Inland Marine Insurance

Inland marine covers property that’s on the move or located away from your main business premises. If your business transports equipment, tools, or products, inland marine insurance can save you from expensive headaches.

What is Inland Marine Insurance?

Inland marine insurance protects your business property when it’s transported over land or stored temporarily off-site. This coverage includes everything from construction equipment to your photographer friend’s pricey camera gear.
Imagine your plumbing business has expensive diagnostic tools loaded in your truck.

One quick stop for coffee, and a thief seizes the opportunity. Without inland marine coverage, replacing those tools comes straight out of your pocket.

What Does Inland Marine Insurance Cover?

Inland marine insurance covers movable or temporarily stored property, including:

Construction equipment and machinery
Tools and contractors’ equipment
Photography and videography gear
Computers, laptops, and tablets
Artwork and exhibitions
Products or goods in transit
Leased or rented equipment

For example, if you're an electrician with costly diagnostic equipment left overnight at a client's site, inland marine insurance covers theft, vandalism, or accidental damage. Whether your tools take a tumble off the truck or vanish overnight, you're financially protected.

What Isn’t Covered by Inland Marine Insurance?

Like all coverages, inland marine has limits. It doesn’t typically cover:

Vehicles (these need commercial auto insurance)
Damage due to regular wear and tear
Property intentionally damaged

Stationary property permanently fixed at your primary business location (this needs standard property insurance)
If your equipment breaks down simply because it’s old, inland marine won’t help. Maintenance is still your responsibility.

Who Needs Inland Marine Insurance?

If you regularly move valuable property from place to place or store it temporarily at job sites, inland marine insurance makes sense for you. Typical businesses include:

Contractors (carpenters, plumbers, electricians, HVAC professionals)
Photographers and videographers
Tech and IT professionals
Event organizers and caterers
Medical and scientific professionals carrying specialized equipment

Claim Example: You’re an event planner, and your rented audiovisual gear is stolen overnight before a big corporate presentation. Inland marine has your back, covering replacement costs swiftly.

How Much Is Inland Marine Insurance ?

Pricing depends on specific circumstances, including:

The total value of items
How often items are transported
Your industry and business operations
Your location

On average, inland marine insurance can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,200 annually for small businesses.

How Can You Buy Inland Marine Insurance?

Getting inland marine insurance is easy:

Value Your Equipment: Calculate replacement costs accurately.
Get a Quote: Contact a trusted insurance provider specializing in business coverage.
Customize Your Coverage: Discuss options to cover specific equipment and potential risks.
Review Regularly: Update your policy whenever your equipment list or business activities change.

At USA Business Insurance, we simplify this process for entrepreneurs. We walk you through coverage options, making sure your equipment is protected.