Ideal Accounts and Appetite
J.M. Wilson offers flexible coverage options for an extensive range of personal and commercial watercraft. Whether your client is a recreational boater, seasonal charter operator, or marine service provider, our markets and underwriting teams can tailor solutions to meet those 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:
- Eligibility for craft with speeds up to 120 mph
- Three settlement options available
- Diminishing deductible for craft with speeds = 65 mph
- Broad navigational territory
- No layup restrictions
- Optional coverages 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 on most vessels
- Personal property and 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 and placed with A-rated markets. Our underwriters work with you to provide fast indications when you have the client’s information ready. Minimum premiums vary by risk and coverages selected—please contact underwriting for state- and risk-specific minimums.
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 provides access to a broad mix of admitted and non-admitted markets. Our team specializes in marine risks and will work with you to place both standard and hard-to-place accounts. We focus on quick turnaround, pragmatic underwriting, and tailored coverage terms for operators, owners, and commercial marine businesses.
Examples of accounts you can place through this program:
- A family-owned freshwater cruiser used for weekend recreation and seasonal storage, seeking agreed-value hull coverage and uninsured boater protection.
- A small charter operator running captained weekend tours and requiring crew liability, pollution coverage, and higher hull limits.
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.