Personal marine & recreational vehicle: Markets abound

Rough Notes, Feb 1998 by Clapp, Wallace L Jr

Marinas are written in the same states. The underwriters are Essex Insurance Co, Markel American, Great American and AIG.

Snowmobiles and ATVs are written for physical damage only with a minimum deductible of $500. This program is available in CT, MA and RI through Lloyd's of London. Motorcycles are written for maximum limits of $100/$300 in the states of CT, ME, NH, NY, RI and VT. The underwriters are Northland Insurance Co. and Aegis Security.

K & K Insurance Group, PO. Box 2338, Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2338; (219) 459-5000; (marinas) (800) 5529253; (watersports) (800) 927-4756; fax: (219) 459-5511 (Angie Poulos). This group, part of Aon Corp., specializes in insurance coverages for sports, leisure and entertainment fields. It offers two programs for pleasure boating enthusiasts: a marina program and a watersports rental program.

The marina program provides property, marina operators legal liability, protection and indemnity, work boat hull, boat dealers coverage, inland marine, general liability, auto and excess coverages.

The watersports rental program covers operations including boat rental, parasailing, bareboat charters, 6 pack charters, small tour boat operations and schools (windsurfing, waterskiing, sailing, surfing and kayaking).

Hull and primary and excess liability limits are variable. The program covers the continental U.S. The firm serves agents in all states. LoVullo Associates, Inc., 689 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14230; (716) 856-3065; (800) 876-3065 (NY); fax: (716) 84-BOATS (David W. Pietowski). This managing general agent writes pleasure craft, such as high performance, antique boats and wooden boats, ski boats, sailboats, pontoon boats, houseboats and bass boats. It also writes rental risks for jet skis, ski boats, pontoons, sailboats canoes and rowboats. Marinas, boat dealers and yacht clubs are also available.

A new program has been added for personal watercraft, including jet skis, mini jet boats, skidos and waverunners. Unlimited hull values and liability limits up to $10 million are available. Geographical territory is inland waters, Great Lakes and Atlantic coast. The agency does business in CT, MA, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI and VT. Insurers used are: American Modern, Markel American, Cigna, Great American, Midwestern Mutual, Security Insurance Co. of Hartford Commercial Union and Fireman's Fund.

Maritime General Agency, Ltd., SlA Fort Salonga Rd., Northport, NY 11768; (516) 757-1100; (800) 3668086; fax: (516) 757-1063 (Christopher L. Pesce). This firm is the exclusive MGA for personal yacht business for New Hampshire Insurance Co. (AIG). The agency handles personal yachts, marinas, boat dealers and yacht clubs for the New Hampshire.

Hull limits range from $10,000 to $4 million; liability limits extend up to $5 million. Maximum speed must be under 45 m.p.h. No wood hulls are written. The vessel cannot be in Florida for the hurricane season, but winter coverage is available in Florida. Geographical limits are on the east and west coasts, Great Lakes and inland rivers and lakes throughout the country. The firm is an MGA for Old United Casualty for inland boats and yachts up to $2 million. It is also offering a new mechanical breakdown coverage for boats and personal watercraft.