About Inland Marine Insurance
The origins of Inland Marine Insurance trace back to a time when rivers, canals and coastal shipping were the primary ways to move goods across the United States.
As roads and rail replaced waterways, the name remained but the coverage adapted to protect goods transported by truck and rail as well as by water.
What Inland marine policies protect
Inland marine policies are designed to cover property in transit, specialized equipment, and other movable or unique property exposures that standard commercial property policies may not fully protect.
What is covered by inland marine policies
- Property being transported
- Buildings under construction (builder's risk)
- Heavy construction equipment
- Computer equipment and data
Specialty uses of inland marine coverage
- Bailee's coverage (protection for property of others accepted for repair, cleaning, storage, etc.)
- Furriers Block
- Jewelers Block
- Equipment dealers
- Camera and musical instrument coverage
- Fine arts
- Exhibition floater
Does your business need this coverage?
Many small and medium-sized businesses skip inland marine coverage because they assume it only applies to boats. That can leave shipped goods limited to a carrier's minimal per-pound liability, which often is far below the item's value.
For example, a professional who stores business property in a car between appointments could have limited or excluded coverage under a general business policy; an inland marine policy can fill that gap.
Contractors who move heavy earth‑moving equipment to and from jobs often use inland marine protection to cover the equipment while in transit or on a job site. Businesses that accept customer property for repair or cleaning commonly rely on bailee's coverage for protection; see Workers' Compensation Claims and Inland Marine Insurance Overview for related considerations.
How to decide
Review the limits and exclusions of your current property and commercial policies to identify gaps for goods in transit, equipment away from premises, or other movable property exposures.
If you think inland marine might help, discuss coverage options and limits with an insurance professional or talk to an agent to ensure your exposures are addressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is inland marine insurance used for?
It covers property that is mobile or has unique exposures, such as goods in transit, contractor equipment, and certain specialty items not fully protected by standard property policies.
How is inland marine different from commercial property insurance?
Commercial property focuses on buildings and fixed property at a location, while inland marine covers movable property and transit risks that sit outside a single premises-based policy.
Do small businesses need inland marine coverage?
Many do—especially if they ship goods, transport equipment, or accept customer property for repair—because standard policies may not cover losses in transit or off-premises.
Will inland marine cover data and computers?
Yes, specific inland marine forms can protect computer equipment and stored data when those items face exposures not covered by general property policies.