The Personal Lines team at J.M. Wilson offers both Personal and Commercial Watercraft Insurance solutions. With access to multiple markets, including admitted and non-admitted carriers, we can help you find coverage for a wide variety of boats and marine-related risks. Contact our experienced underwriters for a quick quote or coverage indication.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
J.M. Wilson provides coverage options for an extensive range of personal and commercial watercraft. Whether your client is a recreational boater or operates a marine-based business, we have solutions tailored to their needs.
Personal Watercraft Classes Include:
- Runabouts
- Fishing boats
- Cruisers
- Pontoons / Tritoons
- Sailboats
- Houseboats / Liveaboards
- Inflatables
- Wave runners
- Manual crafts
- Hovercrafts
- Airboats
- High-performance vee and catamarans
- Homemade / Kit boats
- Mini (Sport) boats
- Storage and transit risks
- Yachts and seasoned yachts
Commercial Watercraft Opportunities:
- Owner/Operator risks: Commercial fishing, artisans, weed removal, storage, and real estate tours
- Rental operations: Sailboats, kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, water bikes, ski boats, powerboats, houseboats
- Passenger-carrying operations: Captained and bareboat charters, professional anglers, boat clubs, site inspections
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
Personal Watercraft Features:
- Eligible for speeds up to 120 mph
- Three settlement options available
- Diminishing deductible for risks with speed = 65 mph
- Broad navigational territory
- No layup restrictions
- Optional coverage for primary fishing equipment and boat lifts
Discount Opportunities:
- Multi-unit policies
- Experienced operators
- Use of safety equipment
- Diesel fuel usage
- Outboard propulsion systems
- Primary operators aged 40 and older
Commercial Watercraft Coverage Options:
- Hull coverage up to $1 million
- Agreed value (most boats)
- Personal property
- Towing
- Watercraft and watersport liability
- Medical payments
- Pollution liability
- Crew liability (for charter boats)
- Uninsured boater coverage
Note: Not all coverage options are available for every risk.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
Most quotes are available by phone with an A-rated market. Our underwriters are ready to assist you with quick turnaround times, especially when you have client information readily available. Minimum premiums vary by risk and coverage selected.
Territories and Availability
This program is available to agents and brokers in the following states: IA, IL, IN, KY, MI, MN, MO, OH, PA, TN, and WI.
Why Work With J.M. Wilson
As a Managing General Agency and Excess & Surplus Lines Broker, J.M. Wilson gives you access to a broad range of markets, both admitted and non-admitted. Our team understands the unique risks involved with watercraft and marine operations, and we’re committed to helping you place both standard and hard-to-place accounts. Whether you're working with a client who owns a high-speed personal watercraft or operates a seasonal charter business, we can help you find the right coverage solutions.
For more information, visit our website: www.jmwilson.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?
This program is ideal for both personal and commercial watercraft, including fishing boats, pontoons, charters, rental operations, and high-performance vessels.
Are high-speed watercraft eligible for coverage?
Yes, personal watercraft with speeds up to 120 mph are eligible, with diminishing deductible features available for craft with speeds = 65 mph.
Is this program available on an admitted or non-admitted basis?
J.M. Wilson represents carriers that offer both admitted and non-admitted options, depending on the specific risk and location.
Can I get a quote over the phone?
Yes, most quotes are available by phone. If you have your client's information ready, our underwriters can provide a quick indication.
Which states is this program available in?
The program is available in IA, IL, IN, KY, MI, MN, MO, OH, PA, TN, and WI.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.