there is a hobby out there much better suited for you, with much less frustration involved. Unfortunately, in the watercraft insurance industry, the conclusion is not always so cut and dry, since many factors can have an effect on the determination whether your boat accident... 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 the number... Continue Reading →

NACO (National Association of Charterboat Operators) has worked diligently on the TWIC card issue from the very beginning explaining this was an unnecessary financial burden and would not provide additional security. We can proudly announce some good news for many captains. The Coast Guard has released a Policy Letter which modified the requirement that all mariners obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) in order to be issued a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). The Coast Guard is allowing mariners without a valid TWIC who operate on board vessels that do not have a security plan to acquire and renew a MMC.  Specifically... 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 →

From all of us at Charter Lakes, we would like to wish you and your family a Happy Holiday Season. We also want to thank you for being a valued Charter Lakes customer. While speaking at a marine insurance conference in October about “underwriting charter boat insurance”, I was asked if I saw an increase in my customer’s charter businesses due to weak boat sales. It made sense to the questioner that if people could not afford to buy a boat the next best thing was to charter a boat. I agreed, but could not report I had heard that business... Continue Reading →

Another one for the good guys! A Charter Lakes client in Jacksonville Florida was alerted by his GPS tracking system when his boat was stolen this week. He called authorities who responded and caught the thieves red handed with the $300,000 boat and the truck they had stolen as they were headed to Miami. Call Charter Lakes today for recommendations on GPS tracking systems and about any available discounts for having one installed. They definitely work! See the video here.... Continue Reading →

Accidents can happen to even the most experienced captain. Protecting yourself and your customers through proper insurance coverage is the responsibility of every professional fishing guide. The Florida Guides Association has teamed with Charter Lakes Marine Insurance to provide FGA members with an insurance policy that offers very broad protection at a low group rate. Charter Lakes has developed a Fishing Guide Insurance Policy specifically for members of the Florida Guides Association. The policy combines Physical Damage coverage for your boat, motor and boat equipment with Passenger Liability coverage in one very comprehensive and affordable policy. The following is an explanation... 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 Group Insurance Plan automatically... Continue Reading →

Press Release 02/10/2011 Orange Beach, AL – The National Association of Charterboat Operators (NACO) will continue its exclusive relationship with Charter Lakes Marine Insurance to administer the NACO Group Insurance Program. Charter Lakes and NACO teamed up back in 1991 to develop a Hull and Liability policy for NACO members. Twenty years later the NACO Group Insurance Program is still going strong. “We are proud to continue our long standing support of NACO and its sponsoring associations” said Dan Longman CEO of Charter Lakes Marine Insurance.  “Our commitment remains to provide NACO members with the best overall value on their Charterboat Insurance.... Continue Reading →

2011 marks the 20 year anniversary for the NACO Group Insurance Program. For the past 20 years Charter Lakes has administered the program and the St Paul Travelers has underwritten the insurance coverage. In the insurance industry this longevity is rare and is testimony to mutually beneficial relationships that have been forged by all stakeholders. We are grateful to NACO and the membership for their trust and support. Over the past 20 years our mission at Charter Lakes has been to deliver the best overall value to our clients on their charter boat insurance. We have done this by keeping premiums... 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 terms... 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. If you... Continue Reading →

The most common problem we see with physical damage claims is late reporting or repairing damage before reporting the claim. This is a serious issue because it violates policy requirements and does not allow the insurance company the opportunity to adjust your claim. When you have a claim or think that you may have a claim it is imperative that certain requirements are followed so the claims process is not jeopardized. They are spelled out in the Duties after an Accident or Loss section of the policy. In this article we review two important requirements of that clause. 1. Notify Charter lakes... Continue Reading →

For those insureds that live in colder climates and are not taking their vessel south for the winter its time to start the decommissioning process. When it comes to storing your vessel in the winter you should ensure that your vessel is adequately decommissioned for storage throughout the offseason.  Depending on your location you may want to consider indoor, covered and secured storage versus leaving the vessel outdoors.  Proper winterization means more than cleaning out the vessel from the year’s use.  It requires some time and thought to properly get the vessel ready for the winter months.  If you choose to... Continue Reading →

Over the past 25 years we have seen many boats catch fire and burn for one reason or another, in many cases the reason for the fire is unknown. We recently had a claim where a boat burned to the waterline; the reason for the fire was attributed to electrical failure. During the claim investigation, it was discovered that a fuse had blown in the automatic battery charger and instead of replacing the fuse with the proper replacement, the owner wrapped the blown fuse in aluminum foil and placed it back into the fuse holder. This rendered the fuse (overcurrent safety device) worthless... Continue Reading →

As mariners, there is nothing we can do to change severe weather predictions. But we can be prepared. Planning for the safety of your boat and where it will survive best is a lot like the real estate business, Location, Location, Location. The first major decision, one that affects all subsequent action, is finding a safe location where you can keep your boat during a storm. If trailer-able, your boat should be removed from the water at least 48 hours prior to projected landfall and stored in a location that is inland from the coast and safe from high winds and... Continue Reading →

Each marine insurance policy written in northern climates (where the potential for freezing exists), has a Lay Up Warranty that indicates the period of time the insured boat is required to be laid up and out of commission. Many policies also specify whether the boat is to be laid up ASHORE or AFLOAT. Making sure your policy accurately reflects the period of time your boat will be Laid Up and whether the boat is laid up ashore or afloat is your responsibility and is as important as winterizing an engine if a loss occurs to your boat during the Lay Up period. Example: ... 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 that if... Continue Reading →