Inland Marine

What is inland marine (tools & equipment) insurance?

Inland marine — often called tools and equipment coverage or an equipment floater — protects your gear wherever it goes: on the jobsite, in your truck, in storage, and in transit. That mobility is exactly what standard property insurance doesn’t cover, and for contractors, gear is always moving.

From hand tools and cordless kits to generators, trenchers, and excavators, your equipment is your ability to work. When it’s stolen or damaged, inland marine is what gets you back on the job instead of buying replacements out of pocket.

What it covers

• Contractor tools and equipment — hand and power tools, cordless kits, testers, and specialty gear.
• Heavy equipment — skid steers, mini excavators, trenchers, and attachments — owned, leased, or rented.
• Theft from vehicles and jobsites — the most common equipment claim contractors file.
• Equipment in transit — damage while hauling between jobs.
• Rented and borrowed equipment — coverage for gear you rent, which rental houses typically require.

Who needs it

Every trade that carries tools — which is every trade. It matters most where gear values run high: excavation contractors with heavy iron, landscapers with mowers on trailers, and carpenters and electricians with vans full of tools that walk off jobsites.

How much does equipment coverage cost?

Premiums depend on the value of your equipment, whether items are scheduled individually or covered blanket, and your claims history. It’s typically one of the most affordable coverages relative to what it protects. Get quotes here and we’ll build the right schedule.

Frequently asked questions

Is my equipment covered under general liability or commercial auto?

No — GL covers injuries and damage to others, and commercial auto covers the vehicle. Only inland marine covers your tools and equipment themselves.

What’s the difference between scheduled and blanket coverage?

Scheduled coverage lists high-value items individually; blanket coverage applies a total limit across smaller tools. Most contractors need a mix of both.

Does it cover equipment I rent?

Yes — rented and leased equipment can be covered, and rental companies usually require proof before releasing machines.