Maritime contracts are known for including choice-of-law provisions, designating a specific jurisdiction’s laws to govern potential disputes. The enforceability of these provisions falls under federal maritime law, which generally upholds them unless certain exceptions apply. A recent case involving Raiders Retreat Realty and Great Lakes Insurance brought to light the interpretation of such provisions within the maritime context.

In the case at hand, Raiders Retreat Realty, a Pennsylvania-based entity, procured an insurance policy from Great Lakes Insurance, a company headquartered in the United Kingdom but organized in Germany. Notably, the insurance contract contained a choice-of-law provision opting for New York law to govern potential disputes. When Raiders Retreat Realty filed an insurance claim after a boating incident near Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Great Lakes Insurance denied coverage, alleging breaches of the contract.