Property · Insurance Term
Inland Marine
Definition
Inland marine is a type of property insurance for things that move, are in transit or do not fit neatly into a building policy. Examples include contractors' equipment, property under construction, signs, valuable items and customers' goods in your care.
In Plain English
The name comes from marine insurance on cargo, which grew to cover goods moving over land. Today, inland marine is a flexible category. Insurers use it for property that a standard commercial property form either excludes or limits.
For property owners, common inland marine coverages include contractors equipment coverage for tools and machinery, builders risk insurance for projects under construction, signs coverage for large outdoor signs and bailee's customers coverage for customers' property you hold. These forms are often less standardized, so terms vary by insurer.
Inland marine policies can be written on a named perils or open perils basis. Read the covered causes of loss, the valuation method and the deductible for each item.
Not sure how your policy handles this? Have us review it, or get a quote.
Example
Hypothetical: a property owner keeps a $60,000 skid steer and other equipment for maintenance across several sites. Because the equipment moves between locations, the owner adds a contractors' equipment inland marine floater that follows the equipment, rather than relying on the building policy at one address.
What to Watch For
- List equipment, signs and other property that moves or sits outside a building.
- Ask whether each item is covered at replacement cost or actual cash value.
- Check theft conditions, since some forms require locked storage or other protections.
- Review whether your building policy already includes small inland marine limits.
Last updated October 14, 2026 · Primesure editorial team · How We Write