Maritime Employers Liability Insurance Texas
Your Texas maritime business deserves protection from experts who understand the complexities of Gulf Coast operations.
• Deep understanding of Texas maritime laws and regulations
• Expert knowledge of Gulf Coast port operations and offshore risks
• Customized coverage for Texas-specific maritime employer challenges
We go beyond standard maritime employer's liability with value-added services like 24/7 claims support, crew safety training programs, and specialized endorsements for Texas-specific risks such as hurricane preparedness and oil spill liability protection.
• Offshore Oil & Gas Companies: Protect against injuries to platform workers and support vessel crews operating in the Gulf of Mexico.
• Port Operators: Coverage for stevedores, longshoremen, and other port workers in major Texas hubs like Houston and Corpus Christi.
• Commercial Fishing Fleets: Essential protection for crew injuries on vessels operating out of Galveston, Freeport, and other coastal towns.
• Shipyards and Repair Facilities: Liability coverage for workers involved in vessel construction and maintenance along the Texas coast.
Let our local experts analyze your current coverage and identify potential gaps or savings for your business.
Comprehensive protection for Texas maritime employers, addressing Gulf Coast-specific risks and complex regulatory requirements.
Our Texas maritime employers liability insurance provides crucial protection against employee injury claims not covered by standard workers' compensation. Key coverage includes:
• Jones Act Compliance: Protection against seaman injury claims
• Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA) Coverage
• Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) Protection
• Maintenance and Cure Benefits
• Unearned Wages Coverage
Texas maritime operations face unique risks requiring specialized coverage:
• Gulf of Mexico Hurricane Exposure: Protection against storm-related injuries and evacuations
• Offshore Oil & Gas Risks: Coverage for platform and support vessel injuries
• Port Congestion Hazards: Liability protection in busy Texas ports
• Chemical Exposure: Coverage for injuries related to cargo handling in petrochemical hubs
• Heat-Related Illnesses: Protection for workers in Texas's extreme summer conditions
Texas maritime employers must navigate complex state and federal requirements:
• Jones Act Compliance: Mandatory coverage for seamen's injury claims
• LHWCA Requirements: Federally mandated coverage for land-based maritime workers
• Texas Workers' Compensation: Optional but recommended coverage
• Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA): Coverage for offshore workers beyond state waters
• SOLAS and ISPS Compliance: Coverage meeting international maritime safety standards
Enhance your Texas maritime liability protection with these critical coverages:
• Pollution Liability: Essential for Gulf Coast operators
• Contractual Liability: Coverage for obligations assumed under maritime contracts
• Foreign Voluntary Workers' Compensation: Protection for crews working internationally
• Maritime Employers Liability (MEL): Gap coverage for offshore workers
• Kidnap & Ransom: Important for vessels operating in high-risk areas
Maritime Employers Liability Insurance in Texas typically costs between $5,000 to $50,000 annually. However, your specific premium depends on several factors:
Operations extending into high-risk areas of the Gulf of Mexico may face premium increases due to increased exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to questions you may have. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us here.
Maritime Employers Liability Insurance in Texas is specialized coverage for employers in the maritime industry. It protects against claims from employees injured while working on or near navigable waters. This insurance is crucial for Texas businesses operating along the Gulf Coast, including ports like Houston, Galveston, and Corpus Christi. It covers medical expenses, lost wages, and legal fees related to maritime worker injuries not covered by standard workers' compensation.
In Texas, businesses that need this insurance include shipyards, stevedoring companies, offshore oil and gas operations, commercial fishing operations, and marine construction firms. It's essential for any employer with workers performing tasks on vessels, docks, or offshore platforms along Texas's 367 miles of coastline. Even companies occasionally sending employees to work on or near water should consider this coverage to protect against potentially devastating maritime injury claims.
Unlike standard workers' compensation, which Texas doesn't require for private employers, Maritime Employers Liability Insurance is often mandatory for maritime businesses. It specifically covers injuries under maritime law, including the Jones Act and Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. This insurance provides broader coverage for maritime workers, including transportation, wages, and maintenance, which aren't typically covered by standard workers' comp policies in Texas.
This insurance covers various risks unique to Texas's maritime industry. It includes protection against claims arising from hurricanes and tropical storms common in the Gulf, injuries from oil and gas offshore operations, accidents in busy Texas ports like Houston (the busiest U.S. port in foreign tonnage), and incidents related to the state's extensive commercial fishing industry. It also covers legal defense costs in maritime injury lawsuits, which can be particularly complex and expensive in Texas courts.
Coverage needs vary based on the size and nature of maritime operations in Texas. Small operators might start with $1 million in coverage, while larger companies operating in high-risk areas like offshore oil platforms may need $5-10 million or more. Texas businesses should consider factors like the number of employees, types of vessels used, and specific operational risks. It's crucial to consult with a Texas-based maritime insurance specialist to determine appropriate coverage levels for your unique business needs.
Yes, in Texas, Maritime Employers Liability Insurance is often combined with other marine insurance policies for comprehensive coverage. It can be packaged with Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance, which is crucial for vessel owners in Texas waters. Many Texas maritime businesses also combine it with Marine General Liability and Hull and Machinery coverage. This bundled approach, often called a 'maritime insurance package,' provides robust protection against the diverse risks faced by Texas's maritime industry, from Brownsville to Port Arthur.
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For over a decade, TWFG Khan Insurance Services has been the trusted partner for businesses across Texas and neighboring states. We specialize in complex insurance solutions for maritime, oil & gas, and construction industries where standard coverage isn't enough.
Don't let gaps in coverage put your business at risk. Our team of specialists will work with you to create a comprehensive protection plan that keeps your business secure and compliant.
Join the hundreds of businesses who trust us with their most critical insurance needs.
