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Inland marine insurance protects your business when you ship products, equipment, or materials over land by truck/train or store them offsite. Learn if you need inland marine coverage and where to get it.
Erica has been writing about small business finance and technology since 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and specializes in researching and reviewing business software, financial products, and other topics to help small businesses manage and grow their operations. Her expertise has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll, a graduate of Limestone University, and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Erica SeppalaErica has been writing about small business finance and technology since 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and specializes in researching and reviewing business software, financial products, and other topics to help small businesses manage and grow their operations. Her expertise has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll, a graduate of Limestone University, and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Shelbi Wescott began working for Merchant Maverick in 2019 after 17 years as a journalism educator and publications advisor, where she has extensive knowledge of newsroom systems and editorial workflows. She has overseen multiple print and online publications and mentored hundreds of emerging writers. Shelbi is also an award-winning journalist, published author, and former small business owner with a Master of Arts in Teaching from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon.
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Shelbi WescottShelbi Wescott began working for Merchant Maverick in 2019 after 17 years as a journalism educator and publications advisor, where she has extensive knowledge of newsroom systems and editorial workflows. She has overseen multiple print and online publications and mentored hundreds of emerging writers. Shelbi is also an award-winning journalist, published author, and former small business owner with a Master of Arts in Teaching from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon.
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Inland marine insurance is one of the most misunderstood types of business insurance.
Despite the name, it has nothing to do with water. Instead, it covers tools, equipment, and property while they’re in transit or used off-site—areas where standard policies may fall short.
In this guide, we’ll explain what inland marine insurance is, what it covers, who needs it, and which of the best business insurance providers offer it.
Despite its name, inland marine insurance has nothing to do with the ocean. Traditional marine insurance covers goods in transit over water, while inland marine insurance applies once those goods move over land.
Inland marine insurance protects products, equipment, and materials while they’re in transit — typically by truck or train — as well as when they’re used at off-site job locations. It can also cover items temporarily stored with third-party providers.
The Best Inland Marine Insurance Providers
The best inland marine insurance offers complete protection for your goods in transit or stored offsite. We think these companies offer the best coverage at the best price:
Pricing varies, with some average cost examples available
Coverage Options
Comprehensive coverage with customizable policies
Quote Speed
Usually same-day
Pros
Flexible coverage for multiple industries
Comprehensive inland marine protection
Contractor-focused coverage options
Cons
Coverage availability varies by location
Why We Chose The Hartford
The Hartford stands out for its highly customizable inland marine coverage, particularly for contractors and builders.
With options like builder’s risk, contractor’s equipment coverage, and installation insurance, The Hartford offers flexible protection for businesses that rely on tools, materials, and equipment across multiple job sites.
The Hartford Inland Marine Insurance Cost
The Hartford provides customized pricing based on your business type, coverage needs, and risk profile.
To receive a quote, you’ll need to work directly with an agent or request pricing online. Costs can vary widely depending on the scope of coverage and the value of the equipment or materials being insured.
The Hartford Inland Marine Insurance Features
The Hartford offers a wide range of inland marine coverage options, including:
Builder’s risk insurance
Contractor’s equipment coverage
Installation coverage
Motor truck cargo
Warehouse and logistics coverage
Equipment rental and sales protection
Additional specialized coverage may be available for items such as fine art, musical instruments, signage, and equipment held in your care (bailee coverage).
The Hartford Customer Service & Claims
The Hartford provides dedicated underwriting and claims support for inland marine policies, including specialists in transportation and equipment-related claims.
Claims assistance is available 24/7.
Choose The Hartford If...
You need contractor-focused inland marine coverage
You want flexible protection for tools, equipment, and materials
You operate across multiple job sites or transport equipment regularly
Flexible pricing based on coverage duration and needs
Coverage Options
Basic to moderate coverage with flexible policy options
Quote Speed
Instant online quotes
Pros
Affordable coverage for small businesses
Simple, easy-to-manage policies
Flexible coverage for equipment across locations
Cons
Limited coverage limits compared to larger insurers
Not ideal for larger or high-risk businesses
Why We Chose Thimble
Thimble stands out for its simple, affordable inland marine coverage designed for small businesses and independent workers.
With flexible policy terms and straightforward equipment protection, Thimble is a strong option for businesses that need basic coverage without the complexity of traditional insurers.
Thimble Inland Marine Insurance Cost
Thimble offers transparent pricing, with business equipment protection available as an add-on to monthly policies.
Coverage typically starts at a low monthly cost, with limits ranging from smaller amounts up to moderate coverage levels. Pricing increases based on coverage limits and business risk.
Unlike some insurers, Thimble also offers flexible policy terms (daily, weekly, or monthly), though inland marine coverage is generally available on monthly plans.
Thimble Inland Marine Insurance Features
Equipment protection that follows your tools across job sites
Coverage for owned, rented, and borrowed equipment
Protection for customer property in your care
Simple, easy-to-manage policies
Option to schedule higher-value items individually
Thimble’s inland marine coverage is designed for simplicity, making it best suited for businesses with lower-value equipment and straightforward coverage needs.
Thimble Customer Service & Claims
Thimble uses a third-party claims administrator, allowing customers to file claims online or through its app.
While claims are handled externally, users can still access support through Thimble during the process.
Pricing varies based on coverage and business profile
Coverage Options
Comprehensive coverage across multiple industries
Quote Speed
Requires agent contact (not instant)
Pros
Strong coverage for specialized and high-value equipment
Industry-specific policy options
Nationwide network of local agents
Cons
No online quotes available
Why We Chose Travelers
Travelers stands out for its extensive inland marine coverage options, particularly for businesses that rely on specialized or high-value equipment.
With industry-specific policies and flexible coverage, Travelers is a strong choice for companies that need protection beyond basic equipment coverage.
Travelers Inland Marine Insurance Cost
Travelers offers customized pricing based on your business type, equipment value, and coverage needs.
To receive a quote, you’ll need to work with a local agent, as online quotes are not available.
Travelers Inland Marine Insurance Features
Coverage for specialized and high-value equipment
Industry-specific policies (e.g., construction, medical, fine arts)
Protection for miscellaneous and mobile property
Options for additional coverage, such as equipment breakdown
Travelers offers flexible inland marine solutions tailored to complex business needs, making it a strong fit for companies with specialized operations.
Travelers Customer Service & Claims
Travelers provides 24/7 claims support, with access to specialists experienced in industries such as construction, transportation, and high-value property.
Claims can be filed online, by phone, or through an agent, with tracking available throughout the process.
Choose Travelers If...
You use specialized or high-value equipment
You need customized or industry-specific coverage
You prefer working with a local agent for tailored policies
May not be ideal for very small or budget-focused businesses
Why We Chose Chubb
Chubb stands out for its comprehensive inland marine coverage and ability to support complex business needs.
With a wide range of policy options and specialized protections, Chubb is a strong choice for businesses that need more than basic equipment coverage -- especially those with high-value assets or complex operations.
Chubb Inland Marine Insurance Cost
Chubb offers customized pricing based on your business type, coverage needs, and risk profile.
You can request a quote online or work with an agent to explore coverage options and pricing.
Chubb Inland Marine Insurance Features
Broad inland marine coverage options across industries
Protection for high-value and specialized property
Coverage for construction, transportation, and unique exposures
Global coverage options for businesses with international operations
Chubb’s inland marine policies are designed to support businesses with complex risks and diverse coverage needs.
Chubb Customer Service & Claims
Chubb provides multiple ways to file and manage claims, including online and by phone.
Claims support includes experienced representatives and specialized teams, with the ability to coordinate claims for businesses operating across multiple locations or countries.
Choose Chubb If...
You need comprehensive or specialized inland marine coverage
You have high-value assets or complex risks
You operate across multiple locations or internationally
Custom quotes based on coverage and business details
Coverage Options
Wide range of standard and specialty coverage options
Quote Speed
Typically requires phone follow-up (not instant)
Pros
Flexible coverage for unscheduled equipment
Nationwide availability
Wide range of inland marine policy options
Cons
Quotes may involve third-party marketplaces
Why We Chose Liberty Mutual
Liberty Mutual stands out for its flexible inland marine coverage, particularly for businesses with equipment that doesn’t fit neatly into standard categories.
With options like miscellaneous property floaters, Liberty Mutual is a strong choice for companies that need coverage for a wide range of tools, equipment, and mobile assets.
Liberty Mutual Inland Marine Insurance Cost
Liberty Mutual offers personalized pricing based on your business type, coverage needs, and risk profile.
You can begin the quote process online or by phone. In some cases, Liberty Mutual may connect you with a partner marketplace to complete your quote.
Liberty Mutual Inland Marine Insurance Features
Coverage for unscheduled and miscellaneous equipment
Flexible inland marine policy options
Protection for mobile tools and business property
Traditional inland marine coverage also available
Risk prevention tools and safety resources
Liberty Mutual’s inland marine policies are designed to handle a wide variety of equipment types, making them especially useful for businesses with nontraditional or mixed-use assets.
Liberty Mutual Customer Service & Claims
Liberty Mutual offers 24/7 claims support, with options to file and track claims online, by phone, or through an agent.
Choose Liberty Mutual If...
You need coverage for unscheduled or nontraditional equipment
You want flexible inland marine policy options
You operate a business with mobile or mixed-use assets
The Food Liability Insurance Program (FLIP) stands out for its specialized coverage designed for food trucks, vendors, and mobile food businesses.
With affordable add-ons for tools, equipment, and trailers, FLIP makes it easy for food-based businesses to protect the equipment they rely on across different locations.
Food Liability Insurance Program Inland Marine Insurance Cost
FLIP offers inland marine-style coverage as an add-on to its general liability policies.
Pricing is relatively affordable, with base liability coverage available at a low monthly rate and optional equipment and trailer coverage available for an additional cost.
Exact pricing will depend on your coverage selections and business needs.
Food Liability Insurance Program Inland Marine Insurance Features
Coverage for mobile food equipment and inventory
Protection for equipment used off-site or in transit
Coverage for common risks like theft, damage, and weather events
Optional trailer and equipment add-ons
FLIP’s coverage is designed specifically for food-based businesses that operate in multiple locations or transport equipment regularly.
Food Liability Insurance Program Customer Service & Claims
FLIP allows customers to file claims online, with additional support available by phone during business hours.
Choose Food Liability Insurance Program If:
You operate a food truck or mobile food business
You attend festivals, markets, or events as a vendor
Merchant Maverick has been researching and reviewing business insurance since 2020. Our writers have tested over twenty different major insurance companies. In each review, we evaluate pricing, features, customer service, and user reviews.
When comparing different business insurance companies, we consider many data points, including relative pricing, the number of standard insurance policies available, and the ability to create custom policies. Our lists of the best business insurance providers include only those we’ve deemed worthwhile from multiple vantage points and often share qualities such as low cost, a variety of niche business insurance policies, multiple ways to file claims, and excellent customer support.
We spend an average of 10-15 hours researching and updating each one of our lists, ensuring that the business insurance companies included meet our internal standards for quality and reputation.
Who Needs Inland Marine Insurance?
Any business that operates off-site, stores equipment with third parties, or transports goods over land may benefit from inland marine insurance.
Inland marine insurance can be purchased as a standalone policy or added to an existing business insurance plan. While commercial property insurance may offer limited protection, inland marine coverage helps fill gaps — especially for equipment and materials in transit or used away from your primary location.
To determine the right level of coverage, it’s a good idea to speak with an insurance professional about your specific risks and needs.
Common Businesses That Use Inland Marine Insurance
Construction companies
Contractors
Technology businesses
Transportation companies (e.g., motor truck cargo)
Inland marine insurance helps cover the cost to repair or replace business property that’s damaged while in transit or stored off-site.
Here’s a breakdown of what inland marine insurance typically covers — and what it doesn’t.
What Inland Marine Insurance Covers
Inland marine insurance generally protects products, materials, and equipment while they’re in transit over land or stored away from your primary business location.
Common covered incidents include:
Theft
Fire
Wind and hail
Water damage
Mysterious disappearance (when the cause of loss is unknown)
Accidental damage
What Inland Marine Insurance Doesn’t Cover
Coverage varies by policy, but inland marine insurance typically excludes:
Damage occurring at your primary business location (covered by commercial property insurance)
Commercial vehicles themselves (covered by commercial auto insurance)
Goods transported by air or sea (covered by marine or cargo insurance)
Earthquakes and floods (may require separate coverage)
While it’s not one of the basic coverage types, like commercial property insurance or general liability, inland marine insurance is indispensable for certain types of companies. If yours is one of them, you should look into getting inland marine coverage before an accident or theft makes you realize how much you need it.
The Bottom Line On Inland Marine Insurance
Inland marine insurance provides valuable protection for businesses that transport equipment, ship goods over land, store customer property, or operate away from a primary location.
If your business falls into any of these categories, it’s worth exploring whether inland marine coverage makes sense for your needs.
Often added to an existing policy, inland marine insurance can help fill gaps in your commercial property coverage — typically at a relatively low cost. An insurance provider or broker can help you evaluate your risks and determine the right level of protection.
Erica has been writing about small business finance and technology since 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and specializes in researching and reviewing business software, financial products, and other topics to help small businesses manage and grow their operations. Her expertise has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll, a graduate of Limestone University, and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
View Erica Seppala's professional experience on LinkedIn.
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The vendors that appear on this list were chosen by subject matter experts on the basis of product quality, wide usage and availability, and positive reputation.
Merchant Maverick’s ratings are editorial in nature, and are not aggregated from user reviews. Each staff reviewer at Merchant Maverick is a subject matter expert with experience researching, testing, and evaluating small business software and services. The rating of this company or service is based on the author’s expert opinion and analysis of the product, and assessed and seconded by another subject matter expert on staff before publication. Merchant Maverick’s ratings are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity. The editorial content on this page is not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone.
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