Marine Business Insurance
For more info, contact
Matthew Carr
PresidentKaren Benell
Account Executive | BrokerAll Aboard!
Our marina insurance packages can provide a lifeline for when times are tough. With a Gifford Carr broker in your corner, you can rest assured your marina will be safe when navigating turbulent waters.
Having, and maintaining, the right insurance coverage for your business is a critical component of any business’ risk management strategy. Marine businesses like yours need appropriate coverage to protect against the specific risks associated with your business. This includes fishing operations, cruising tours, boat dealerships, and rentals and storage. Save time and money working with an experienced Gifford Carr broker as your advocate.
MARINE INSURANCE IN ONTARIO
At Gifford Carr, we are on your team.
As an independent Ontario brokerage, licensed across Canada with local branches across the province, we work for you. Our brokers work with the top insurance providers in Canada. They help you find the best fit for commercial marine insurance solutions. These solutions are tailored to your specific needs.
Understand your business operations. That’s our first step.
Every marine operation is unique and faces unique risks. We tailor coverage for your business. This will help protect your marinas, yacht clubs, mobile boat repair and rental operations, dealerships, and yacht/boat brokerages.
Ensuring you have peace of mind, so you can focus on building your business. After all, protecting what matters, it’s what we do.
Ship puns aside. Trust Gifford Carr Insurance Group to ensure your marina is in safe harbour.
TYPES OF MARINE BUSINESSES WE WORK WITH:
- Builders and manufacturers
- Boat dealerships and brokerages
- Docks and lifts
- Marinas (including those with camping, gas/fuel, retail, and restaurant operations)
- Marine outfitters and accessory businesses (including; cabinetry, upholstery, plumbing, tarps, covers etc)
- Mechanical repair facilities
- Specialty marine operations (including repair and maintenance of fiberglass, aluminum, vintage or wooden boats)
- Winterization and storage
FACTORS CONSIDERED IN YOUR MARINE COVERAGE:
- Buildings on the property (and their age/condition)
- Experience of the operators
- Fuel exposure
- Location
- Number of slips/births
- Number of boats that can be stored (especially for winterization)
- Scope of operations
- Security systems in place
- Revenue
- Past claims
- Proximity to firehall
Marine Business Insurance Solutions
FAQ
Do you have experience insuring marine operations?
Yes.
Our team of experienced commercial brokers have been servicing marine operations for over 30 years. We have locations across Ontario and are licensed across Canada as a nationally accredited brokerage to serve you.
I need insurance for my marina, where do I start?
Let’s connect.
There are a number of details we need about the scope of your operation to provide a quote. We’ll start with a conversation and then complete an application that we can use to find you the best coverage for your specific business.
What are the types of marine insurance?
No two marina operations are alike, so the coverage required to protect your business will vary depending on your unique needs. There are basically three types of marine-related insurance:
- Insurance for marinas; package coverage for slips and launch, fuel, repair operations, and other general operations common for marina businesses.
- Commercial vessel insurance; for a company boat (can be anything from a pontoon or fishing boat to wakeboarding or sailboat) to take clients out on tours or excursions.
- Personal vessel insurance; is the non-business-related boat coverage for your own vessel. Learn more about personal boat insurance solutions.
Is marine insurance mandatory in Ontario?
The simple answer is no.
Although business insurance is not mandated across Ontario it is very highly recommended for all industries. With marine operations the risks are unique, especially being on waterfront properties and generally having mixed operations with service, fuel, repairs, and retail stores.
If you want to know that your marina is insured, ask for a certificate of insurance. They are a free proof of insurance business owners can request from their insurance broker.
If something happens to a clients boats at my marine facility, am I responsible for it?
It depends.
You do not have an insurable interest in that property (ie. no ownership, loan, or lien on the vessel) so you cannot insure it.
However, if you are found negligent, then your insurance would respond to a claim through your client’s insurance provider. It’s called a subrogation claim, but we are happy to walk our clients through that process should the need arise.
What is not covered in marine insurance?
No two marinas are alike. All insurance policies are subject to their own terms and conditions. There is no one answer to this question. It depends on terms within the coverage; is it comprehensive or named perils? Are there limitations or exclusions.?
A question best reviewed with an insurance broker. Connect with us to review your marine coverage!
Are you covered for a boat test drive?
Not necessarily.
You have to add specific coverage for watercraft while on the water – called Protection & Indemnity coverage.
In the most basic terms, this coverage provides protection for the boat and the liabilities associated with it while on the water, even though it is not a watercraft you own but is under your care, custody, and control.
Do marinas need pollution insurance?
Yes.
Being on waterfront properties marine operations generally have heightened risks for environmental exposures. Generally, if your tanks are newer, double-walled, and have security features installed, pollution coverage is reasonably priced.
