Does inland marine cover stolen tools from a job site?

Yes — theft from job sites is one of the primary reasons contractors buy inland marine. Tool theft from unattended job sites is not covered by commercial property or GL. Inland marine fills this gap.

How much inland marine insurance does a contractor need?

Insure for the full replacement cost of all tools and equipment that leave your premises. A $25K tools floater is a common starting point; larger fleets may require $50K–$250K+ in coverage.

Is a contractor's equipment floater the same as inland marine?

Yes — a contractor's equipment floater is the most common type of inland marine policy for trades businesses. It covers movable equipment, tools, and machinery at job sites, in transit, and at temporary storage.

Does inland marine cover stolen tools from a job site?

Yes — theft from job sites is one of the primary reasons contractors buy inland marine. Tool theft from unattended job sites is extremely common and not covered by commercial property (covers your fixed location) or GL (covers third-party claims). Inland marine fills this gap.

How much inland marine insurance does a contractor need?

Insure for the full replacement cost of all tools and equipment that leave your premises. Don't forget tools in your work vehicle. A $25K tools floater is a common starting point for small contractors; larger equipment fleets may require $50K–$250K+ in coverage.

Is a contractor's equipment floater the same as inland marine?

Yes — a contractor's equipment floater is the most common type of inland marine policy for trades businesses. It covers movable equipment, tools, and machinery at job sites, in transit, and at temporary storage locations.

Coverage Guide — Updated August 2026

Inland Marine Insurance — Tools, Equipment & Property in Transit

Inland marine insurance covers tools, equipment, and business property that moves or is used away from a fixed location — on job sites, in transit, at temporary locations. Standard commercial property only covers property at your listed business address. If your tools leave your shop, inland marine fills the gap.

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Standard commercial property only covers assets at your listed business address. If your tools, equipment, or valuable property leaves your shop or office — inland marine insurance fills the gap. It's the essential coverage for contractors, photographers, AV companies, and any business whose assets are on the move.

What It Covers ✓

✓Contractor tools and equipment at job sites
✓Equipment in transit (being transported to or from a job)
✓Property at temporary or off-premises locations
✓Leased or rented equipment your business is responsible for
✓Camera equipment and specialized electronics used on location
✓Fine arts and valuable items in transit or at exhibitions
✓Electronic data processing (EDP) equipment at varying locations

What It Does NOT Cover ✗

✗Property at your listed business address (commercial property)
✗Wear and tear and mechanical breakdown
✗Employee theft (crime/employee dishonesty coverage)
✗Flood damage (separate flood policy required)
✗Intentional damage by the insured

Who Needs Inland Marine Insurance?

→Contractors with job-site tools and equipment
→Landscaping and outdoor service companies
→HVAC, electrical, and plumbing contractors
→Photography and videography businesses
→Event production and audio/visual companies
→Construction companies with heavy equipment
→Service businesses with tools that leave the shop

How Much Does It Cost?

Tools/equipment up to $25K

$400–$800/yr

Tools/equipment $25K–$100K

$700–$2,000/yr

Larger equipment fleets

$1,500–$5,000+/yr

Specialty equipment (cameras, AV)

Varies by value and use

Key Terms to Know

Scheduled Inland Marine

Specific items are listed and insured for their individual stated value — required for high-value single items like a $30K excavator or a $15K camera kit.

Blanket Inland Marine

A single limit covers a category of items — like "all contractor tools" up to a stated amount. Simpler administration; best for businesses with many similar items of moderate value.

Installation Floater

Covers materials and equipment from the time they leave the supplier until installation is complete and the client accepts the work — critical for HVAC, mechanical, and specialty installation contractors.

Contractor's Equipment Floater

A specialized inland marine policy for contractors' movable equipment — the most common inland marine form for trades businesses. Covers tools and equipment at job sites, in transit, and at temporary storage.

Equipment Leased-In Coverage

Covers leased or rented equipment your business is contractually responsible for while it is in your care, custody, and control. Required when renting heavy equipment — the rental company's insurance does not protect you from damage liability.

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Inland Marine Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

Commercial property covers assets at your fixed business location. Inland marine covers assets that move — tools on job sites, equipment in transit, property at temporary locations. If a contractor's tools are stolen from a job site, commercial property won't cover it — inland marine will.