Inland marine insurance is a crucial but often overlooked part of a strong business insurance portfolio.
When most people hear “marine insurance,” they think of ships and cargo at sea. But inland marine insurance?
That’s a different story—one that’s especially important for businesses with property that moves from place to place.
Whether it’s tools on a job site, equipment in transit, or materials stored off-site, inland marine insurance steps in where traditional property insurance leaves off.
Here’s the details.
What is Inland Marine Insurance?
Inland marine insurance is designed to protect movable, transportable, or off-site property. It covers business assets that are not fixed to a single location, making it a must-have for companies that frequently transport equipment or store valuable property outside of their main premises.
This type of policy is especially useful in industries like construction, logistics, mobile services, and transportation—where gear is constantly in motion or at temporary locations.
What Does Inland Marine Insurance Cover?
Here’s a breakdown of what inland marine insurance typically includes:
✅ Property in Transit: Coverage for goods transported by truck, train, or other land-based methods.
✅ Mobile Equipment: Includes protection for tools and equipment used in construction, landscaping, or similar fields.
✅ Off-Site Property: Protects materials and equipment stored at job sites, warehouses, or third-party facilities.
✅ Fine Art and Exhibitions: Covers valuable displays while they’re in transit or on loan.
✅ Installation Floaters: Covers materials from the time they are loaded for delivery until they’re fully installed at the job site.
Covered Perils: What Risks Are Included?
Inland marine insurance helps pay for damages caused by certain covered events (also called perils).
These can include:
- Theft
- Fire
- Wind
- Hail
- Water damage
Additional covered situations may include:
- Mysterious Disappearance: When property goes missing without a clear cause.
- Accidental Drops or Mishandling: Damage caused during loading, unloading, or while in transit.
Examples of Property Typically Covered
- Construction or contractor equipment
- Tools and portable power machinery
- Computer systems and tech equipment
- Photography and video gear
- Medical and scientific instruments
- Trade show exhibits and sales samples
- Cargo or goods in transit
Why Inland Marine Insurance Matters for Fleets and Mobile Businesses
Fleets and mobile operations often work outside the bounds of traditional property insurance. Here’s why inland marine coverage is especially valuable:
Protection on the Go: Stationary coverage won’t protect tools stolen from a job site or equipment damaged during transport. Inland marine fills that gap.
Supplemental Coverage: It complements existing business policies by offering coverage specific to movable or stored items.
Customizable Policies: Most insurers offer customizable coverage limits and options to match your exact business needs.
Peace of Mind: For any business that depends on goods in transit or equipment at different sites, inland marine insurance provides vital protection and confidence.
Who Needs Inland Marine Insurance?
This coverage is ideal for businesses that rely on moveable property.
Examples include:
- Construction Companies – Equipment and materials used on job sites.
- Transportation Fleets – Coverage for motor truck cargo and assets in motion.
- Logistics and Warehouse Providers – Goods stored or awaiting shipment.
- Mobile Vendors – Food trucks, pop-up retailers, mobile service providers.
- Event and Creative Professionals – Photographers, event planners, or tradeshow vendors with expensive gear in transit.
Deductibles, Limits, and Reimbursement
Like most insurance policies, inland marine coverage comes with deductibles and coverage limits:
- Deductible: The amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in.
- Coverage Limit: The maximum amount your policy will pay for a covered claim.
You’ll also need to choose how your assets are valued:
- Actual Cash Value (ACV): Reimburses based on the item’s depreciated value.
- Replacement Cost: Pays the full cost to replace the damaged item at today’s prices.
⚠️ Note: Some policies include a coinsurance clause. If your reported value is too low, you could be penalized when making a claim.
Do You Need Inland Marine Insurance?
If your business involves any of the following, you likely need inland marine insurance:
- Frequent transportation of equipment or goods
- Use of mobile or temporary job sites
- Storage of property off your primary premises
- High-value equipment that moves between locations
Even if you already have general commercial insurance, inland marine coverage can fill important gaps. For example, cameras in a studio may be covered—but not while they’re being transported to a photo shoot across town.
Remember, for businesses that operate beyond the four walls of a single location, this coverage provides peace of mind that your assets are protected—wherever they go.
If you’re unsure whether your current policy covers your property in transit or off-site, give us a call or fill out the form below – 800.724.5523 or email info@cnsinsures.com.
