When most companies think about protecting their property, they picture their office, equipment, or warehouse. But what about property that’s on the move, like laptops in transit, equipment on a job site, or inventory being delivered? That’s where Inland Marine Insurance comes in.

What Is Inland Marine Insurance?

Inland Marine Insurance protects property while it’s away from your main business location. Originally designed for goods shipped over land or inland waterways, it’s now a flexible form of coverage that fills gaps left by standard property policies.

Business Property Insurance, or a Business Owners Policy (BOP), typically covers equipment and inventory stored at a fixed location. Inland Marine Insurance extends that protection to cover items in transit, on loan, or temporarily stored off-site. It’s essential for businesses that move goods, use specialized tools, or depend on equipment outside the office.

What Inland Marine Insurance Covers

Inland Marine Insurance covers business property in transit or off premises. That can include:

• Tools, equipment, or samples transported between job sites
• Property stored at third-party facilities or trade shows
• Equipment used by contractors or field teams
• Goods being shipped to customers or vendors

Coverage applies to losses caused by theft, collision, fire, or other covered perils while items are in motion or temporarily stored.

Learn more about what Inland Marine Insurance covers.

What Inland Marine Insurance Doesn’t Cover

While Inland Marine policies fill many gaps, they don’t cover every type of loss. Typical exclusions include:

• Normal wear and tear
• Damage due to faulty materials or workmanship
• Vehicles themselves (covered under Hired & Non-Owned Auto Insurance)
• Property transported by air or sea beyond domestic coverage territories

For digital assets like data or software, Cyber Insurance is the better fit. For professional services or client contracts, Errors & Omissions Insurance provides protection if a mistake causes financial loss.

How Much Does Inland Marine Insurance Cost?

The cost depends on your industry, the value of the property you’re insuring, where it travels, and how often it’s in motion. Companies that ship high-value equipment or operate across multiple locations generally pay more than those with limited transit exposure.

Insurers also consider:

• Type and value of property insured
• Frequency and distance of transport
• Security measures and loss history
• Deductibles and limits chosen

For a deeper look at what drives pricing, see our article on How Much Does Inland Marine Insurance Cost?

Who Needs Inland Marine Insurance?

Inland Marine Insurance is essential for companies that rely on mobile equipment or frequently transport materials. This can include:

• Tech and hardware companies shipping prototypes or demo units
• Construction and engineering firms with tools and machinery on job sites
• Retailers or distributors moving inventory between warehouses or to customers
• Professional services teams using specialized equipment at client locations

If your business property leaves your main location, even temporarily, Inland Marine Insurance helps protect your investment.

How Much Coverage Do You Need?

The right limit should reflect the maximum total value of property that could be in transit or stored off-site at any one time. Be sure to review your asset list and shipping activity to estimate your exposure.

If you already have a Business Owners Policy, Inland Marine Insurance can be added as an endorsement or purchased separately. Your insurance advisor or a broker like Vouch can help ensure it aligns with your broader property protection plan. 

See our guide on How Much Inland Marine Insurance Do I Need? for more details.

Claims Examples

• Equipment theft in transit: A delivery van carrying your demo equipment is broken into overnight. Inland Marine Insurance helps pay to replace the stolen items.
• Damaged trade show display: Your team ships marketing equipment to a conference, but it arrives damaged. Inland Marine Insurance helps cover repair or replacement costs.
• Lost samples: A biotech company sends lab samples to a testing facility, but they’re lost en route. Inland Marine Insurance reimburses the company for the value of the lost property.

Why Inland Marine Insurance Matters

Inland Marine Insurance fills the protection gap between your office and the open road. For companies whose property is mobile, it ensures that equipment, inventory, and materials stay protected wherever work takes them.

Understanding how it complements your broader Business Property Insurance and General Liability Insurance can make your risk management plan more complete and keep your business moving forward with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Inland Marine Insurance only for transportation companies?

No. Any company that moves or uses property off-site, like contractors, consultants, or manufacturers, can benefit from it.

Does Inland Marine Insurance cover rented or borrowed equipment?

Yes, many policies cover leased or loaned property that’s temporarily in your possession.

Can I bundle Inland Marine Insurance with other policies?

Yes. It’s often added to a Business Owners Policy or written alongside your General Liability Insurance and Business Property Insurance.

Does it cover overseas shipments?

Typically not. International shipments require Ocean Marine Insurance or Cargo Insurance.

How do I know if I need Inland Marine Insurance?

If your property regularly leaves your main location, even for short periods, Inland Marine Insurance could be worth considering.

Vouch Specialty Insurance Services, LLC (CA License #6004944) is a licensed insurance producer in states where it conducts business. A complete list of state licenses is available at vouch.us/legal/licenses. Insurance products are underwritten by various insurance carriers, not by Vouch. This material is for informational purposes only and does not create a binding contract or alter policy terms. Coverage availability, terms, and conditions vary by state and are subject to underwriting review and approval.