https://completemarkets.com/company/jmwilson/Commercial-Watercraft-Insurance/
Commercial Watercraft Insurance Program from J.M. Wilson
If you place commercial watercraft accounts, J.M. Wilson offers a flexible, market-focused Commercial Watercraft Insurance program. As a General Agency and Excess & Surplus Lines broker, we provide access to a broad panel of admitted and non-admitted carriers to help you place both standard and hard-to-place marine risks. Whether the account is a single commercial fishing boat, a seasonal rental fleet, or a high-speed charter operation, our underwriting relationships and program tools can help you secure coverage.
Ideal Classes and Account Types
Runabouts and commercial fishing vessels
Cruisers, houseboats, and sailboats used commercially
Pontoon, tritoon and inflatable watercraft (including rentals)
Personal watercraft (PWC), high-performance vee and catamarans
Hovercraft and airboats
Homemade, kit-built, and mini sport boats
Storage, transit, salvage and repair facilities
Seasoned yachts and commercial marine units
Rental units and small charter operations
You might have a client who rents pontoon boats for summer weekends, or a marina that operates a handful of high-speed charter vessels. J.M. Wilson’s program can help you find admitted or non-admitted capacity for both scenarios, subject to underwriting.
Coverage Features and Highlights
Available for watercraft with speeds up to 120 mph (subject to underwriting)
Multiple settlement options to fit different risk profiles
Accepts a range of higher-risk operations with appropriate underwriting
Diminishing deductible feature available for risks with speeds = 65 mph
Broad navigational territory options
No layup restrictions for seasonal use in many cases
Optional coverage for primary fishing equipment and boat lifts
Note: Not all features are available for every risk. Underwriting review applies.
Discount Opportunities
Multi-unit and fleet policies
Operator experience and training
Use of approved safety and navigation equipment
Diesel-fueled craft eligibility
Outboard propulsion systems
Primary operators aged 40 and older
Territory and Availability
This program is available in the following states: AL, AZ, AR, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MI, MS, MO, NE, NC, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV, and WI.
Depending on the account and jurisdiction, both admitted and non-admitted options may be available.
Underwriting Notes and Placement Guidance
Underwriting review is required for higher-speed craft, rental operations, and non-standard or kit-built vessels. Provide complete loss history, operator experience, and details on safety equipment and maintenance practices to speed placement. For fleet accounts, compile unit schedules, typical operating territory, and any training or screening procedures for operators.
Why Work with J.M. Wilson?
With decades of experience in the E&S and general agency space, J.M. Wilson brings specialized marine underwriting knowledge and broad carrier access. Our team focuses on practical solutions for complex accounts—combining admitted and non-admitted options to help you place accounts other markets may decline. From submission intake to binding and policy issuance, we support brokers with responsive underwriting and market placement tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?This program is ideal for commercial clients who own or operate watercraft such as fishing boats, rental pontoons, high-speed vessels, and small charter operations.
Can you write high-performance or high-speed watercraft?Yes. Coverage is available for watercraft that operate at speeds up to 120 mph, with specific underwriting guidelines applied based on vessel type and use.
Are rental operations eligible?Yes. Rental units and rental operations are eligible under this program, subject to underwriting approval and documented operator screening and safety measures.
Is this program admitted or non-admitted?We can offer both admitted and non-admitted options depending on the risk profile and state regulations; availability is determined during underwriting.
In which states is this program available?We currently offer this program in AL, AZ, AR, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MI, MS, MO, NE, NC, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, VA, WV, and WI.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.