Inland Marine Insurance
Inland marine covers movable property — tools, equipment, and materials that travel, sit on job sites, or are installed before a job is complete. The name has nothing to do with boats.
Why It Exists
A commercial property policy covers property at a described location. Your tools in the van at 6am are not at that location. That's the gap inland marine fills.
The Common Forms
A contractor's equipment or tools floater covers what you carry and use. An installation floater covers materials you've delivered or installed before the job is finished and the owner takes responsibility. Equipment can be scheduled individually or covered blanket up to a per-item limit.
When It Comes Up
A locked trailer gets emptied overnight. Materials staged on a site are stolen before install. A compressor falls off a truck.
What It Doesn't Do
It doesn't cover the vehicle — that's commercial auto — and it doesn't cover damage you cause to someone else's property, which is general liability.
Questions People Ask
Are my tools covered by my general liability policy?
No. General liability covers damage you cause to others. Your own tools are covered under inland marine.
What's the difference between a tools floater and an installation floater?
A tools floater covers equipment you own and use. An installation floater covers materials being installed on a job until it's complete.