Guiding and Insurance

[Walleyeman]

Right now my insurance policy won't cover any accidents that occur while guiding (MN). I looked into a charter boat policy, but right now I am severly limited in how much more money I can put into this part-time business. A solution I came up with was to create a waiver form for clients to sign that would state that I would not be at fault for any accidents that may occur on that trip. Have any of you other guides done this, or what would you suggest.

[stevefellegy]

Click onto the NPAA site (National Professional Anglers Association), on the 'Home page' or 'Main page'of WC. By becoming a member, you have access to purchasing the policy designed for your fishing business ventures. The policy offered is very thorough and less $$ than any other comparable rate with similar coverage, if you can even find a company that writes it, thoroughly.
or call the NPAA office and ask for Jim or Mike and they can clue you into our insurance agency. 800-223-9126

[Capt Doug Schreiber]

As far as I know the only insurance policy that will cover guiding is by a company called Veitenhaus Agency out of Milwauke, 1-414-483-0220. I think the lowest policy is about $800.00 a year, but they cover guiding and charter fishing.
Capt. Doug Schreiber, Hot Jigs Guide & Charter Service

[UMPIE]

you can get insurnace from rual mutual . i got it with my other busness and a million dollars coverage it is about 300.00 dollars a year. the guide bussness is about a 185.00 dollars.

[Capt. John Stieben]

I agree with Capt. Doug, Vittenhaus has a policy for this and are very reasonably priced. Price varies a little with value of boat and the amount of coverage you are comfortable with. Remember also guiding and chartering have different license requirements depending on whether the water is deemed naviable by the U S Coast Gaurd. The word is they will be a little more particular on this issue in future years.

[lund man]

A lot of fisherman are fishing tournaments and guiding thinking their boat insurance are covering them. Almost all boat policies state that the policyholder is not covered in any commericial undertaking, and that means fishing tournaments. The best policy is the NPAA as it covers you in all cases. I had a buddy that had an accident fishing a small local tournament and his claim was completely turned down.

[Just Wondering?]

What about having client sign a form waiving you of responsibility? Strictly speaking devil's advocate, how does an insurance company find out your in a tournament. It would be pretty easy to tell them you were not fishing a tournament, but just out fishing for fun.

[Grampa_Joe]

Ditto.
NPAA is the only insurance I know of that specifically covers professional fishermen.
I looked into liability insurance with a few places and the premiums were huge and there was no gurantee that I would be covered. If I had a claim, I would be dropped for sure.
I'd stick with the NPAA if I were you.


Joe Carlson

[mr ducks]

as a general rule waivers "don't fly"! I can't waive my wifes, childrens, grandparents--you get the message--rights so what good would it do? Very Little in my opinion!

["COMA"]

Why do you tell them you are fishing a tounament. None of thier buiseness. Just say you were out fishing. Period.

[Jay]

First - it's called a "LIE". And second - if you hit someone's boat at weigh-in, etc. or your partner/client gets hurt or worse, someone dies - I think an insurance company could easily discover that you were in a tournament or guiding and you would be SOL.

[Wurm]

Here in Michigan... YOU MUST BE INSURED BEFROE YOU CAN GUIDE. I would suggest it very highly! Those waivers don't hold up in court, and unfortunetly, if someone gets hurt, died, or even had a heart attack in your boat, that is where you will end up.

Myself? I have a $1,000,000 policy, as I have a home and family, and wouldn't want to loose any of that. If you are not married, and don't own a home, well you could get away with $300,000 policcy. You need to protect yourself!

My insurance co.? The olny one to have, as this is all they do is insure captians and guides, and they have the best prices... Charter Lakes Insurance Agency, P.O. Box 8797, Kentwood MI, (Grand Rapids) 49518-8797, 1-800-879-2248

Insurance, it's not cheap, but a must!

[rogerm52]

I am not an expert, so please take this as food for thought. I don't even quite know that what I am about to suggest is viable.

It might be in your interest to incorporate your charter business and make yourself an employee of that business. That way, if you were to be sued, the individual could only sue for the assets of the company, which could be minimal compared to your house and personal assets.

Again, I am not an expert in this. A lawyer would be a better person to ask.

[FISHING FOOL]

NPAA insurance is the only way to go if you want to make sure a claim will get paid.

["COMA"]

Well shoot , Looks like it is too expensive to fish a walleye tournys then. I guess I will just be filling the freezer this year. Thats too bad. Money has a way of ruining every thing in the end. See ya on the water. "COMA"

[LCFISHERMAN]

Good question-just bumping because of the site down time

[Walleyeman]

bump

[Legal Eagle]

If I am correct, which half the time I am, you should be able to get away with your clients signing a waiver form. A bad example would be when you buy a ticket to a baseball game. By buying the ticket you are signing your right to sue the stadium if a ball should smack you in the face.

[jack dohm]

I was thinking about guiding the river for smallmouth this year till i found out what you just found out.Everybody sue happy even if its not your fault.I gave up the adea.just wanted to do it on the weekend.i wouldt make much after would pay all the stuff.Pluus make sure you get certified for CPR somebody said you need that also.Alot of red tape.Need to be a full time bussiness or wont make much .Thats a BUMMER.

[guideman]

Guiding without insurance is a foolish
enterprise. My insurance cost me $600.
a year and it's worth every penny.
A waiver won't mean squat in court and
you know if they get hurt, their going to sue you and get your....boat, house, car, tackle....you get the picture?

[LCFISHERMAN]

Are you incorporated as a bussiness
I would think that being INC. that only a bussiness would suffer a loss due to lawsuit whether anyone is insured properly or not please respond
thanks

[Ralph]

A waiver should work. Fishing is a participation sport. When people engage in sports, there is a complete defense called "assumption of the risk". So, when I play basketball and take an elbow requiring stiches, I can't sue.

The same holds true in fishing. There are exceptions, like if you go out without life vests ...that would be negligent and the clients probably would not have assumed the risk.

I would consult with an attorney in Mn. to find out what the state laws are on this. They could give you a fast answer and draft up a contract for you.

I would also incorporate to avoid personal liability.

Ralph

[Walleyeman]

I contacted the NPAA and filled out their application. So I will probably just use their insurance. I am not inc. so I would be pretty screwed if someone decided to sue for some reason. I will also be fishing all MTT Mille Lacs events so I will need to be covered for tournaments also. I know my current Allstate policy wouldn't cover that either.

[Sunshine]

What is NAPA charging you for the insurance?

[Walleyeman]

I haven't talked about insurance with them yet. But others tell me it's going to cost about $550.

[Fshngyd]

Sunshine,

Just talked with them today and it looks like great coverage. Price was $625.00 for the year and covers everything from comp/collision, theft and liablility (500,000),$79.00 extra to increase to 1 Million liablility. Call Steve or Todd at 1-800-747-4472, check it out.