Although you have insured the business property on your premises, this protection does not extend off site - unless you carry Inland Marine insurance.
This type of policy goes back as far as the 17th century when Lloyd's of London extended coverage on ship cargos beyond ocean voyages to their final destination "inland." Today, Inland Marine covers the property of a business when it's in transit - or stored at a location away from the premises - as well as the property of third parties that's held on the premises. Because this property is essentially "floating," these policies are also known as Floaters.
Inland Marine coverage would apply in such scenarios as:
- A truck carrying designer handbags for an upscale department store is hijacked at a rest stop.
- A hailstorm damages bulldozers on a machinery dealer's lot.
- A fire at a dry cleaners scorches customers' clothing.
- A defective sprinkler system in a "big box" store warehouse soaks dozens of TVs.
You can buy Inland Marine insurance on either a "named peril" basis (which lists the specific risks covered) or as an "all risk" policy (which covers losses from all causes not specifically listed).
This coverage can provide valuable protection for the mobile or moveable property of almost any business, large or small: everything from camera shops and computer manufacturers through building contractors and jewelry stores to museums/art galleries and trucking companies.
As Business Insurance professionals, we can tailor a comprehensive Inland Marine policy to the needs of your company. Feel free to get in touch with us at any time.