Inland Marine Insurance
Coverage That Moves With Your Business
Your standard commercial property policy usually protects only items at a fixed location. When dealing with equipment, materials, or goods in transit or at remote job sites, you require inland marine insurance. This type of insurance is versatile and adaptable, providing property coverage that moves with your assets.
What Is Inland Marine Insurance?
Inland marine insurance is a type of property insurance. It protects movable assets like tools, heavy equipment, and materials. This coverage applies when these items are moved over land. It also applies when they are stored at temporary places. These places can include job sites or warehouses.
It evolved from ocean marine insurance to cover risks in land transportation. It is commonly referred to as a "floater" policy. This name comes from the fact that the coverage moves with the insured property. It provides protection regardless of the property's location.
Did You Know?
Some insurance companies offer global marine insurance for various marine risks, from individual vessels to multinational businesses
Carriers are not responsible for damaged merchandise. In other words, damaged goods are the shipper's or consignee’s responsibility. International shipping laws favor the carrier, not the shipper or consignee
Marine insurance provides coverage for emergency storage. This may be needed due to extreme weather, riots, or natural disasters that delay cargo delivery
All-Risk policies do not cover every incident involving your merchandise. A common misconception is that they provide complete coverage. It is important to know the specific terms and exclusions of the policy. Only events not listed as exclusions are usually covered
What Is Inland Marine Insurance?
Inland marine insurance is a type of property insurance that protects movable assets. These assets include tools, heavy equipment, and materials. This insurance provides coverage during transportation over land. It also covers items that are temporarily stored. This includes locations like job sites or warehouses.
Inland marine insurance developed from ocean marine insurance to address risks associated with land transportation. A "floater" policy is often referred to as such. This type of coverage follows the insured property. It provides protection regardless of the property's location.
What Does Inland Marine Insurance Cover?
Inland Marine Insurance protects movable property and specialized equipment that standard commercial property insurance may not fully cover. Here’s what it typically includes:
| Coverage Type | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Tools & Equipment | Covers portable tools, contractor gear, and machinery that move between job sites. Essential for construction, landscaping, and service-based businesses. (III) |
| Property in Transit | Protects goods and materials while being transported over land against theft, accidents, or natural disasters. |
| Mobile Medical & Communication Equipment | Safeguards high-value equipment such as diagnostic machines, sound systems, and communication gear often moved between locations. |
| Fine Art & Exhibits | Covers artwork, valuable collections, and exhibition property while on display, in transit, or temporarily stored. (Travelers) |
| Installation Floater | Protects materials and supplies waiting to be installed at a client’s site, covering losses due to theft, fire, or damage before completion. |
Key Takeaway: Inland Marine Insurance is crucial for businesses that transport goods, rely on movable tools and equipment, or handle high-value property. It fills the gaps left by standard property insurance to keep your business fully protected.
Why It’s Essential for Your Business?
Bridges Coverage Gaps: Unlike standard commercial property policies, inland marine extends protection to mobile assets across locations.
Broad, Flexible Coverage: Many inland marine policies offer “all-risk” protection—covering any loss unless expressly excluded.
Customized to Your Needs: Cover only what you need: tools, inventory, special equipment, or goods in transit.
Vital for Many Industries: Contractors, retailers, tradeshow exhibitors, event organizers, and tech service providers often rely on inland marine coverage
Homeowners Insurance (for houses) covers the entire structure, land, and contents.
Condo/Co-Op Insurance primarily covers what is inside your unit only. It usually costs about 30-70% of a standalone home policy.
Practical Scenarios Where Inland Marine Insurance Helps
A landscaper’s tools are stolen from a construction site.
A retail truck loaded with inventory is involved in an accident.
A fine art piece was damaged during transportation.
The equipment is damaged before loading at the job site.
How to Choose the Right Coverage?
Catalog Your Mobile Assets
Identify high-value assets, materials, and tools that move or get stored off-site.
Evaluate Coverage Type
Scheduled: Best for individually valuable items.
Blanket: Great for groups of smaller assets.
Select Coverage Basis
Choose between replacement value (no depreciation) or actual cash value (accounts for wear and tear).Watch Policy Exclusions
Common exclusions include wear and tear, mold, flood, earthquake, and damage prior to shipment
Request Your Inland Marine Insurance Quote Today
Don’t let your business assets be vulnerable when they move. Get flexible, tailored coverage that travels with your property—only with Blue Rock Insurance Services.
Why Choose BlueRock?
Licensed in NY, NJ, CT, PA & MA
Agile, industry-specific inland marine solutions
Clear explanation of coverage limits, terms, and exclusions
Expert support from quoting through claim resolution
Inland Marine Insurance FAQs
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Inland Marine Insurance is a specialized type of coverage that protects movable property, equipment, and goods in transit. It fills the gaps left by standard commercial property insurance, which usually only covers items at a fixed location.
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Businesses that transport goods, use mobile equipment, or handle high-value property need this coverage. Common examples include contractors, movers, medical providers with portable equipment, art dealers, and event companies.
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Certainly. It includes tools, machinery, and equipment that are often moved between job sites. This coverage protects against theft, loss, or damage.
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Certainly. It protects goods and materials during land transport. This safeguards them from theft, accidents, and natural disasters.
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An installation floater is a component of Inland Marine coverage. It protects materials, supplies, and equipment that are waiting to be installed at a job site. This coverage ensures that these items are insured until the project is finished.
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Commercial property insurance typically only covers assets at a fixed location, like an office or warehouse. Inland Marine extends that protection to property that moves or is in transit.
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After any loss or damage:
Contact your insurance carrier directly to initiate the claims process.
For guidance, you can also call Blue Rock at 718-886-6601 or email info@hibluerock.com. Include documents like loss receipts, photos, and police reports to help streamline the process.
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Blue Rock is based in Flushing, NY:
Address: 133-36 41st Rd, Ste 2L, Flushing, NY 11355
Free Quote / General Inquiries:
Phone: 718-886-6601
Email: info@hibluerock.com
Our team is here Monday through Friday to guide you through quotes, policy selection, and claims assistance.
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Founded in 2015, Blue Rock’s leadership brings more than 30 years of experience. They offer:
Access to many carriers for cost-effective coverage
Personalized, easy-to-navigate service powered by automation and transparency
Commitment to integrity, long-term relationships, and continuous education
Obtaining a business insurance quote can be a straightforward process. By gathering essential information—such as your operations, payroll, and claims history—you can expedite the process. This preparation helps you find coverage that safeguards your company at a competitive rate.