Water Sports Insurance

There are many risks associated with water sports, some of them posing unique threats for businesses and consumers. According to IOP Science, “activities within natural water environment, either freshwater or ocean water, may associate with environmental risk, infectious pathogens, and traumatic injuries. Drowning, marine envenomation, and decompression sickness are the most common risks found during water recreational activities.”

There are other hazards during water sports activities, such as:

• Bad weather – Bad weather, such as thunderstorms and rainstorms, causes strong currents and choppy waves that will make any water sports activity much more difficult and dangerous.
• Equipment damage – Always inspect equipment before use and properly maintain equipment throughout the year. If the equipment were to break or malfunction while in use, it could cause serious injury or property damage.
• Local laws – Such laws include certain liability insurance requirements, no-wake zones, speed limits, curfews, safety protocols, and more. Note that these laws will vary by state.
• Inexperienced customers – Experienced or not, everyone should have at least a brief training on how to use any equipment or rentals.
• Hazardous surroundings – Your clients need to be aware of what’s around them – boats, people, rocks, shallow water, etc. – all these things are hazardous to water sports activities.
• Drugs and alcohol – This is obvious but your clients and their customers should not operate under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

There are many other reasons why your clients might need water sports insurance. Perhaps they had an existing policy that was canceled by their insurance company after too many insurance claims. Perhaps your client is starting a new water sports equipment rental company but they were denied by other insurance companies claiming their business was too risky to insure. There are also local laws that require businesses to carry a certain amount of liability insurance.

Whatever the reason may be, Prime will listen to you and your client and come up with the best insurance solution possible for their business.

There are many different water sports that a person can enjoy or own a business for. Prime can write customized insurance policies for most water sports, including:

• waterskiing
• wakeboarding and wake surfing
• kiteboarding
• jet skiing
• boating
• boat racing
• kayaking and canoeing
• rafting and whitewater rafting
• parasailing
• hydro-flying and e-foils
• tubing
• flyboarding
• swimming
• and more

It is important to know the facts when it comes to water sports accidents and statistics. Accidents happen but that should not discourage anyone from participating in such a fun and engaging activity. Take a look at these facts provided by the Insurance Information Institute.

• In 2020, water skiing, tubing, and surfing accounted for almost 22,000 reported injuries. Fishing accounted for 65,107 injuries. Swimming, pools, and equipment accounted for almost 130,000 injuries.
• In 2020, total recreational watercraft fatalities rose 25% from 2019 to 767 people killed, the highest since 1998. Accidents and injuries rose at about the same rates.
• In 2020, there were 5,265 reported accidents, causing $63 million in property damage.
• The most common types of watercraft involved in reported accidents in 2020 were open motorboats (50%), kayaks (15%), and pontoons (9%).

Public liability insurance is becoming an outdated term that is similar to general liability insurance. It provides coverage for claims by customers, visitors, spectators, etc. involving injuries, death, or property damage.

Public liability insurance also may be referred to as premises liability coverage or spectator liability coverage. Whichever way you or your client name this type of coverage, rest assured that Prime can provide it on your client’s water sports insurance policy.

Looking for the best water sports insurance provider? Prime Insurance Company should be at the top of your list. Our partnership approach requires that we speak with the producer and the insured so we can better understand everyone’s needs in order to provide the right coverage, the right service, and most importantly, a healthy relationship.

A lot of people go with cheaper markets that will cost them and their insured more in the long run! Over the past years, many of the cheaper markets have run into trouble, gone broke, or stopped writing. As a result, Prime is writing more business and we remain committed to doing it right! Insureds need a more efficient insurance company and a better partner that’s willing to fight frivolous lawsuits practiced by legal professionals nationwide.

In short, Prime won’t compete with your other markets from a premium standpoint, but we will help you write the business you are turning away today. Plus, we’ll be by your side when a claim or lawsuit is filed against you.

Please note that we do not accept submissions more than 30 days from expiration. When needed, we can provide same-day quotes and proof of coverage, you just need to complete the Insured Underwriting Call and pay the premium to get it done! We also require a phone call with the owner/applicant. Get started with your water sports insurance quote today by clicking the “Get a Quote!” button above.

There are many reasons why you should choose Prime as your insurance partner but here are some highlights: 

Partnership Approach

At Prime, we build trusted relationships and want all parties to be involved. We arrange a phone call with every potential insured to provide fast, flexible underwriting for every client. From our underwriters to our legal team, the insured, and the producers — at Prime, everyone is considered a partner and our processes are designed for the mutual benefit of all parties involved.

“A” Rated Carrier With 40+ Years of Experience

The strength and stability of Prime have led us to over 40 years of experience in the insurance industry. Water sports insurance is our expertise! 

In-House Teams

We have it all under one roof – underwriting, legal, risk management, policy services, etc. You will have direct access to our staff and services, ready to assist you! We even have an in-house claims hotline if an incident or claim occurs, available 24/7. Prime can write up to $10 million in-house.

Extraordinary Claims Results

We pride ourselves on our ability to handle claims in-house and effectively. Prime’s team of attorneys and adjusters are here to assist you every step of the way. Unlike most insurance companies, Prime fights frivolous lawsuits. We will be by your side every step of the way!

Prime Insurance Company is an excess and surplus (E&S) lines insurance company, specializing in property and casualty insurance for non-standard, specialty risks. Prime currently produces in excess of $400 million gross premiums annually. The company writes E&S business in all 50 states and has an “A” (Excellent) rating by A.M. Best*. Prime has also earned a Financial Stability Rating® of A” (A Double Prime), Unsurpassed, from Demotech, Inc.**

Prime delivers coordinated services by integrating expert underwriting, policyholder services, policy accounting, premium financing, risk management, state tax payments, claims administration, and self-insured support program services all under one roof.

*see www.ambest.com for latest ratings
**The most current Financial Stability Rating^® must be verified by visiting www.demotech.com.