Marine Insulation & Lagging Contractor

USL&H Insurance for Marine Insulation & Lagging Contractors

Marine insulation and lagging work performed aboard vessels or at a shipyard often falls under the United States Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act but whether it applies depends on where the work is performed and under what contract.

If you install pipe, hull, bulkhead, or machinery insulation on ships, you're working in one of the harder categories to place, and one we already understand.

What USL&H Covers, in Plain English

The United States Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (USL&H) is a federal workers' compensation law for employees injured while doing maritime work — including shipbuilding, ship repair, and related trades performed on or near navigable waters.

"Insulation Installer" is already a recognized occupation category under this coverage. Lagging and marine insulation work is the same trade — it's simply the industry's own name for it.

Marine Insulation & Lagging Contractors

WHO THIS IS FOR

  • Marine insulation contractors performing shipboard pipe, hull, or bulkhead insulation
  • Lagging crews on ship repair or new-construction contracts
  • ALMA-affiliated contractors and subcontractors
  • Insulation subcontractors working under a shipyard or general contractor on vessel work

Why State Workers' Comp Alone May Not Be Enough

  • If your crew works aboard vessels or on shipyard property, your state workers' compensation policy may not respond the way you expect.
  • USL&H and state coverage can apply at the same time — this is called concurrent jurisdiction — and a shipyard or general contractor will often require proof of USL&H before your crew can badge in or start work, regardless of what your state policy already covers.
  • It's common for a policy in this space to include a Job Limitation Endorsement, meaning coverage applies to specified operations and locations, with any additional USL&H work during the policy term subject to prior underwriting review and approval.
  • This isn't a reason to assume you can't get covered — it's why working with a broker who already understands the trade matters.

What We Need From You to Get a Quote Started

  • Scope of work: new construction, ship repair, or retrofit
  • Where the work is performed: shipboard, dockside, or shop
  • Payroll by class code
  • Current or prior carrier and loss runs
  • Any contract language requiring USL&H coverage

FINANCING

USL&H premiums are typically financeable with 25% down and 9 monthly payments.

We'll walk you through options once we have your scope and payroll.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


It can be—eligibility depends on where the work is performed,
the nature of the contract, and the facts of your specific operation.
It's not automatic for every insulation business.

Some carriers are cautious about insulation and abatement risk
and may limit coverage to specific jobs or locations through
a Job Limitation Endorsement, with new work added subject
to underwriting review.

Shop-only work is less likely to trigger USL&H,
but the answer depends on your specific facts.
Contact us to review your operation.

We move quickly once we have your scope,
payroll and prior loss information—
contact us directly to start.