U.S. Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act Insurance Houston

Your Houston maritime business deserves protection from a partner who understands local port operations and federal regulations.
• Deep understanding of Houston's port industry and maritime risks
• Expert knowledge of federal USL&H Act requirements and Texas state regulations
• Customized coverage for Gulf Coast-specific maritime operations
We go beyond basic USL&H coverage with premium risk management services tailored to Houston's maritime industry. Our enhanced options include specialized safety training programs and proactive claims management, helping prevent incidents while ensuring robust protection for your business and employees.
• Stevedoring Companies: Businesses loading and unloading vessels at the Port of Houston require comprehensive USL&H coverage for their workforce.
• Ship Repair and Maintenance Firms: Companies servicing vessels in Houston's shipyards need protection against workplace injuries and illnesses.
• Offshore Oil and Gas Support Services: Businesses providing support to Houston's offshore energy sector must have USL&H coverage for workers on navigable waters.
• Harbor Construction Companies: Firms engaged in constructing or repairing Houston's port facilities require USL&H insurance for workers exposed to maritime risks.

Let our local experts analyze your current coverage and identify potential gaps or savings for your business.
Comprehensive protection for Houston's maritime workforce, addressing federal requirements and local industry risks.

USL&H insurance costs in Houston typically range from $20 to $50 per $100 of payroll, but individual premiums vary based on several factors:
Houston's susceptibility to tropical storms and specific port infrastructure can influence USL&H insurance rates compared to other U.S. maritime hubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to questions you may have. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us here.
USL&H insurance in Houston is a federally mandated workers' compensation program for maritime employees. It covers workers engaged in maritime activities on or near navigable waters, including the Port of Houston, one of the busiest ports in the U.S. This insurance provides medical benefits, disability compensation, and rehabilitation services for work-related injuries or illnesses. It's crucial for Houston's maritime industry due to the city's extensive coastal and port operations.
In Houston, employers with workers performing tasks on, near, or adjacent to navigable waters must have USL&H insurance. This includes longshoremen, harbor workers, ship repairers, and shipbuilders. Even businesses not primarily engaged in maritime work may need coverage if their employees occasionally work on docks or vessels. Given Houston's significant maritime industry, with over 200 private terminals and 8 public terminals, many local businesses fall under this requirement.
USL&H insurance in Houston offers more comprehensive benefits than standard Texas workers' compensation. It provides higher compensation rates, unlimited medical benefits, and broader coverage for occupational diseases. Unlike Texas state workers' comp, which is optional for private employers, USL&H is mandatory for eligible maritime employers. The federal nature of USL&H also means consistent coverage across states, crucial for Houston's interstate and international maritime operations.
In Houston, USL&H insurance covers a wide range of maritime-specific risks. These include injuries from heavy machinery at the port, accidents on oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico, exposure to hazardous materials during cargo handling, and slip-and-fall incidents on wet docks. It also covers unique Houston risks like heat-related illnesses due to the city's hot climate and injuries from hurricanes or severe weather events that frequently affect the Gulf Coast region.
USL&H insurance premiums in Houston are calculated based on several factors: the company's payroll, the nature of work performed, the company's safety record, and the specific risks associated with Houston's maritime environment. For instance, businesses operating in Houston's ship channel might face higher premiums due to increased risk exposure. The Experience Modification Rate (EMR), which reflects a company's past claim history, also significantly impacts premium calculations in Houston's competitive maritime insurance market.
Houston employers should first determine if their operations fall under USL&H jurisdiction, considering the city's extensive waterfront activities. They must then obtain coverage from an authorized insurance provider familiar with Houston's maritime landscape. Employers should implement rigorous safety programs tailored to local maritime risks, maintain accurate payroll records, and promptly report any injuries. Regular audits and consultations with USL&H experts are advisable, given the complex regulations and Houston's dynamic maritime industry environment.
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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.