Commercial Crab Boat Insurance in Texas

Crab fishing isn’t just one of the most profitable commercial fishing gigs out there, it’s also one of the toughest and most dangerous. Battling rough waters, racing against the clock, and hauling heavy pots makes this a high-risk hustle. For commercial crab boat owners and their crews, a basic marine insurance policy just won’t cut it.

That’s where commercial crab boat insurance steps in. It’s a specially designed set of policies built to protect you from the unique challenges of crab fishing. At Rollo Insurance, we get the high stakes of Texas commercial fishing and we’re here to help you lock down coverage that protects your boat, your crew, and your catch.

The High-Stakes Risks of Commercial Crabbing

Crab fishermen face a laundry list of dangers that keep commercial fishing ranked as one of the most hazardous jobs around. Your insurance has to cover all the curveballs that come with the trade:

• Vessel Instability and Overloading: When you’re loading up hundreds of crab pots fast to make the most of the season, your boat can end up sitting too low in the water. Mix in rough seas, and you’ve got a recipe for capsizing or sinking. Yikes!
• The Jones Act and Crew Injuries: Here’s something every commercial fisherman needs to know. Your crew is protected by a federal law called the Jones Act. If a crew member gets hurt, they can sue the boat owner for negligence. That means medical bills, lost wages, and more could come knocking.
• Property Damage to the Vessel: Saltwater is brutal and heavy gear always moves around. Add in the risk of collisions or running aground, and your boat can take some serious hits.
• Loss of Catch: A broken refrigeration system or a storm tossing your crab pots overboard can wipe out your entire haul, hitting your income hard.
• Pollution Liability: Spilled fuel or oil can lead to costly cleanup and fines from the Coast Guard. Nobody wants that.

Essential Coverages for Commercial Crab Boats

Protecting your crab boat is like building a safety net with multiple layers. Here’s what you need in your insurance toolbox:

• Hull and Machinery Insurance: Think of this as the property and collision for your boat. It covers damage to the hull, engines, and attached equipment from accidents, fire, theft, and marine mishaps. This is your boat’s best friend.
• Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Insurance: The superhero of liability policies for commercial vessels. This covers injuries to your crew under the Jones Act, harm to third parties, damage to other boats or docks, pollution cleanup, and even wreck removal if your boat goes down.
• Crew Coverage (Maritime Employers Liability): This one handles your legal responsibilities to your crew. It covers medical bills, lost wages, and defense costs if someone gets hurt on the job.
• Nets and Gear Coverage: Your crab pots, nets, traps, and gear are expensive and essential. This coverage protects them from fire, theft, or marine hazards. Often it’s an add-on to your hull policy but a must-have.
• Commercial Auto Insurance: You need coverage for any vehicles used to haul your catch, crew, or gear on land.
• Business Interruption (Loss of Catch): When a fire or accident keeps you off the water, this coverage replaces lost income and covers expenses while you get back to fishing.

Average Cost of Commercial Crab Boat Insurance in Texas

No one-size-fits-all here. Premiums depend on a mix of factors like:

• The value and age of your vessel
• Where and how you fish
• How many crew members you have and their experience
• Your claims history
• Coverage limits and deductibles you choose

To ballpark it, commercial fishing vessel premiums might run from 1 percent to 5 percent of the boat’s value annually. So for a $300,000 vessel, expect somewhere between $3,000 and $15,000 per year, plus extra for P&I and specialty coverages. If your boat is big or you fish in super risky waters, costs will go up.

Partnering for Protection with Rollo Insurance

Crabbing is no joke. The margin for error is slim and the risks are real. Protecting your boat, crew, and livelihood means having a solid insurance plan tailored to your unique needs. At Rollo Insurance, we know the ins and outs of commercial marine coverage and are ready to be your go-to partner.

Ready to get hooked up with the right protection? Reach out today and let’s make sure your business stays safe, sound, and sailing strong.