What Is Inland Marine Insurance?
Inland Marine Insurance covers property in transit or stored off-site — things that don't stay in one place. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with water. It originally covered goods moved inland by ship, but today, it protects business tools, equipment, and products as they travel or reside away from your main location.
Whether you're a contractor hauling tools, a tech company installing equipment, or a retailer shipping high-value goods, Inland Marine Insurance can provide coverage for certain business property that may not be adequately covered by a standard property policy when it is away from your primary premises.
What Does Inland Marine Insurance Cover?
This insurance is ideal for covering:
- Mobile equipment and tools
- Equipment stored at job sites
- Items in transit (e.g., via truck or courier)
- Fine art, photography gear, or musical instruments
- Computers, servers, and electronics
- Trade show displays and samples
It’s highly customizable, giving you coverage where general business property insurance falls short.
Who Needs Inland Marine Insurance?
You may need Inland Marine Insurance if your business:
- Regularly transports valuable goods or materials
- Uses expensive mobile equipment at job sites
- Stores inventory or gear in temporary locations
- Handles customer property under your care
- Works in construction, photography, IT, or logistics
Coverage can be tailored for:
- Contractors – tools, generators, jobsite equipment
- Photographers & creatives – cameras, lighting, drones
- IT & tech – servers, routers, AV systems
- Retailers & wholesalers – goods in transit or storage
- Event vendors – tents, staging, sound systems
Tell us what you use — we’ll help you explore the right coverage options
Inland Marine Insurance vs. Commercial Property
Commercial Property Insurance generally focuses on covered property at your business premises, while Inland Marine Insurance can provide coverage for certain property while it is in transit or at other locations. Inland Marine Insurance extends that protection off-site and on the move.
Combining the right property and inland marine coverages can help protect your business assets across different locations and situations.
Common Inland Marine Claims
Inland Marine Insurance helps pay for damage, loss, or theft caused by:
- Vehicle accidents during transport
- Theft from job sites or temporary locations
- Fire, vandalism, or weather-related damage
- Certain physical damage or loss to covered equipment, depending on the policy
These incidents can be financially devastating without the right coverage.
Tips to Lower Your Premium
Want to save on Inland Marine Insurance? Try these:
- Keep detailed inventory records
- Use GPS tracking on expensive gear
- Store items securely when off-site
- Limit overnight storage in vehicles
- Bundle with other policies (like General Liability or BOP)
A little risk management goes a long way.
