Inland marine insurance for property that moves
Protection for equipment, tools and goods in transit, so business assets stay covered wherever they go: between locations, at job sites and in storage.
What is inland marine insurance?
Inland marine insurance protects goods transported over land and property that is mobile or transportable. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with water; it evolved from ocean marine insurance to address the risks of movable business assets. The Insurance Risk Management Institute has a fuller definition.
It fills gaps left by standard commercial property insurance, which typically covers property only at a fixed location. If your business relies on equipment, tools or materials that travel to job sites or are stored in different places, this protection matters.
Who needs inland marine coverage?
Any business with mobile or transportable property.
Construction contractors
Tools and equipment on job sites.
Learn more →Trucking and transportation
Goods and equipment on the road.
Learn more →Medical equipment providers
Equipment that travels to patients and facilities.
IT companies
Portable electronics.
Caterers and event rentals
Event equipment moved between venues.
Photographers and videographers
Cameras and production gear.
Landscapers and lawn care
Mowers, trailers and equipment.
Learn more →Types of inland marine coverage
Options tailored to the kinds of property you need to cover.
Contractors Equipment
Heavy machinery, tools and equipment used at construction sites, such as excavators, bulldozers, cranes and specialized tools.
Builders Risk
Buildings and structures under construction, including materials, fixtures and equipment that will become part of the completed structure.
Motor Truck Cargo
Goods and merchandise transported by truck, including loss or damage during loading, transit and unloading.
Installation Floater
Materials and equipment from purchase until installation is complete, including transit and storage at the job site.
Electronic Data Processing
Computers, servers and electronic equipment, including data restoration and business interruption from equipment failure.
Valuable Papers & Records
The cost of researching, replacing or restoring important documents such as manuscripts, blueprints and irreplaceable records.
What a policy typically covers and excludes
Typically covered
- Theft and vandalism of equipment, tools and materials at any location
- Collision and overturning during transport, and equipment tip-overs on job sites
- Wind, hail, lightning, fire and other natural perils wherever equipment is located
- Equipment breakdown (mechanical or electrical failure) with the proper endorsement
- Equipment you rent or lease for your operations
Common exclusions
- Normal wear and tear from regular use
- Intentional damage by the insured
- War, terrorism and nuclear hazards
- Mysterious disappearance without evidence of theft, in most cases
- Government seizure or confiscation
Inland marine placed with care
Since 1992 we've worked with Pacific Northwest businesses on inland marine coverage. <a href="/about-us/">Learn more about our team</a>.
Multiple carriers
As a broker, we compare options across top-rated carriers for the right coverage and price.
Personal service
Advisors who understand your industry and how your equipment is used.
Claims support
We stay involved through the entire claims process.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between inland marine insurance and commercial property insurance?
Commercial property insurance typically covers property at a fixed location. Inland marine insurance covers property that is mobile, in transit or stored at various locations, filling the gaps standard property policies leave for businesses with movable assets.
Does this coverage include rented or leased equipment?
Yes, in most cases policies can be extended to cover rented or leased equipment. Rental agreements often require you to insure the equipment you rent, and we can help make sure your policy meets those requirements.
How is the value of my equipment determined for coverage?
Equipment can be insured on an actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost basis. ACV accounts for depreciation; replacement cost covers the full cost of replacing equipment with new items of similar kind and quality. We generally recommend replacement cost for essential equipment.
Are my tools covered while stored in my work vehicle overnight?
It varies by policy. Many policies cover tools left in locked vehicles, sometimes with sub-limits. We can review your situation and recommend appropriate coverage levels.
How much does inland marine insurance cost?
Cost depends on the type and value of equipment, your industry, claims history, deductible and coverage limits. It is generally affordable relative to the value of the assets protected. Contact us for a personalized quote.
Get your inland marine insurance quote
Tell us what you need to protect and where it goes, and we'll find the right coverage for your equipment and goods in transit.
Coverage descriptions are general summaries for education. They are not legal, tax or coverage advice, a statement of coverage, an offer or a binder. Coverage, limits and eligibility are governed by the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policies issued and are subject to underwriting.