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Marine Insurance Broker Gold Coast

Insurance Built for Marine Tradies, Not just Boat Owners
 

Most marine insurance is built for boat owners. However, if you work on boats for a living, then you'll know full well your insurance needs are completely different.

Unfortunately, if you're a marine mechanic, shipwright, electrician or detailer, the reality is that the risks you face every day aren't usually covered by most standard trades policies. That's why you should consider the solutions available from Total Protection Insurance Brokers.

We're a marine insurance broker focused on helping people who work in the marine industry. As such, we arrange insurance solutions for businesses operating across the Gold Coast and throughout Australia.

We understand the difference between insuring a boat and insuring the people who repair, maintain and service them. Crucially, we're also aware that distinction is important when it comes to policy wording, exclusions, liability, claims and the level of protection your business receives.

Image by Carles Rabada

Who This Cover Is For

The type of marine cover we offer may suit:

  • Marine mechanics (outboard and inboard)

  • Boat repairers and shipwrights

  • Marine and auto electricians

  • Fibreglass repairers

  • Painting and antifouling contractors

  • Mobile marine technicians

  • Boat detailers

  • Trim and auto upholsterers

  • Electronics and navigation installers

  • Air conditioning and HVAC technicians

  • Flooring installers and cabinet makers

  • Glaziers

  • Cleaners and pressure washers
     

Essentially, if you work on customer vessels on the water, on a hard stand or on a trailer, then this cover should be suitable for you.

Why Standard Public Liability Policies Often Fail Marine Tradies

Many marine tradies naturally assume their existing public liability policy provides adequate coverage. However, that isn't always the case.

Indeed, standard policies may exclude marine work altogether or restrict work to vessels below a certain size. Therefore, if you're working on larger commercial or recreational vessels, your policy may not respond when you need it most.

You should also be aware that it may not provide coverage for property in your care, custody or control. Unfortunately, when a customer's boat is under your supervision, standard policies often exclude or severely limit cover for accidental damage.

What Marine Trades Liability Insurance Can Cover

Depending on the insurer and which policy you select, marine trades insurance can provide you with a broad range of protection. They include the following:

Accidental damage to customer vessels

If a customer's vessel is damaged while you're working on it, the policy may cover repair or replacement costs.

Property in your care, custody or control

This cover extends to customer vessels under your supervision. Whether that be in a yard, marina or workshop.

Damage during engine installation or removal

Engine lifts and installations present significant risks, which is why it is vital to have a policy that can protect you if accidental damage occurs during the process.

Faulty workmanship resulting damage

While policies generally won't pay to redo faulty work, they may provide coverage for any resulting damage that occurs to other parts of the vessel.

Fire or electrical damage during repairs

Electrical work carries an increased risk of fire. So, it's good to have appropriate insurance cover that provides financial protection.

Legal defence costs

If allegations are made against your business, then your legal defence costs may be covered. Even if your claim is ultimately unsuccessful.

What This Insurance Does Not Cover

Like all forms of insurance, there are exclusions that you should be aware of. Some of the standard ones often include:

  • Rectifying or redoing your own faulty work

  • Replacing defective products or parts you supplied

  • Wear and tear or gradual deterioration

  • Known defects or pre-existing damage

  • Pure financial loss without property damage or injury

Our specialist insurance brokers will advise where coverage for any particular policy starts and stops.

Image by Ivan Ragozin
Image by Alina Kacharho

Marine Trades Insurance on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast has one of the most active marine sectors in Australia, involving thousands of marine professionals and recreational and commercial vessels.

Many local operators work as mobile service providers, travelling between marinas, hard stands, and private properties. These diverse operations create unique liability exposures that require carefully structured insurance solutions.

The team at TPIB understands the local market and the challenges facing Gold Coast marine businesses. If you work in a marina, shipyard or mobile service environment, we can arrange appropriate coverage for your activities.

Why Work With TPIB for Marine Trades Insurance

With their in-depth knowledge of marine trades insurance, our brokers understand what kind of coverage you are looking for. Here is why you should consider working with them.

Access to Specialist Marine Insurers

Not all insurers offer genuine marine trades coverage. We provide access to specialist markets developed specifically for marine industry businesses.

Plain English Advice

Marine insurance can be complex. However, our team clearly explains policy terms, exclusions, and obligations to ensure you understand exactly what you're buying.

Cover Structured Around Your Trade

Every trade has different exposures. We help arrange tailored cover based on variables such as your specific work, customers and day-to-day operations.

Claims Support
If a claim occurs, we're committed to assisting our clients throughout the process and advocating on their behalf with the insurer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Speak With a Marine Trades Insurance Specialist

For those in the marine industry who need advice from experienced marine insurance specialists, our team is ready to help.

If you call Haydn on 0428 657 597 or Sandi on 0434 874 031, you'll deal with a specialist broker who understands marine trades.

Alternatively, you can request a quote here.

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