Work on the water needs different paper.
Liability for contractors who build and repair docks, piers and seawalls, work in marinas, or service boats, where a standard contractor policy often falls short.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Standard contractor policies often exclude it
Many contractor liability policies exclude work over water, on docks or on vessels. Marine contractors general liability is written for that exposure, and marinas and port authorities often require it with specific limits and additional insureds.
Workers on or near navigable water can fall under federal longshore (USL&H) rules instead of state workers' comp, which changes the coverage you need. I review your operations and place liability, equipment and workers' comp with markets that write marine trades.
- Marine contractors GLInjuries and damage from your work at docks, marinas and on the water.
- EquipmentTools, barges and work boats, subject to policy terms.
- USL&H reviewFederal longshore coverage when your work requires it.
- Contract requirementsLimits and additional insureds for marinas and ports.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Work: what you build, repair or service, and where.
- Water exposure: share of work over water or on vessels.
- Revenue and payroll: annual revenue, payroll and subcontractors.
- Equipment: barges, work boats and major tools.
- Contracts: marina or port insurance requirements.
- History: current policies and claims.
Marine contractor insurance, answered
Does my contractor liability policy cover dock work?
Often not. Many contractor policies exclude work over water or on vessels. Marine contractors liability is written for it.
What is USL&H?
The federal Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act covers certain workers injured on or near navigable water. State workers' comp may not respond, so it's reviewed for marine work.
Do boat detailers and mobile mechanics need this?
If you work on customers' boats at marinas, most marinas require liability naming them as additional insured, and a marine policy is usually the fit.
What do underwriters rate on?
Your operations, how much work is over water, revenue, payroll, equipment and claims history.
Do you offer marine contractor insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Tell me about your work. I'll shop it.
Your operations, revenue and the marina's requirements are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued. Some policies may be placed with nonadmitted (surplus lines) insurers, which are not members of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA).
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
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Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.