Company insurance is intended to safeguard the financial assets of an operation owner and is a vital investment for a fishing charter business.
This article will discuss the primary insurance coverage for fishing charter firms, general liability insurance, as well as additional policies that are appropriate for this industry.
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Fishing Charter Companies Need General Liability Insurance
Every firm, regardless of sector, has risks that should be insured. General liability insurance is the most frequent and comprehensive form of coverage that company owners purchase.
General liability insurance covers the following risks:
Physical harm
Damage to property
Medical expenses
Legal defence and decision
Personal and commercial harm
While general liability insurance is not legally needed for companies, operating without it is exceedingly dangerous. If your company is sued, you might face costs in the hundreds of thousands of dollars (or more). The only way to avoid this sort of catastrophe from destroying your organisation is to have an adequate general liability insurance coverage in place to assist pay for these losses.
Situations That a Fishing Charter Company’s General Liability Insurance May Cover
Example 1: A prospective client comes into your store to discuss a fishing vacation. He fails to see a slew of wires laid across the ground and stumbles over them, landing on his arm and shattering it. The expense of treating his injuries will most likely be covered by your general liability insurance coverage.
Example 2: When swinging by your firm to drop off a payment for an upcoming fishing trip, a client slips and falls on a damp floor and gets significant injuries. She holds your firm responsible and initiates a lawsuit seeking restitution. Your general liability insurance coverage will cover the expense of your legal defence, including a settlement if it is determined that it is in the best interests of your company to pay the customer out of court.
Example 3: One of your employees is attempting to demonstrate how to use a large fishing rod and reel to a visitor. In his excitement, the employee knocks the client to the ground, injuring him. The consumer is displeased with the employee and files a lawsuit against your company. Your legal fees will be covered by your general liability insurance.
Of course, this is not an entire list of risks covered by a general liability insurance policy, and certain situations may result in a specific peril not being covered. To minimise coverage gaps, it’s always better to speak with your agent about the terms of your policy.
General Liability Insurance Cost
For $1 million in general liability coverage, the typical fishing charter company in America costs between $400 and $1,100 per year.
The cost of your coverage will be determined by a number of variables. Among them are your:
Location
Deductible
Employees’ number
Per-occurrence restriction
The overall aggregate limit
You may be able to get general liability insurance at a lower cost if you buy it as part of a business owner’s policy (BOP) rather than as a separate policy. A business interruption policy (BOP) is a more complete option that covers numerous types of coverage, such as business interruption and property insurance.
Other Types of Coverage Required by Fishing Charter Companies
While general liability insurance is the most crucial, there are various different types of coverage to be aware of. Other forms of insurance that every fishing charter firms should have are as follows:
Insurance for Professional Liability
As a charter fishing professional, you are exposed to dangers that are particular to your sector. A professional liability insurance coverage tailored to your firm can provide appropriate protection if you are found accountable for errors or failure to perform. If a client alleges that you failed in your obligations and sues you, your professional liability insurance coverage will cover your legal fees as well as any settlements you may be required to pay.
Insurance for Commercial Property
You have likely made a big investment in the numerous supplies and equipment you need to operate your fishing charter company. If your business property is damaged or destroyed, such as in the case of a fire or a large storm, you may find it difficult to restore it completely with your own finances. A commercial property insurance coverage will provide you with the financial resources you need to rebuild your property and go back to operating your company.
Coverage Options for Some Fishing Charter Companies
In addition to the insurance listed above, your fishing charter company may need other forms of coverage based on particular elements of your activities. Some of them may not apply to you, so be sure to ask your agent whether policies are appropriate for your company.
Insurance for Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation insurance is required if you have employees that assist you in running your fishing charter company. It not only assists you with meeting your state’s legal obligations for employers, but it also ensures that you have the capacity to assist your workers in receiving medical care for injuries sustained on the job. As long as you have a workers’ compensation coverage, an injured employee may get medical treatment and assistance with lost income as a result of a workplace accident.
Umbrella Insurance for Businesses
In certain cases, the limitations of your general liability insurance coverage may be surpassed, such as if your company loses a major lawsuit and is compelled to pay substantial damages. If you just have general liability insurance, you will be responsible for any additional expenditures that exceed your policy limitations. A business umbrella insurance policy, on the other hand, provides additional protection. Where general liability insurance drops off, the umbrella policy will pick up.
Additional Security Measures for Your Company
Although investing in company insurance is simple (and necessary), it should not be your first line of defence. Yes, insurance will reimburse your company for cash losses incurred as a result of an occurrence, but it is much preferable to avoid losses altogether.
With this in mind, here are a few steps you can take to better secure your company:
Make use of legally binding contracts and other business agreements. (We provide free templates for several of the most often used legal forms.)
To safeguard your personal assets, form a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation. (To discover how to incorporate an LLC or company in your state, see our step-by-step tutorials.)
Keep your company licences up to date.
Streamline the internal procedures of your company. This will eliminate unneeded variables from routine activities and establish a secure, consistent environment in which to do business.
If your company is an LLC, you should check into LLC insurance.