Overview
Inland marine insurance protects business property that is mobile, in transit, or stored away from your main premises.
This coverage fills gaps left by standard commercial property policies, which usually cover only property on the insured premises.
Key takeaways
- Inland coverage protects goods while moving or held off-site.
- Policies can be written on a named-peril or all-risk basis.
- Certain trades and high-value items commonly need specialized inland coverage.
How it works
Inland policies describe covered property, the locations or transit situations covered, and the perils insured against.
Some policies cover specific perils named in the contract, while others are broader and cover all causes except those specifically excluded.
Limits, deductibles, and any reporting requirements are set in the policy and can vary by industry and item value.
For examples of tailored programs for retailers and manufacturers, see Inland Marine Insurance.
What it may cover (and what it may not)
Typical covered items include tools and equipment, goods in transit, contractor equipment, and customer property temporarily on your premises.
Common examples
- A delivery vehicle hijacked while carrying retail inventory.
- Construction equipment damaged while stored at a job site.
- Customer clothing damaged at a dry cleaner.
- Electronics ruined by a storage facility water event.
Exclusions often include normal wear and tear, some types of employee theft, and losses caused by war or nuclear events unless specifically added.
If you operate in landscaping or light construction, specialized forms can address typical exposures; see Inland Marine Insurance for Landscapers.
For watercraft or hull-specific risks, different marine forms may apply; learn more at Marine Hull Insurance.
Common mistakes to avoid
Assuming your general property policy automatically covers off-premises losses is a frequent error.
Another mistake is underreporting high-value items or failing to schedule them, which can limit recovery after a loss.
Not confirming transit routes, storage locations, and temporary job-site exposures with your insurer can leave gaps in coverage.
Questions to ask an agent
What types of property and transit are included under my policy, and which perils are covered?
Are high-value items required to be scheduled, and are there sublimits that apply to specific categories?
How does claims settlement work for losses that occur off-premises or during long-haul transit?
Are endorsements available for theft, mysterious disappearance, or specialized loading/unloading risks?
Next steps
Inventory the mobile and off-site property your business relies on and note how and where it is used or stored.
Compare policy forms and exclusions rather than price alone, and confirm limits and deductibles that match your exposure.
If you want a customized quote or to review options with a specialist, you can talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does inland marine insurance cover goods in a vendor's vehicle?
Yes, many policies cover goods while in transit in a seller or carrier vehicle, but coverage depends on the policy wording and any named exclusions.
Should high-value items be scheduled separately?
Scheduling valuable items is often required to ensure full recovery limits and to avoid sublimits that apply to unscheduled property.
Can inland marine cover customer property on my premises?
Yes, many policies are written to cover third-party property in your care, custody, or control, but terms vary by form.
Is theft always covered while property is stored off-site?
Theft coverage may be limited or excluded unless specifically included or endorsed; review the policy's named perils and exclusions.
How does an all-risk form differ from named-peril?
An all-risk form covers losses from any cause not specifically excluded, while a named-peril form covers only listed causes of loss.