---
title: "What Is Inland Marine Insurance?"
description: "Inland marine insurance includes specialized protection for equipment that moves between jobs and goods in transit."
canonical: "https://spot.insure/coverage/inland-marine"
page-type: "coverage-article"
updated-at: "2026-09-16"
verified-at: "2026-09-16"
---

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[Human-readable page](https://spot.insure/coverage/inland-marine)

# What Is Inland Marine Insurance?

Inland marine insurance includes specialized protection for equipment that moves between jobs and goods in transit.

## Summary

Inland marine is specialized property insurance for items such as equipment that travels between sites, property being installed and goods in transit. Coverage types differ, so match each quote to the items you own, rent or hold for others. [1](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/09-comm/commercialguide.cfm) [1](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/09-comm/commercialguide.cfm) [2](https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/132333/823484/SoF_Policy_CE_17-18_UM00056635MA17A.pdf)

## What Does Inland Marine Insurance Cover?

Inland marine is a category of specialized property insurance for exposures such as equipment that moves between locations and goods in transit. [1](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/09-comm/commercialguide.cfm)

### Mobile Property and Specialized Exposures

Equipment floaters, installation coverage, motor truck cargo, trip transit, accounts receivable and valuable papers are different inland marine coverage types. [1](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/09-comm/commercialguide.cfm)

### Match the Coverage to the Property

Compare the property description with what you own, rent or hold for others, and ask which items must be individually scheduled. [2](https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/132333/823484/SoF_Policy_CE_17-18_UM00056635MA17A.pdf)

| Property in the discussion | Interest to identify | Question to ask |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Owned diagnostic device taken to customer sites | Property you own and move | Is it scheduled, and at what value? |
| Rented construction equipment | Property you rent or borrow from others | Does the quote address rented or borrowed items? |
| Customer goods in your care | Property belonging to someone else | Which coverage, if any, is proposed for that interest? |

[2](https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/132333/823484/SoF_Policy_CE_17-18_UM00056635MA17A.pdf) [1](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/09-comm/commercialguide.cfm)

## Who Needs Inland Marine Insurance?

Consider inland marine for tools, installation materials or other valuable property that travels between locations. [3](https://www.chubb.com/us-en/business-insurance/contractors-equipment-insurance.html) [2](https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/132333/823484/SoF_Policy_CE_17-18_UM00056635MA17A.pdf)

## Coverage Examples

These are examples, not coverage guarantees. Your policy terms and the facts of the claim determine what is covered.

### Equipment Is Damaged on the Road

Equipment your team is taking to a customer site is damaged during the trip.

An equipment floater may cover property in transit. The item, journey and locations need to fit its schedule and territorial terms. [1](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/09-comm/commercialguide.cfm) [2](https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/132333/823484/SoF_Policy_CE_17-18_UM00056635MA17A.pdf) [2](https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/132333/823484/SoF_Policy_CE_17-18_UM00056635MA17A.pdf)

### Several Tools Are Lost Together

One incident damages several valuable tools carried in the same trailer.

The policy may have both per-item limits and a cap for a single loss. That cap can matter even when each tool is insured for an adequate amount. [1](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/09-comm/commercialguide.cfm) [2](https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/132333/823484/SoF_Policy_CE_17-18_UM00056635MA17A.pdf) [2](https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/132333/823484/SoF_Policy_CE_17-18_UM00056635MA17A.pdf)

## How Do You Compare Coverage and Costs?

### Locations and Movement

Describe where equipment is stored, used and transported; check territorial limits and any restrictions on property lent or rented to someone else. [2](https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/132333/823484/SoF_Policy_CE_17-18_UM00056635MA17A.pdf)

### Values, Limits and Deductibles

Ask how a damaged item will be valued and whether replacement-cost payment depends on repairing or replacing it. [2](https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/132333/823484/SoF_Policy_CE_17-18_UM00056635MA17A.pdf)

Compare the limit on each item with any cap on a single loss involving several items. A trailer full of tools can be worth much more than any one tool. Also check whether the deductible is a fixed dollar amount or a percentage, and how that percentage is calculated. [2](https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/132333/823484/SoF_Policy_CE_17-18_UM00056635MA17A.pdf)

## What Exclusions and Conditions Should You Check?

### Causes of Loss

Ask how the wording treats wear and tear, mechanical breakdown, unexplained disappearance and loss of use. [2](https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/132333/823484/SoF_Policy_CE_17-18_UM00056635MA17A.pdf)

### Reporting and Records

Before a loss occurs, find the reporting instructions and ask what records will help establish ownership, value and what happened to the property. [2](https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/132333/823484/SoF_Policy_CE_17-18_UM00056635MA17A.pdf)

Keep purchase records, serial numbers, photographs and current locations with your equipment inventory. [2](https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/132333/823484/SoF_Policy_CE_17-18_UM00056635MA17A.pdf)

## How Does It Compare With Related Coverage?

Compare inland marine with any off-site property terms in your commercial property policy, with cargo coverage for goods being shipped, and with equipment breakdown coverage for machinery failure. [1](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/09-comm/commercialguide.cfm) [2](https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/132333/823484/SoF_Policy_CE_17-18_UM00056635MA17A.pdf)

| Concern | Related discussion |
| --- | --- |
| Equipment that leaves a building | Inland marine and any off-site property terms |
| Goods in a shipment | Cargo and transit coverage |
| Machinery that stops working | Equipment breakdown coverage |
| The building and contents that stay put | Commercial property coverage |

[1](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/09-comm/commercialguide.cfm) [2](https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/132333/823484/SoF_Policy_CE_17-18_UM00056635MA17A.pdf) [1](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/09-comm/commercialguide.cfm)

## What Do You Need for a Quote?

Prepare an equipment or property inventory with descriptions and values, a description of your operations, prior losses, and the limits you want to discuss. [3](https://www.chubb.com/us-en/business-insurance/contractors-equipment-insurance.html) [2](https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/132333/823484/SoF_Policy_CE_17-18_UM00056635MA17A.pdf)

### Build a Usable Property Inventory

| Prepare | How to use it |
| --- | --- |
| Item descriptions and serial numbers | Match the schedule to owned, rented or customer property |
| Values and how you arrived at them | Compare scheduled amounts with a loss involving one item or several |
| Storage, job-site and transport locations | Check territorial limits and movement conditions |
| Operations and who uses the equipment | Explain why items leave the premises |
| Prior losses and changes made afterward | Give the broker a current picture, not only a historical list |
| Limits and deductibles you want to discuss | Compare per-item and shared-loss amounts |

[3](https://www.chubb.com/us-en/business-insurance/contractors-equipment-insurance.html) [2](https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/132333/823484/SoF_Policy_CE_17-18_UM00056635MA17A.pdf) [2](https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/132333/823484/SoF_Policy_CE_17-18_UM00056635MA17A.pdf) [2](https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/132333/823484/SoF_Policy_CE_17-18_UM00056635MA17A.pdf)

## Key Terms in Plain English

### Equipment Floater

A type of inland marine coverage for equipment that moves between locations. [1](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/09-comm/commercialguide.cfm) [1](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/09-comm/commercialguide.cfm)

### Scheduled Property

Items individually identified in the policy. Check which owned, rented or borrowed items need listing. [2](https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/132333/823484/SoF_Policy_CE_17-18_UM00056635MA17A.pdf)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Does Inland Marine Only Cover Goods on Water?

No. Despite the name, inland marine includes specialized protection for equipment moving between locations and goods in transit. [1](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/09-comm/commercialguide.cfm)

### Can One Limit Cover Several Items Lost Together?

Yes, a single-loss limit may apply alongside individual item limits. Check both, particularly when several valuable items travel together. [2](https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/132333/823484/SoF_Policy_CE_17-18_UM00056635MA17A.pdf)

### Can Inland Marine Insurance Cover Rented Equipment?

Check whether the property description includes equipment you rent or hold for others, as well as equipment you own. Ask which items must be listed individually on the policy. [2](https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/132333/823484/SoF_Policy_CE_17-18_UM00056635MA17A.pdf)

### What Information Do I Need for an Inland Marine Quote?

Start with an inventory of the property, including descriptions and values. Have your operations, prior losses and desired limits ready so the quote can reflect the equipment or goods you need to insure. [3](https://www.chubb.com/us-en/business-insurance/contractors-equipment-insurance.html) [2](https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/132333/823484/SoF_Policy_CE_17-18_UM00056635MA17A.pdf)

## Related Coverage

- [What Is Commercial Property Insurance?](https://spot.insure/coverage/commercial-property) — Commercial property insurance addresses physical business assets, including buildings, equipment, furniture and inventory, subject to the policy’s covered property, causes and terms.
- [What Is Builders Risk Insurance?](https://spot.insure/coverage/builders-risk) — Builders risk insurance addresses physical property losses during building construction.
- [What Is Cargo and Transit Insurance?](https://spot.insure/coverage/cargo-transit) — Cargo and transit insurance addresses loss or damage to goods being transported, subject to the coverage purchased.
- [What Is Equipment Breakdown Insurance?](https://spot.insure/coverage/equipment-breakdown) — Equipment breakdown insurance addresses damage from covered mechanical or electrical failures affecting business equipment.

## Documented Providers

### [Alliance Risk](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/alliance-risk)

Alliance Risk arranges inland marine coverage for goods, tools and equipment in transit or off-site. [4](https://joinalliancerisk.com/coverages/)

### [Chubb](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/chubb)

Chubb offers inland marine insurance. [5](https://www.chubb.com/us-en/business-insurance/inland-marine.html) [6](https://www.chubb.com/us-en/business-insurance/excess-surplus.html)

### [Coverdash](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/coverdash)

Coverdash arranges inland marine insurance. [7](https://www.coverdash.com/coverage)

### [Harper](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/harper)

Harper arranges inland marine coverage for tools and equipment that leave the shop. [8](https://www.harperinsure.com/coverages)

### [HUB International](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/hub-international)

HUB International arranges inland marine insurance through its marine practice. [9](https://www.hubinternational.com/products/business-insurance/marine-insurance/)

### [Kinro](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/kinro)

Kinro arranges tools and equipment coverage through its inland marine offering. [10](https://kinro.com/products)

### [Relm Insurance](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/relm)

Relm lists inland marine insurance for placement through brokers. [11](https://relminsurance.com/lines-of-business/)

### [Risklytics](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/risklytics)

Risklytics arranges inland marine equipment coverage for robotics, hardware and AI businesses. [12](https://www.risklytics.ai/markets/)

### [StartupInsurance.ai](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/startupinsurance)

StartupInsurance.ai arranges inland marine insurance for startups. [13](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/)

### [TechInsurance](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/techinsurance)

TechInsurance arranges inland marine coverage for contractors’ tools and equipment. [14](https://www.techinsurance.com/about-us/business-insurance-partners)

### [The Hartford](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/the-hartford)

The Hartford offers inland marine insurance for midsize and large businesses. [15](https://www.thehartford.com/inland-marine-insurance)

### [Travelers](https://spot.insure/insurance-providers/travelers)

Travelers offers inland marine insurance. [16](https://www.travelers.com/business-insurance/inland-marine)

## Sources

1. [Commercial Insurance Guide](https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/09-comm/commercialguide.cfm). California Department of Insurance; Property Insurance; Commercial Property; Inland Marine; Boiler and Machinery. Accessed 2026-09-16.
2. [Inland Marine Policy: Contractors’ Equipment](https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/132333/823484/SoF_Policy_CE_17-18_UM00056635MA17A.pdf). Markel American Insurance Company / American Association of Insurance Services; hosted by Florida Department of Management Services; PDF p.8 declarations; attached Contractors’ Equipment printed pp.1–13 (PDF pp.18–30); replacement-cost endorsement PDF p.34. Accessed 2026-09-16.
3. [Contractors Equipment Insurance](https://www.chubb.com/us-en/business-insurance/contractors-equipment-insurance.html). Chubb; Contractors Equipment Insurance Submission Requirements; Target Clients. Accessed 2026-09-16.
4. [Alliance Products](https://joinalliancerisk.com/coverages/). Alliance Risk; Coverages product cards, from Accountant Professional Liability through Wrap-Up Insurance. Accessed 2026-09-16.
5. [Inland Marine Insurance](https://www.chubb.com/us-en/business-insurance/inland-marine.html). Chubb; Inland marine policy overview; builders’ risk, contractors equipment and related tools. Accessed 2026-09-16.
6. [Excess And Surplus Insurance (E&S Insurance)](https://www.chubb.com/us-en/business-insurance/excess-surplus.html). Chubb; Westchester E&S portfolio; Westchester Fire admitted description; Westchester Surplus Lines eligible in 49 states; paper including Illinois Union and ACE companies. Accessed 2026-09-16.
7. [Coverage Hub](https://www.coverdash.com/coverage). Coverdash; Core Business: General Liability, Business Owner’s Policy, Commercial Property, Workers’ Comp; Professional & Management: Professional Liability, Tech E&O, Lawyers Professional Liability, Directors & Officers, Employment Practices, Fiduciary, Management Liability, Media Liability; Cyber & Crime: Cyber Insurance, Crime Coverage, Kidnap & Ransom; Property & Catastrophe: Builder’s Risk, Equipment Breakdown, Inland Marine; Auto & Transport: Commercial Auto, Motor Truck Cargo, Non-Trucking Liability, Ocean Marine; Excess & Specialty: Umbrella, Excess Liability, Product Liability, Product Recall, Liquor Liability, Surety Bond; Get a quote links. Accessed 2026-09-16.
8. [What We Cover](https://www.harperinsure.com/coverages). Harper; Coverage directory: Liquor Liability, Medical Malpractice, Product Liability, Professional Liability, Umbrella, Workers Compensation; intake What do you need covered?: Property and liability bundled together, Claims about my work or advice (professional liability), Tools and equipment that leave the shop (inland marine), Umbrella; broker footer. Accessed 2026-09-16.
9. [Marine Insurance Broker Policy & Coverage](https://www.hubinternational.com/products/business-insurance/marine-insurance/). HUB International; A comprehensive approach to ocean and inland marine insurance; Tailored solutions: Marine Cargo Insurance and Stock Throughput Insurance; related marine liability coverages; domestic and international carriers; inland marine FAQ. Accessed 2026-09-16.
10. [Commercial Insurance Products](https://kinro.com/products). Kinro; Most common starting points (General Liability, Commercial Auto); 02 BOP / Package / Business Owner’s Policy; 03 WC / Employee coverage (state, payroll and class-code questions); 05 Trucking Insurance; 06 E&O / Advice and services / Professional Liability / E&O; 09 Umbrella / Excess Liability; Vehicles, property, and field operations (Commercial Property, Hired & Non-Owned Auto); Product 11: Tools & Equipment / Inland Marine; Professional, cyber, and leadership risk (Cyber Liability, Directors & Officers); How Kinro narrows it down: carrier fit. Accessed 2026-09-16.
11. [Lines of Business](https://relminsurance.com/lines-of-business/). Relm Insurance; Financial Lines through Specialty Lines; individual offering lists. Accessed 2026-09-16.
12. [For insurers and wholesale markets](https://www.risklytics.ai/markets/). Risklytics; Opening brokerage positioning for robotics, hardware and AI businesses; The lines we place; Applications that state the exposure; appetite form; footer producer identity. Accessed 2026-09-16.
13. [Startup Insurance | Coverage that clears the review](https://www.startupinsurance.ai/). StartupInsurance.ai; Hero; Coverage: What we place and The startup program; AI coverage that names AI; Physical risk, because AI outgrew software; The paperwork runs itself; carrier panel; Straight talk; footer agency and issuer disclosure. Accessed 2026-09-16.
14. [Our Insurance Partners](https://www.techinsurance.com/about-us/business-insurance-partners). TechInsurance; Named provider sections; More key policies our dedicated providers offer (including Contractor’s tools and equipment insurance); Professions we insure. Accessed 2026-09-16.
15. [Inland Marine Insurance Solutions](https://www.thehartford.com/inland-marine-insurance). The Hartford; Inland Marine Insurance Solutions introduction; midsize and large inland-marine programs including technology equipment; Quick Quote submissions; premium-start statement for larger businesses; Find an Agent or Broker. Accessed 2026-09-16.
16. [Inland Marine Insurance](https://www.travelers.com/business-insurance/inland-marine). Travelers; Inland Marine products: construction and specialized property, property in transit, computers and electronics; Transportation, Cargo and Logistics. Accessed 2026-09-16.

Updated 2026-09-16. Factually reviewed 2026-09-16. Spot, a product of Tools for Enlightenment, publishes this research and works in the commercial insurance market. [Editorial policy](https://spot.insure/editorial-policy). To suggest a correction, [contact Spot](https://spot.insure/contact) with the page URL and supporting source.

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