https://completemarkets.com/company/novatae/USL-H-Marine-Workers-Comp/
Program Overview from Novatae Risk Group
Novatae Risk Group offers a focused USL&H - Marine Workers Comp program to help agents place challenging and specialty marine accounts. Whether your client works on vessels, on piers, or onshore adjacent to navigable waters, this program delivers workers’ compensation solutions tailored to maritime and waterfront exposures. Novatae places business with several top-rated carriers (markets as high as AXV by A.M. Best) and provides access to both admitted and non-admitted markets.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
This program is built for businesses that require USL&H coverage — from clean-mod operations to accounts with elevated experience mods or prior lapses. Novatae will consider a wide range of marine and waterfront class codes and is comfortable underwriting risks that don’t fit standard markets.
Targeted Industries Include:
Boat service and repair contractors
Fishermen and fishing tour operators
Scuba diving trainers and ski rental operators
Marina operators and shipbuilders
Bridge builders and painters
Dock, pier, and marine construction contractors
Offshore oil and platform workers
Artisan, Trade, and Service Contractors That May Need USL&H:
Electricians, painters, and carpenters working over, from, or adjacent to navigable waters
Crane installation and repair crews
Engine and refrigeration repair technicians
HVAC and sheet metal contractors
Wallboard installers and concrete workers operating on marine projects
Ship cleaning and passenger vessel operations
Program Highlights
Multiple carrier options — flexibility to place difficult risks
Aggressive pricing strategies when appropriate
Broad acceptance of class codes and unique marine exposures
First-dollar coverage options available
Loss-sensitive and high-deductible plan structures
Monthly payroll reporting available
Not a PEO — this is a traditional workers' compensation program
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
Minimum premiums typically start at $10,000 in most states. Novatae evaluates accounts with elevated X-mods and does not automatically decline risks with prior lapses in coverage. Final terms depend on class mix, payroll, loss history, and project details.
Territory and Market Access
The USL&H - Marine Workers Comp program is available in most U.S. states, including coastal and inland regions: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, DC, WV, and WI.
Why Work With Novatae Risk Group
As a Managing General Underwriter and E&S broker, Novatae combines niche underwriting expertise with market access for marine and USL&H exposures. Their team focuses on practical placement solutions for accounts that are difficult to place in standard markets and works with agents to structure terms that balance coverage and cost.
You might bring Novatae a marina with on-site repair operations and mixed class codes, or a contractor performing bridge work over navigable waters — both are the sort of accounts this program targets. Novatae’s flexibility and carrier relationships make it a strong option when traditional markets say no.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this USL&H program?This program suits marine-related businesses such as boat repair contractors, marina operators, offshore oil workers, and artisan contractors who work on or adjacent to navigable waters.
Can I submit accounts with a high experience mod or no prior coverage?Yes. Novatae accepts accounts with high X-mods and is open to risks with lapsed or no prior coverage, subject to underwriting review of the total risk profile.
Is this a PEO solution?No. This is a traditional workers' compensation program (not a PEO). Policies are issued through admitted and non-admitted carriers with direct coverage for insureds.
What is the minimum premium for this program?Minimum premiums generally start at $10,000 in most states. Actual pricing will vary based on class codes, payroll, loss history, and selected coverage options.
In which states is the program available?The program is available in most U.S. states, including coastal and inland regions. See the territory list above for specific states.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.