Does Commercial Auto Insurance Cover Stolen Equipment?

Auto physical-damage coverage and business property coverage protect different things. NAIC describes comprehensive as covering insured-vehicle damage from non-collision events such as theft; it does not establish that tools, inventory, or contractor equipment inside that vehicle are covered. A stolen van claim and a stolen-tool claim can therefore be evaluated under different contracts.

California’s guide describes inland marine as a property line for items in transit and lists contractors’ equipment floaters among common forms. A specific policy may still limit theft from unattended vehicles, impose security conditions, exclude property left in the open, or cap recovery for individual items.

Check the property schedule, transit territory, theft conditions, valuation method, deductible, and any unattended-vehicle exclusion. Keep purchase records and serial numbers, and ask the insurer to explain whether one event could trigger separate deductibles under auto and equipment policies.