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When Your Livelihood Depends on Your Vessel, Generic Coverage Won’t Cut It

As a commercial business, you face risks that recreational policies weren’t designed to handle. Commercial liability concerns, crew-related exposures, equipment losses, and unexpected downtime can all impact your ability to operate – and your bottom line. Our Commercial Vessel Insurance is bespoke marine insurance – it’s tailored, designed solely for working vessels and associated liabilities.

What Our Commercial Vessel Owners Can Count On:

  • Extensive Coverage

    Comprehensive, occurrence-based coverage designed specifically for commercial operations like yours.

  • Defense Costs

    Expenses for legal fees and costs incurred to defend and investigate any one accident or occurrence covered within the liability limits.

  • Hull & Machinery Agreed Value

    Know exactly what a covered total loss pays with no depreciation surprises.

  • Captain and Crew Protection (optional)

    Liability to protect you as the vessel owner from Maritime Employment Acts such as Jones Act or the United States Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act.

  • Commercial Watercraft Liability

    Commercial marine liability protection built for commercial vessel exposures.

  • Contractual Liability Coverage (optional)

    Protection to insure the liability of the policy holder arising out of hold harmless and/or indemnity agreements as entered into by the vessel owner for the furnishings of vessel services.

  • Pollution Liability (optional)

    Rest easy with coverage designed for accidental fuel spills and discharge incidents.

  • 24/7 Claims Support

    Around-the-clock help is there when you need it – whether you're offshore, at the dock, or on a job.

Trusted By Commercial Operators Across the Water

Absolute breeze to get insurance on my boat! Would recommend this company to anyone!!!!!

Jon

Your Commercial Vessel Insurance Should Reflect the Realities of Your Operation

Behind every survey, inspection, environmental project, rescue operation, and commercial fishing trip is a business that depends on reliable protection. Whether you're supporting critical infrastructure projects, assisting a vessel in distress, or earning your livelihood on the water, your insurance should fit your needs – not the other way around.

We help commercial vessel owners secure coverage designed around the work they perform and the risks they face every day.

  • Oil & Gas Contractors
  • Geophysical Contractors
  • Environmental Contractors
  • Pollution Remediation Contractors
  • Hydrographic Surveyors
  • Bridge Inspectors
  • Vessel Assist Tow Boats
  • Municipal Patrol & Fire Rescue Operations
  • Aquatic Foliage Control Contractors
  • Commercial Fishermen
  • Employee Transport Services

Added Protection – Because One Unexpected Incident Can Impact More Than Your Vessel

Your vessel may be the engine behind your business, but it’s not the only thing at risk. Your crew, contracts, cargo, and customers all depend on your operation running smoothly. The right protection is a must to keep your business moving forward with confidence.

Our additional commercial vessel insurance options are built to strengthen your policy and support the realities – and cover the risks – of operating a commercial vessel.

  • Jones Act / Maritime Employment Liability

    Protection designed for liabilities involving your crew and maritime employees.

  • Cargo Legal Liability

    Coverage for legal liability arising from cargo-related losses or damage.

  • Excess Liability Coverage

    Additional liability protection for businesses that require higher limits and broader peace of mind.

  • Additional Insureds & Waivers of Subrogation

    Meet contractual obligations with specialized endorsements and policy modifications.

  • Pollution Liability

    Additional protection for pollution-related incidents, accidents, and environmental exposures.

  • Towers Legal Liability

    Coverage designed for operations performing towing services and related activities.

  • Medical Payments Coverage

    Fast, reliable protection for covered injuries when unexpected incidents occur.

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Protecting Your Business Means More Than a One-Size-Fits-All Policy

Commercial marine operations can be complicated, but finding the right commercial vessel insurance partner shouldn't be. For 40 years, we’ve helped commercial operators protect their crews, contracts, assets, and livelihoods with insurance built for your risks and realities on the water.

Who You Insure Through Matters

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Commercial Vessel Insurance: Frequently Asked Questions

Commercial vessel insurance helps protect working vessels and the businesses that rely on them. Unlike general marine insurance or recreational boating insurance, this type of coverage is built for working vessels and the unique risks and responsibilities they take on. Depending on your policy, coverage may include hull and machinery, Protection & Indemnity (P&I), crew protection, pollution liability, and other coverages designed specifically for commercial marine operations.

Commercial vessel insurance is built specifically for businesses that earn their livelihood on the water. Unlike recreational policies, it should include specialized protections for commercial operations, crew-related liabilities, contractual requirements, pollution exposures, and other risks associated with working vessels.

It’s usually pretty straightforward. If you use your vessel for business purposes at all to generate income or revenue, a commercial vessel insurance policy is designed to provide protection that recreational boat insurance typically doesn't offer. Commercial operations often face unique risks involving employees, contracts, equipment, cargo, and liability exposures that require specialized marine coverage. If you manage any of those, it’s likely this type of insurance is a must.

Navigation limits refer to the geographic areas where your vessel is covered to operate. Some marine insurance policies restrict where you can travel, while broader navigation limits provide greater flexibility to operate across larger waterways or coastal regions. At Charter Lakes, we work with commercial operators to help secure navigation limits that align with where they do business.

If your business relies on working vessels as part of its operations, you probably need this type of insurance. This can include (but isn’t limited to) commercial fishermen, oil and gas contractors, environmental contractors, hydrographic surveyors, marine construction companies, vessel assist tow boats, municipal patrol and fire rescue operations, and many other commercial marine businesses. If your vessel is used for business purposes, specialized commercial marine coverage can help protect your operation from risks that recreational boat insurance isn’t designed to cover.


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Coverage That Reflects the Realities of Your Life on the Water

Standard boat policies can leave serious anglers like you exposed. Fishing means a real investment – your vessel, your gear, your travel, and of course, your time on the water. Generic boat policies can leave dangerous coverage gaps that can cost anglers tournament prize money or a season of great memories.

What Our Anglers & Fishing Professionals Can Count On:

  • Agreed Value Settlements

    Full insured value in a total loss—no surprise depreciations.

  • Unlimited Trailering

    Rest assured knowing coverage follows you—wherever the next bite takes you.

  • Tournament Fee Reimbursement

    Recover tournament entry fees if a covered claim ever keeps you off the water.

  • Replacement Vessel Liability

    Stay protected no matter what—even when operating a temporary vessel.

  • Professional Angler Liability

    Full coverage for seminars, sports shows, and public events.

  • Pollution Liability

    Complete coverage for accidental spills, fuel discharge incidents, and more.

  • Fishing Equipment & Personal Property

    Protection for your rods, reels, tackle, electronics, and on-the-water gear.

  • Towing & Emergency Services

    Know you're covered—even if unexpected breakdowns leave you stranded.

Words Straight from Pros on the Water

Been with Charter Lakes for over 25 years. Fair, courteous service at a very fair price. Highly recommend them.

James Samia

Marine Insurance That Covers You Before, During, & After Tournament Day

Hooking your catch starts long before the lines hit the water—just like risk doesn't disappear the second you head back to shore. From trailering your vessel, to events to protecting your gear between trips, our coverage is designed for every stage of your time on the water—and built around the realities of your fishing lifestyle.

  • Tournament Fishing

    Protection designed for competitive anglers and tournament participation.

  • Traveling & Trailering Anglers

    Coverage that follows your vessel from the launch ramp to the tournament to the home slip.

  • Inshore & Offshore Fishing

    Coverage created for serious anglers fishing a variety of waters and conditions.

  • Sponsored & Professional Anglers

    Liability protection built to go beyond tournaments—including seminars, sports shows, and public events.

  • Recreational Anglers with High-Value Rods & Gear

    Serious fishing investments aren't just for the pros—and they deserve serious protection.


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Extra Protection for the Marine Risks that Other Carriers Miss

Risk is everywhere when it comes to your vessel, equipment, tournaments, and time—your marine insurance should be everywhere, too. Our coverage addresses all the gaps other carriers miss—and brings you extra support for more protection and peace of mind, on the water and off.

  • Tournament Fee Reimbursement

    Recover tournament entry fees after a covered loss.

  • Replacement Vessel Liability

    Protection at all times, even when operating a temporary replacement vessel.

  • Towing & Emergency Services

    Emergency support for when the unexpected happens offshore or inshore.

  • Fishing Equipment & Personal Property

    Rods, reels, tackle, & onboard electronics—all covered.

  • Unlimited Trailering

    Across town or across country—you're covered.

  • Professional Angler Liability

    Coverage beyond tournaments—public appearances, instruction, & sponsored events.

Who You Insure Through Matters

For more than 50 years, we've helped recreational fishermen and tournament anglers protect their vessels, gear, and time on the water. We don't dabble in marine insurance—it's what we do. That means faster quoting, specialized support, and a team that knows how to protect your vessel, your gear, and your trips with confidence.


Angler Insurance: FAQs

The Anglers Choice policy specifically defines the use of a vessel to include coverage for your vessel, machinery, equipment, and your fishing gear while used in fishing tournaments.

It provides additional coverage for participating in Professional Angler Activities such as fishing tournaments or charity fishing events, conducting fishing seminars or workshops, and working sport shows.

We extend coverage for your fishing equipment(tackle, rods, reels, etc.) when it is in your boat, while stored ashore, or locked in your vehicle. Most boat policies only provide coverage while the equipment is aboard the boat.

Yes. Boat insurance policies cover damage to the insured vessel when you are trailering it, but if your vessel damages the property of others or hurts someone while you are towing it, that would fall under your automobile liability insurance.

The insurance Carrier and the Insured agree to a specific value on the property. At the time of a total loss, the company pays the agreed value with no regard for depreciation.


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Charter Lakes specializes in boat insurance.  And while you might think all small boat insurance policies are the same, you would be wrong. Every boat insurance policy is written differently and can vary greatly in the amount of coverage provided. Charter Lakes represents the strongest marine insurance underwriters in the country. We understand the strengths and weaknesses of each our underwriter’s policies as well as the policies of our competitors. Our Account Executives will help you find the broadest insurance protection at the most affordable price.

Small Boat Insurance Features:

  • All Risk Policy written on an Occurrence basis
  • “Agreed Value” Physical Damage Coverage
  • Protection and Indemnity Liability
  • Pollution Liability
  • Medical Payments
  • Trailer Coverage
  • Personal Property Coverage
  • Uninsured Boaters Coverage
  • Towing and Emergency Assistance

Because boat insurance is all we do at Charter Lakes, we offer much more to boat owners than can be offered by a general insurance agent.  Apart from representing a wide array of (A) rated underwriters and policy forms, we offer 24/7 claims service so you will have our support available in the unfortunate event of a claim. As a specialist, we are uniquely capable of acting as an advocate for our clients if there is ever a claim dispute with an underwriter. We have successfully gone to bat for our clients on many occasions.

Putting our team behind you is a winning combination.

Standard Charter Boat Policies Aren’t Enough – You Deserve Real Coverage, Real Protection  

Sudden weather shifts, passenger injuries, crew injuries, equipment breakdowns – the risks of owning a Charter Boat are real. A one-size-fits-all insurance policy won’t cut it when it comes to charter boat-specific realities. You need charter boat insurance that goes beyond standard boat policies.

  • Comprehensive Protection

    Broadest policy for charter operators

  • 24/7 Claims Support

    Help anytime, anywhere – you’ll never be stuck waiting on shore.

  • Agreed Value Settlements

    Peace of mind knowing that a total loss pays the full insured amount with no depreciation curveballs.

  • Fleet Discounts

    More vessels, more savings – competitive pricing for fleets.


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From the Captains' Chairs

We have insured a number of boats with Charter Lakes Marine Insurance. Charter Lakes Marine always gives us a competitive price and excellent service.

Katrina Lavergne

Insurance That Covers Your Charter Boat Business

Every day you face the realities and risks of owning a charter boat  – we think your policy should, too. We tailor charter boat insurance policies around your life and your work on the water. With an all-risk charter insurance package, you can run trips without second-guessing your coverage.

  • Hull, Machinery & Equipment

    Protection against sinking, fire, collision, storms, theft, and more.

  • Medical Payments

    Coverage for small injuries to passengers and guests.

  • Protection & Indemnity (P&I)

    Liability coverage geared to cover Charter Boat Owner exposures.

  • Dockside Liability*

    Coverage that starts before passengers board and continues after they step off.

  • Passenger & Crew Coverage

    Structured to support commercial charter operations for Bodily Injury to your guests and crew.

  • Replacement Vessel Liability*

    Seamless protection if you need to operate a backup boat.

  • Uninsured/Underinsured Boater

    Because not everyone else on the water carries enough coverage.

  • Personal Property and Fishing Gear

    Protection for your personal items and expensive gear from damage or theft.

*Coverage may not be available in all programs.

Who you insure through matters 

Marine Coverage That Fits Your Charter Business

We're not here to change the way you guide. We're here to insure it - so you can ensure you're doing things your way. Our coverage works for guides who...

  • Sportfishing Charters
  • Excursion Charters
  • Sightseeing & Eco-Nature Tours
  • Multi-Boat & Fleet Operations
  • Whale Watching Tours
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Your operation: Protected with Extras That Others Miss

When it comes to your charter operation, the basics aren't enough. We can round out your custom policy with options that help you meet contracts, align with resort and marina requirements, and cover the unique risks of every trip.

  • High-Limit / Excess Liability

    Meet insurance requirements of resorts, marinas, and booking agencies without stress.

  • Captain & Crew Liability

    Coverage specifically tailored to the way you staff and run your operation.

  • Dockside Liability*

    Coverage that kicks in before passengers step on board and after they disembark. *Not available in every package

  • Equipment & Tackle Safeguard

    Protect your high-value gear and fishing tackle

Charter Coverage Built by Marine Insurance Specialists

For over 35+ years, Charter Lakes has been specializing in just marine insurance. Our marine experience provides faster, cleaner quoting, smarter coverage design, and support from those who actually understand the risks of owning a charter boat business.

What does that mean for you? Real marine coverage that covers real charter boat risks.

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Charter Boat Insurance: Frequently Asked Questions

Charter Lakes is a specialist in the marine insurance industry. We have numerous years of experience when it comes to providing you with the proper coverages for your boat. Whether you own a charter boat, a pleasure craft, or a commercial boat for hire we have both the knowledge and experience to meet your needs. We are an industry leader when it comes to marine insurance.

We offer multi-boat and fleet discounts. We may provide discounts for boater safety education course certifications, prior vessel ownership and operating experience, and clean driving records.

Yes, most insurance carriers offer several options to meet your needs. Ask your agent for specific details.

Typically we can bind coverage the same day as you receive your quote, but this may depend on the age of your vessel and the insurance underwriting subjectivities.

Many insurance companies use the 26 feet and less in length to classify a boat and over 26 feet to be classified in their yacht program.

Real Fishing Guides Need Real Insurance Coverage

You know that guiding is so much more than boating. If your vessel is your office and your tackle is your tackle box, you need the peace of mind of all-risk coverage so you can guide confidently.
Your clients’ safety is in your hands – for that, generic boat insurance just won’t cut it. You need fishing guide insurance that protects what matters most: your passengers, you, and your boat.

What Our Fishing Guides Can Count On:

  • Agreed Value Settlements

    Full insured value in a total loss — no surprise depreciations.

  • Professional Angler Liability*

    Coverage for seminars, sport shows, and public events.

  • Protection & Indemnity (P&I)

    Broad liability coverage for property damage and bodily injury.

  • Tournament Fee Reimbursement*

    Recover entry fees if a covered claim keeps you from competing.

  • Pollution Liability

    Protection for accidental fuel spills or discharges.

  • Medical Payments

    Quick protection for guest or crew injuries.

  • Dockside Liability*

    Guests are covered before they board and after they disembark.

  • Personal Property and Fishing Gear

    Safeguards your expensive gear even when stored ashore or in a vehicle.

  • Replacement Vessel Liability

    Seamless coverage when operating a backup boat, while your vessel is out of commission for a covered loss

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*coverage may not be available in all programs

Words Straight From the Helm

"Thank you very much for all your help. I will definitely refer your company for these types of services! It has been a very pleasant experience! Thank you again.”

Aubrey Haskins

Extras & Add-Ons for Fishing Guides’ Real-World Risks on the Water

When you’re guiding, no two days are the same — as the weather, client expectations, and gear needs shift, so does your risk. Our fishing guide insurance is designed specifically for the way you work, with protection tailored to your on-the-water realities.

  • High-Limit / Excess P&I

    Meet resort, marina, and agency contracts without stress.

  • Charter Legal Liability

    Coverage when subcontracting trips or using non-owned vessels.

  • Captain & Crew Liability

    Structured around your staffing model.

  • Wade Fishing Liability

    Coverage for clients fishing off the boat.

Who you Insure Through Matters

Your Operation, Our Fishing Guide Coverage – Designed to Cover Your Risks

We’re not here to change the way you guide. We’re here to insure it – so you can ensure you’re doing things your way. Our coverage works for guides who…

  • Run guided sportfishing trips
  • Lead inshore & offshore excursions
  • Offer wade fishing or shore-based experiences
  • Operate multi-boat or fleet guide services
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Whatever your setup, we’ve got your coverage.

Coverage Built by Marine Insurance Specialists

With over 125 combined years of marine insurance experience, we don’t dabble in boats — we specialize in them. That focus means faster quotes, smarter coverage design, and claims support that actually understands your work.

Fishing Guide Insurance - Frequently Asked Questions

Core Coverage Questions

Typically we can bind coverage the same day as you receive your quote but this may depend on the age of your boat and if there are any underwriting subjectivities to bind.

We extend coverage for your fishing equipment(tackle, rods, reels, etc.) when it is in your boat, while stored ashore, or locked in your vehicle. Other Fishing Guide programs offer coverage while the equipment is aboard the boat only.

It provides additional coverage for participating in Professional Angler Activities such as fishing tournaments or charity fishing events, conducting fishing seminars or workshops, and working sport shows.

Our program allows other activities such as scenic tours, eco tours, shelling, bird watching, snorkeling, swimming, etc, not just fishing (snorkeling or swimming requires additional endorsement and premium, subject to risk approval)

Yes.

Yes.

Pricing & Discounts

We offer multi-boat and fleet discounts. We may provide discounts for boater safety education course certifications, prior vessel ownership and operating experience, and clean driving records. Your Charter Lakes agent will provide all credits available within the product guidelines.

As a passenger vessel owner you are serious about the condition of your boat and the experience of your crew. Both are critical to your success so you don’t skimp on either. The same should be true of your insurance. You need a commercial insurance policy that provides broad physical damage coverage and protection from potential liabilities to passengers, crew and other third parties. The Passenger Vessel Policy offered by Charter Lakes provides broad insurance protection at substantial premium savings.

Standard Coverage:

  • Physical Damage– Agreed Value
  • Disappearing Hull Deductible
  • Passenger Liability– Protection and Indemnity (P&I)
  • Dockside Liability
  • Pollution Liability
  • Medical Payments Coverage
  • Personal Property Coverage
  • Towing and Emergency Assistance
  • Equipment Stored Ashore Coverage
  • 24 Hours Claims Service

*Please consult one of our account executives for complete explanation of coverages.

Charter Lakes has been insuring passenger vessels for more than 30 years. We understand the business and the risks associated with operating a passenger vessel.  We also understand how important it is to your business to keep operating costs under control. We have priced our passenger vessel policy according to the exposure so you do not pay for coverage you do not need. The result is an affordable insurance policy designed specifically for owners and operators of passenger vessels.

While passenger vessels face similar exposures, the business operations can be very different. We have developed optional coverage(s) to meet specific needs of passenger vessel owners.

Optional Coverages:

  • Maritime Employment Liability Coverage (to cover liabilities to your crew employees)
  • Marine General Liability for land based or floating support operations
  • Liquor Liability
  • Excess P&I/Bumbershoot Liability Coverage
  • Shoreside Property and Casualty coverage.
  • Additional interests and waivers of subrogation

Additional Features:

  • Payment Plans – We offer several interest free payment plans and a 10 month premium finance option depending on your needs.
  • Risk Management – Charter Lakes provides a wide array of risk management services which could even include loss control inspections. We can also help our clients with vessel leases, liability releases and indemnification contracts.
  • Interactive Access - Clients have 24 hour on-line access to their policy and their vessel documents which we store in a secure paperless environment. Clients can also request policy changes, file a claim, or make payments online.

Our clients include:

  • Party Fishing Vessels
  • Multi-Day Expedition Vessels
  • Dinner Cruise Boats
  • Replica Pirate Ships
  • Whale Watching Vessels
  • High Performance Jet Boats
  • Eco and Scenic Tour Boats
  • Environmental Education
  • Dive and Snorkel Boats
  • Airboats
  • Passenger Ferry Boats
  • Paddle Wheelers
  • Sailing Vessels

Yachts are valuable assets worthy of the best insurance protection. And while yachts differ by construction, size and value they also differ in the way they are used and how they are navigated. Understanding the risks inherent with yacht ownership is critically important to being able to properly insure the yacht. That is why working with a Yacht Insurance Specialist is so important to procure the broadest protection available at the most affordable price. That is the definition of true value and that is what we are passionate about here at Charter Lakes.  Our account executives will help you design a policy that precisely fits your needs.  We have 24/7 claims service, so you will have support available when you need it in the unfortunate event that you have a mishap on the water.

Please note: Every yacht insurance policy is written differently and can vary greatly in the amount of coverage it provides. Charter Lakes represents the largest, most financially sound yacht insurance underwriters in the country. We understand the strengths and weaknesses of each underwriter’s policy form, including those of our competitors. Our Account Executives will help you find the right policy to precisely fit your needs and your budget.

Basic Yacht Policy Features Include:

  • All Risk policy form written on an occurrence basis
  • Physical Damage is written on an Agreed Value basis
  • Protection and Indemnity Liability
  • Pollution Liability
  • Medical Payments
  • Personal Property Coverage
  • Uninsured Boaters Liability
  • Towing and Emergency Assistance

Did you know that many yacht insurance policies specifically exclude loss caused by mechanical breakdown? That may not be surprising to you since your automobile policy excludes mechanical breakdown as well. However, we sell several policies that do not exclude mechanical breakdown loss. This could mean the difference between having a $ 50,000 engine failure covered or not.

The yacht Insurance marketplace can be challenging. Working with a Yacht Insurance Specialist is the best way to procure the broadest insurance protection at the most affordable price.

Putting our team behind you is a winning combination.

Charter Lakes specializes in marine artisan and boat insurance.  And while you might think all small business insurance policies are the same, they would be wrong.  We know and understand the marine insurance world.  Every boat you work on can vary greatly in the type of work, skill needed and exposure. Charter Lakes represents the strongest marine insurance underwriters in the country. We understand the strengths and weaknesses of each our underwriter’s policies as well as the policies of our competitors. Our Account Executives will help you find the broadest insurance protection at the most affordable price.

Basic Features Include:

  • Personal and Advertising injury
  • Liability
  • Products completed Operations
  • Medical Payments
  • Property Damage
  • Personal Property Coverage
  • Damage to property rented by you

Because boat insurance is all we do at Charter Lakes, we offer much more to those that’s business is working on boats, than can be offered by a general insurance agent.  Apart from representing a wide array of (A) rated underwriters and policy forms, we offer 24/7 claims service so you will have our support available in the unfortunate event of a claim. As a specialist, we are uniquely capable of acting as an advocate for our clients if there is ever a claim dispute with an underwriter. We have successfully gone to bat for our clients on many occasions.

Putting our team behind you is a winning combination.