What is Inland Marine Insurance?

Many U.S. businesses believe their standard commercial property insurance fully protects them. That belief often changes after a costly incident—such as cargo theft, accidents during transit, or loss of specialized high-value equipment stored off-site. In those moments, the insurer may explain that the damage isn’t covered and ask whether the business has inland marine insurance.

To help you avoid costly surprises, this guide explains what inland marine insurance is, when it’s needed, and which businesses benefit most from it.

What is Inland Marine Insurance in the USA?

Inland marine insurance is a specialized business insurance policy that protects business property while in transit over land or stored away from the main business location. Unlike standard property insurance—which typically covers assets at the business premises—this policy focuses on mobile, high-value, and specialized equipment or materials.

Key Purpose

• Protect property in transit between business locations

• Cover property stored off-site, in warehouses, or temporary locations

• Insure high-value tools or equipment used at multiple job sites

How Inland Marine Insurance Protects Businesses

Standard commercial property insurance generally covers property on-site and within a limited radius (often 1,000 feet from the business). If your property is on the road, stored in another city, or temporarily kept in a moving vehicle, it may not be protected.

Inland marine insurance fills this gap by providing coverage for:

• Property in transit over land between business sites

• Property stored off-site in warehouses or facilities

• Equipment kept in moving business vehicles

• High-value business infrastructure temporarily relocated

• Assets stored at client locations

What Inland Marine Insurance Does Not Cover

This insurance excludes certain losses, so knowing the limits is important:

• Company-owned vehicles (covered by commercial auto insurance)

• Damage from earthquakes or floods (requires separate policies)

• Loss or damage that occurred before shipment

• Property shipped by air or sea (covered under ocean marine insurance)

Which Businesses Need Inland Marine Insurance?

Not all businesses require inland marine insurance. However, certain industries have higher risks due to frequent transport or off-site storage.

You likely need this policy if you:

• Store property at third-party locations

• Ship property by land on a regular basis

• Transport high-value materials or tools for temporary use

• Operate with constantly moving vehicles carrying valuable goods

Marine Insurance vs. Inland Marine Insurance

While the terms sound similar, they cover different transport types:

When Does Your Business Need Inland Marine Insurance?

If you operate solely from one physical location, your standard business owner’s policy (BOP) may be enough. But if your work involves frequent transportation or temporary storage, inland marine insurance becomes crucial.

Examples of covered property include:

• Construction and contracting equipment

• Scientific research devices

• Medical equipment

• Photography and videography gear

• Trade show and event materials

Special Types of Inland Marine Insurance Coverage

Inland marine insurance includes specialized sub-policies for unique business needs:

1. Bailee’s Customer Coverage

   • Protects clients’ property while in your care (e.g., repair shops, storage facilities).

2. Builder’s Risk Insurance

   • Covers materials and structures during construction or renovation projects.

3. Exhibition and Fine Art Coverage

   • Protects artwork or exhibits during transit, display, or loan periods.

4. Installation Floater

   • Covers materials from loading onto the truck until installed at the destination.

5. Motor Truck Cargo Coverage

   • Protects client goods transported by your trucks against theft or damage.

Real-World Examples of Inland Marine Insurance in Action

• A construction company moving cranes and bulldozers between sites needs coverage for damage en route.

• A wedding photographer traveling to events with expensive camera gear protects equipment from theft in transit.

• A trade show exhibitor shipping display booths and demo products secures coverage for items damaged before setup.

Benefits of Inland Marine Insurance for U.S. Businesses

• Financial protection for property in transit or stored away from your location

• Customizable policies tailored to your industry

• Peace of mind for high-value assets outside normal property coverage

• Protection for client property in your possession

How to Get Inland Marine Insurance in the USA

When buying this policy, you should:

• Assess your transit and storage risks

• List high-value and mobile assets

• Compare coverage limits and exclusions

• Choose a reputable insurance provider experienced with inland marine policies