What Is Inland Marine Insurance?

Inland marine insurance covers business property that moves from place to place or is used at various locations. Despite its name, this coverage has nothing to do with ships or ocean transport—it protects your tools, equipment, and materials on land. If you're a contractor hauling equipment to job sites, a landscaper transporting mowers and tools, or a business that sends materials to different locations, this coverage fills the gaps left by standard commercial property insurance. FOCO Insurance Services helps San Bernardino business owners understand when inland marine insurance makes sense and how it protects your mobile assets.

Standard commercial property policies typically cover only items at your listed business location. The moment you load equipment into your truck or bring tools to a customer's property, that coverage often stops. Inland marine insurance follows your property wherever it goes—on the road, at job sites, in storage facilities, or temporarily at a customer's location. This makes it essential for contractors, tradespeople, and any business whose operations require moving equipment and materials around San Bernardino and the Inland Empire.

What Does Inland Marine Insurance Cover?

Inland marine insurance protects various types of business property that's mobile or frequently transported. Coverage applies to your equipment and materials in multiple situations, giving you protection that adapts to how you actually run your business.

Common items covered by inland marine insurance include:

• Contractor equipment and tools: Power tools, hand tools, ladders, scaffolding, compressors, generators, and specialized trade equipment used at job sites


• Construction materials: Lumber, fixtures, supplies, and building materials you've purchased for specific projects while in transit or stored at job sites


• Electronic equipment: Laptops, tablets, cameras, surveying instruments, and other portable electronics used for business operations


• Medical and diagnostic equipment: Portable devices used by healthcare providers or mobile medical services


• Landscaping equipment: Mowers, trimmers, blowers, and other tools transported between customer properties


• Mobile business property: Equipment and inventory moved between locations, trade show displays, or property stored off-site

Your inland marine policy typically covers these items against risks like theft, vandalism, fire, collision damage while in transit, and weather-related damage. If someone breaks into your work truck and steals your tools, or equipment falls off your trailer and gets damaged, this coverage responds. Unlike commercial auto insurance that covers the vehicle itself, inland marine insurance protects the contents and equipment you're transporting.

You can structure your coverage in two main ways. A scheduled approach lists specific high-value items individually with their declared values—ideal for expensive equipment like laser levels or specialty tools. A blanket approach covers all tools and equipment up to a total limit without itemizing each piece—better for businesses with many lower-value items that frequently change. Your FOCO Insurance Services agent can help you determine which approach works best for your situation and budget.

How Much Does Inland Marine Insurance Cost?

The cost of inland marine insurance varies significantly based on what you're covering, where you use it, and how much protection you need. Rather than providing misleading averages, it's more helpful to understand the factors that influence your specific premium.

Total equipment value is the primary driver of cost. The more valuable your tools and equipment, the higher your premium will be. A landscaper with $10,000 worth of mowers and trimmers will pay considerably less than a general contractor with $100,000 in specialized construction equipment. You'll need to provide your insurance carrier with an accurate inventory and valuation of what you want covered.

Equipment type also matters. High-theft items like power tools, electronics, and generators typically cost more to insure than specialized equipment that's difficult to resell. If you're in an industry where tool theft is common, expect higher premiums. The carrier considers both the likelihood of loss and the cost to replace specific items when calculating your rate.

Where you use and store your equipment affects pricing. If you primarily work in San Bernardino and surrounding areas with lower crime rates, you may pay less than contractors who frequently travel to higher-risk areas. Equipment left in vehicles overnight or stored at unsecured job sites presents more risk than tools kept in a locked shop or warehouse. Some carriers offer better rates if you have security measures in place like GPS tracking, locked tool boxes, or secure storage facilities.

Your deductible choice directly impacts your premium. Higher deductibles mean lower monthly costs because you're agreeing to cover more of any loss yourself. A $500 deductible will cost more than a $2,500 deductible. Consider your cash flow and ability to handle out-of-pocket expenses when choosing your deductible amount.

Coverage territory matters too. If you only work in California, your rates will differ from a contractor who travels to multiple states. The broader your coverage territory, the higher the premium. Your claims history with previous insurance carriers also influences pricing—a clean record typically results in better rates.

The best way to find competitive inland marine insurance rates is to work with an independent agent who can compare quotes from multiple carriers. FOCO Insurance Services shops different insurers to find coverage that protects your equipment without straining your budget.

Do I Need Inland Marine Insurance?

If your business relies on equipment and tools that leave your primary location, inland marine insurance is worth serious consideration. This coverage becomes essential when your commercial property policy won't follow your assets where your business actually operates.

Contractors and tradespeople need this coverage more than most. Whether you're an electrician, plumber, HVAC technician, carpenter, or general contractor, your tools represent a significant investment that you transport daily. A break-in or accident could sideline your business for weeks if you can't afford to immediately replace stolen or damaged equipment. Inland marine insurance lets you get back to work quickly without depleting your business savings.

Landscapers and lawn care companies face similar exposure. Your mowers, trimmers, blowers, and other equipment spend most of their time in your truck or trailer, not at a covered business location. Standard property insurance won't protect these items while they're mobile. Given how common equipment theft is in the landscaping industry, inland marine coverage provides essential protection.

If you regularly transport materials to job sites, you need this coverage. The lumber, fixtures, or supplies you've purchased for specific projects aren't covered by your property insurance once they leave your premises. If materials are damaged in an accident or stolen from a job site, inland marine insurance covers your loss so you can complete the project without eating the cost of replacement materials.

Businesses with mobile operations benefit significantly from this coverage. If you run a mobile pet grooming service, mobile repair business, or any operation where you bring equipment to customers, inland marine insurance protects your investment. The same applies to businesses that frequently display products at trade shows or events—your displays, samples, and equipment need protection while they're away from your main location.

Even if your business maintains multiple locations, inland marine coverage can be valuable. When you regularly move inventory, equipment, or materials between locations, standard property policies may not cover items in transit. This coverage fills that gap and ensures protection regardless of where your property is at any given moment.

How to Get Inland Marine Insurance in San Bernardino

Getting inland marine insurance in San Bernardino starts with understanding California's requirements and your specific business needs. While California doesn't mandate this coverage by law, it's often essential for protecting your business assets and may be required by contracts with clients or lenders.

Begin by creating a complete inventory of the equipment and materials you need to insure. List every tool, piece of equipment, and material that regularly leaves your business location. Note the make, model, serial number, purchase date, and current value of each item. This documentation serves two purposes—it helps you get accurate coverage amounts and becomes invaluable if you need to file a claim. Take photos of your equipment and keep receipts for major purchases.

Consider how you structure your coverage. If you have several high-value items like expensive power tools or specialized equipment, scheduled coverage that lists each item individually may work best. This approach ensures specific items are covered for their full value. If you have many tools and pieces of equipment that frequently change, blanket coverage with a total limit might be simpler and more cost-effective. Your FOCO Insurance Services agent can explain which approach fits your situation.

Review your existing insurance policies before purchasing inland marine coverage. Check your commercial property policy, commercial auto policy, and any other business insurance you carry. Understanding what's already covered helps you avoid gaps and unnecessary overlap. Some policies include limited coverage for tools and equipment, but the limits are often too low for businesses that rely heavily on mobile equipment.

Get quotes from multiple carriers. As an independent agency, FOCO Insurance Services works with numerous insurance companies, allowing us to compare coverage options and pricing. Different carriers specialize in different industries and have varying appetites for risk. One insurer might offer excellent rates for contractors while another provides better coverage for landscapers. Shopping multiple options ensures you get the best value.

Consider bundling your inland marine insurance with other business policies. Many carriers offer discounts when you purchase multiple coverages through them. Combining your inland marine, general liability, and commercial auto insurance can result in lower overall premiums while simplifying your insurance management.

Ask about available discounts and risk management credits. Some insurers offer reduced rates if you implement security measures like GPS tracking on equipment, install alarm systems in storage areas, or complete safety training programs. These investments not only lower your insurance costs but also reduce your actual risk of loss.

Get Your Free Inland Marine Insurance Quote

Protecting your business equipment and tools doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. FOCO Insurance Services has helped San Bernardino contractors and business owners find the right inland marine coverage for over 19 years. We understand the unique challenges facing local businesses and know which carriers offer the best combination of coverage and value for your industry.

Getting started is simple. Contact our team today for a free quote. We'll review your equipment inventory, discuss your business operations, and explain your coverage options in plain language. Our agents take the time to ensure you understand what you're buying and feel confident in your coverage decisions. Whether you need to protect a few thousand dollars in tools or hundreds of thousands in specialized equipment, we'll find a solution that fits your needs and budget. Call us at (866) 315-7564 or stop by our San Bernardino office to get your free inland marine insurance quote today.