Inland Marine Insurance

Inland marine insurance protects your business tools, equipment and goods while they’re moving from place to place, stored off-site or used at different job sites. This coverage extends beyond a standard Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) to cover what happens outside your main address.

Get a quote online and protect your tools and equipment today!

What Is Inland Marine Insurance?

Inland marine insurance covers your property while it’s transported over land or is temporarily off your business premises. If you regularly move equipment, tools, or goods, this coverage can prevent gaps from standard property insurance.

Learn more about business insurance options.

What Does Inland Marine Insurance Cover?

Inland marine insurance protects property, such as your:

  • Tools and equipment (hand tools, power tools, machinery)
  • Electronics and computers
  • Goods/cargo in transit

It protects against things like:

  • Theft, loss or damage during transit
  • Water or fire damage away from your main address
  • Items you’re temporarily holding for clients

Learn more about commercial auto insurance to cover your work vehicles (vehicle coverages differ from property coverages).

Who Needs Inland Marine Insurance?

You should consider inland marine insurance if:

  • You move tools, equipment, or products between locations
  • You store business property off-site or in transit
  • You hold client property for repair, cleaning, or storage

Industries that benefit:

  • Contractors and trades (covers portable tools and equipment)
  • Technology services (covers computers, servers, and electronics)
  • Photographers and creative businesses (covers cameras and gear)
  • Anyone transporting materials, including those going to trade shows

Learn more about your business insurance options.

Inland Marine vs. Commercial Property Insurance

Feature Commercial Property Inland Marine
What’s covered Property at listed address Property anywhere or in transit
Good for Offices, fixed equipment Mobile tools, job site gear
Typical industry use Retail, office, stationary Trade, contracting, events
Loss types Fire, theft at one address Theft, loss, or damage almost anywhere

For a broader overview, visit our business owners policy page.

What Affects Your Inland Marine Rate?

  • Value and type of items covered
  • How often your property is moved
  • Claims history
  • Coverage limits and deductible amounts

Get a quote today to learn your customized rate!

FAQs on Inland Marine Insurance

  • Who needs inland marine insurance?

    If your business frequently transports valuable equipment, products, or tools, inland marine insurance can provide essential protection. This is especially important for businesses in industries like construction, transportation, or those reliant on mobile equipment.

  • What types of businesses typically require inland marine insurance?

    Businesses that move goods or equipment frequently are the primary candidates for inland marine insurance. Examples include construction companies, photographers, event planners, retail businesses utilizing mobile inventory, and trade show vendors.

  • Can I add inland marine coverage to my BOP?

    Usually, yes. For tool values under $25,000, an endorsement on your Business Owner's Policy (BOP) should work. If you have higher-value tools or heavy machinery like a skid-steer or mini-excavator, you'll need a separate Contractors Equipment Floater. This ensures you get replacement cost coverage and protection anywhere your tools go.

  • Are tools & equipment insurance and inland marine insurance the same thing?

    Yes. “Tools & equipment insurance” is another way to describe inland marine insurance. It protects your mobile gear anywhere—on a job site, in transit, or in storage—covering gaps left by Business Owner’s Policy (for your main address) or commercial auto (vehicle only).

  • Is inland marine insurance only for businesses transporting goods?

    Not necessarily. This type of insurance also covers equipment or materials stored off-site or used across multiple locations, making it versatile for many business operations.

  • Does my commercial auto policy cover tools in the van?

    No, your commercial auto policy usually only covers the vehicle itself, not tools or equipment inside. To protect items like drills, welders, or inventory while they’re in transit, you need separate tools and equipment coverage, also known as inland marine insurance.