Boat Cleaning and Detailing Insurance In Florida

If you own or operate a boat cleaning and detailing business in Florida, you need specialized insurance to protect your livelihood. Standard business insurance is not sufficient because it typically excludes damages that occur on or around the water. The unique risks you face, from a slip on a wet dock to damaging a client’s high-value vessel, require a comprehensive insurance package.

Here are the key types of insurance a boat cleaning and detailing business in Florida should consider:

1. Marine General Liability (MGL)

This is the most essential policy for your business. It is a specialized form of general liability insurance designed for marine trades. It protects you from third-party claims of bodily injury and property damage, and it is a common requirement to get a contract or work at a marina. An MGL policy should include:

• Care, Custody, and Control (CCC): This is the most crucial part of your coverage. A standard general liability policy will exclude damage to property in your “care, custody, or control.” As a boat detailer, every vessel you work on is in your CCC. This coverage protects you if you accidentally scratch, dent, or otherwise damage a client’s boat while working on it.
• Products and Completed Operations: This covers you if damage or injury occurs after you have completed the work. For example, if a cleaning product you used damages the boat’s finish a few weeks later, this coverage would protect your business from a claim.
• Premises Liability: This covers you if a third party is injured on your business premises, such as a client slipping and falling in your shop or on your dock.

2. Workers’ Compensation

If you have employees, you are legally required to carry workers’ compensation in Florida.

• Florida Workers’ Compensation: This covers your employees for injuries that happen on land, for example, getting hurt while loading supplies into a company vehicle.

3. Commercial Auto Insurance

If you use a vehicle to transport your equipment, cleaning supplies, or employees to and from job sites, you need a commercial auto policy. This is distinct from a personal auto policy and provides liability and physical damage coverage for business use. Some marinas may require you to have this to operate on their property.

4. Inland Marine Insurance

Despite the name, this policy has nothing to do with the ocean. It is a type of property insurance that covers your tools, equipment, and supplies. This is especially important for mobile detailers. Inland marine insurance protects your expensive equipment, like pressure washers, buffers, and vacuums, from damage or theft while in transit or at a client’s location.

How to Get the Right Insurance

The marine industry is highly specialized, and so is its insurance. It is highly recommended that you work with an independent insurance agent or broker in Florida who specializes in marine artisan insurance. They can help you:

• Bundle policies to create a comprehensive and cost-effective insurance package.
• Identify gaps in coverage that could leave your business exposed.
• Ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations, which is often a prerequisite for working at marinas or with commercial clients.

We Insure all counties Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Brevard, Volusia, Flagler, St. Johns, Duval, and Nassau.

Call Dorsal Insurance today for a quote (786) 601-2485