What Is Inland Marine Insurance?
Inland marine insurance is a type of property insurance that protects movable goods, tools, and equipment. It covers items while they are in transit over land or stored temporarily at off-site locations.
Despite the name, inland insurance does not cover ocean or marine transport. Businesses use it to secure high-value items that are frequently moved.
Inland marine insurance coverage includes protection against theft, loss, or damage during transport. It is essential for industries relying on mobile property or temporary storage.
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Inland Marine Insurance – Protecting Assets on the Move
Protect What Moves You — Get Marine Plans Starting ₹591!
List of Content
- Key Features and Benefits of Inland Marine Insurance Coverage
- Inland Marine Insurance Inclusions: What It Covers
- Inland Marine Insurance Exclusions: What It Does Not Cover
- Inland Marine vs Marine Cargo vs Commercial Property Insurance
- Who Needs Inland Marine Policy Insurance?
- Types of Inland Marine Insurance Policies
- How Inland Marine Insurance Works
- How Much Does Inland Marine Insurance Cost?
- Choosing the Right Inland Marine Insurance Policy
- Why Businesses Should Not Ignore Inland Marine Coverage
- Conclusion
Key Features and Benefits of Inland Marine Insurance Coverage
All-risk coverage- An inland marine policy insurance offers all-risk protection. It covers most causes of loss unless specifically excluded.
Nationwide or worldwide protection- The policy extends inland marine coverage across states or even international borders, depending on your chosen coverage limits.
Covers high-value and mobile equipment- It protects tools, machinery, and electronics that are constantly moved or used at off-site locations.
Protects customer property in your care- If you store, repair, or handle client-owned items, the inland marine policy covers them under the custody or control clauses.
Customisable to match your operations- The policy allows add-ons or floaters to meet specific business needs, such as transit, exhibitions, or rental equipment.
Suitable for many industries- Construction, logistics, photography, art, events, and medical sectors benefit from this flexible coverage.
Minimises financial loss during unexpected events- Theft, fire, collision, or accidental damage during transit or temporary storage will not disrupt your operations.
Complements other business policies- It covers gaps left by commercial property or standard cargo insurance, offering complete protection for mobile assets.
Confidence for asset-heavy businesses- Businesses that depend on high-value, movable property gain confidence with strong inland marine policy insurance.
Inland Marine Insurance Inclusions: What It Covers
- Property in Transit
An inland marine insurance policy covers goods moving by road, rail, or courier. Such protection helps reduce loss during active transportation. It ensures items stay protected from accidental damage, theft, or handling issues while travelling between locations.
- Mobile Equipment
Inland marine insurance coverage protects mobile equipment such as construction machinery, tools, medical devices, and rental units. These items face higher risks during movement or off-site use. Inland marine equipment coverage keeps them financially secure during transport or temporary deployment at various job sites.
- **Off-site or Temporary Storage **
An inland marine property insurance plan covers goods stored in warehouses, job sites, or exhibitions. These locations hold items only for short periods. This protection ensures movable assets stay safe from unexpected damage or theft when kept away from permanent business premises.
- Bailee Coverage
The inclusion of bailee cover protects businesses that hold customer property in their care. Repair shops, dry cleaners, and storage facilities gain security through inland marine liability coverage. It ensures compensation if customer items are damaged, lost, or stolen while under the business’s custody or control.
- Fine Arts and High-Value Items
Inland marine insurance covers fine arts, antiques, and high-value collectables. Galleries, museums, and private collectors benefit from this protection. It helps preserve valuable assets from risks like transit damage, accidental breakage, or environmental exposure during display or movement.
- Contractors Equipment Coverage
This feature offers inland marine coverage for contractors using bulldozers, cranes, excavators, and specialised machinery. It protects heavy equipment used across multiple sites. The coverage safeguards expensive assets from theft, accidental damage, and operational risks associated with shifting project locations.
- Accidental Damage
An inland marine insurance policy includes accidental damage protection for movable property. It covers breakage, impact damage, and unexpected operational mishaps. This feature helps businesses avoid sudden financial losses caused by unpredictable incidents affecting mobile assets.
- Theft and Pilferage
Inland marine insurance coverage protects movable items from theft or pilferage during transit or temporary storage. This inclusion benefits businesses handling high-value, portable property. It ensures financial recovery when property disappears due to unauthorised access or criminal activity.
- Natural Disasters
Inland marine policy coverage with add-on features protects against natural disasters, such as storms, floods, and earthquakes. Such plans help businesses recover when mobile assets are damaged by severe weather. This is particularly useful for property frequently moved through high‑risk environments.
- Specialised Equipment
Personal inland marine insurance or commercial inland marine policies cover specialised equipment like scientific tools and custom machinery. These items require greater protection due to their value and mobility. The coverage prevents major losses during transport or off-site use.
- Loading and Unloading
An inland marine insurance plan often includes protection during loading or unloading at warehouses, vehicles, or project sites. It safeguards items from drops, mishandling, or equipment failure. This inclusion reduces losses during high‑risk transfer activities.
Inland Marine Insurance Exclusions: What It Does Not Cover
Damage due to poor packaging- Items damaged because of improper packing or insufficient protection are not covered under inland marine insurance policies.
Employee theft (unless added)- Theft by employees is excluded unless the inland marine insurance policy includes a special endorsement for it.
Natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, or war- Events such as earthquakes, floods, or war are generally excluded unless specifically covered by a separate policy.
Stationary property at fixed locations- Property that does not move and is permanently kept on-site is covered under commercial property insurance, not inland marine.
Wear and tear or mechanical breakdown- Damage caused by gradual wear and tear or internal failure is excluded from standard inland marine insurance coverage.
Dishonest acts- Fraudulent or dishonest activities by the insured or related parties are not covered.
Intentional misuse- Any loss resulting from deliberate misuse or abuse of property is excluded.
Government seizure- Confiscation or seizure by customs or government authorities is not covered under inland marine policy coverage.
Nuclear risks- Damage from nuclear reactions or contamination is not part of inland marine property insurance.
Pre-existing damage- Damages that occurred before coverage started are not claimable.
Faulty repair- Improper or failed repair jobs are excluded from standard inland marine policy insurance terms.
Inland Marine vs Marine Cargo vs Commercial Property Insurance
| Aspect | Inland and Ocean Marine Insurance | Marine Cargo Insurance | Commercial Property Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Type | Covers land-based transit (road, rail, hand-carry) | A marine cargo insurance policy covers sea, air, and inland waterway transport | Does not cover transit; applies only at fixed locations |
| Type of Assets Covered | Mobile equipment, fine art, customer property, and tools | Goods in international trade or in transit across borders | Buildings, machinery, furniture, and inventory on premises |
| Coverage Location | Off-site locations, job sites, temporary storage | Between ports, airports, or across countries | On-site at business premises only |
| Typical Users | Contractors, retailers, event companies, logistics, and art handlers | Importers, exporters, freight forwarders, shipping firms | Offices, retail stores, manufacturers, and service providers |
| Risk Type Covered | Theft, accidental damage, natural disaster (optional), and loading issues | Transit damage, sea perils, piracy, and handling mishaps | Fire, flood, theft, equipment breakdown (on-site only) |
| Policy Add-ons | Installation floater, exhibition cover, contractor’s equipment | War risk, stock throughput, and delay in transit | Electronic equipment, fire and burglary extensions |
| Mobility of Assets | High - protects movable or in-transit property | Moderate - goods move between points | Low - property remains stationary at the insured premises |
Who Needs Inland Marine Policy Insurance?
Construction Companies- They move tools, heavy machines, and materials across sites. Inland marine insurance protects against loss, theft, or damage in transit.
Logistics and Transporters- Transporters handle goods for others. Inland marine coverage protects cargo during road, rail, or third-party movement.
Retailers and Wholesalers- These businesses shift inventory between warehouses and outlets. The inland marine policy covers goods during temporary storage or movement.
Art Galleries and Exhibitors- They move or display high-value art. Inland marine insurance secures items against breakage, theft, or transit loss.
Photographers and Film Production Units- They carry costly equipment or materials. Inland marine insurance covers gear used off-site or in mobile shoots.
Medical and Laboratory Service Providers- Labs and clinics use portable devices. This policy protects mobile diagnostic tools and lab equipment.
Event Companies and Rental Services- They transport AV, décor, and structures. Inland marine insurance covers items while moving or stored offsite.
Types of Inland Marine Insurance Policies
Bailee’s Customer Insurance- This policy safeguards businesses from liabilities that result from loss or damage to customers’ property under their care, custody, or control. Ideal for repair shops, dry cleaners, and storage providers, it covers loss or damage while the goods are temporarily held or serviced by the business.
**Marine Single Transit Inland Policy: This extends protection to freight or merchandise for a single transport operation, from origin to destination. This includes goods transported by trucks, trains, and other road transport modes.
Builder’s Risk Insurance- This policy covers buildings and materials under construction. It protects against fire, theft, vandalism, and weather-related damage. It is essential for contractors and developers handling construction projects with valuable on-site and in-transit materials.
Exhibition and Fine Arts Coverage- Designed for galleries, museums, and exhibitors, this policy protects art, antiques, and collectables. It provides coverage while artworks are being transported, displayed, or temporarily stored at exhibitions, showrooms, or loaned locations.
Installation Floater- This policy covers materials, supplies, and equipment being installed at a job site. It protects against damage during transit, storage, and installation. It is ideal for contractors, electricians, or HVAC installers handling valuable installations.
Motor Truck Cargo Insurance- It protects goods transported by for-hire truckers. The policy covers cargo against loss or damage due to collision, theft, or fire. It is crucial for logistics companies and independent transporters moving third-party goods.
**Contractor’s Equipment Floater-**This policy covers heavy contractors’ tools and equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, and excavators. It protects machinery used at various job sites from theft, vandalism, or accidental damage. It is essential for businesses relying on mobile construction assets.
Transportation Floater- Covers property owned by the business while it is being transported by land, air, or rail. It is useful for manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers who regularly ship goods to clients, vendors, or work locations.
How Inland Marine Insurance Works
The Policy Trigger- The policy activates when insured movable property is damaged, stolen, or lost during transit, installation, or temporary off-site storage.
How Claims Are Assessed- Insurers assess claims based on policy terms, the type and cause of damage, and whether exclusions apply. On-site inspections may also occur.
Documentation Required- Claimants must provide proof of ownership, transport details, original invoices, photos of damage, and police reports in case of theft or loss.
Claim Settlement Example- If insured equipment is damaged during installation at a job site, the insurer evaluates repair or replacement costs and settles accordingly.
Premium Determination Factors- Premiums depend on asset type, value, transit frequency, coverage limits, industry risks, past claims history, and selected policy add-ons or floaters.
How Much Does Inland Marine Insurance Cost?
Item Value- Higher-value items attract higher premiums. Insurers calculate cost based on the replacement or repair value of the insured property.
Transit Frequency- Frequent movement increases risk exposure. Items transported daily or weekly may incur higher insurance costs.
Distance Travelled- Longer distances raise the chances of damage or loss. Remote deliveries typically result in higher premiums.
Risk Level- Fragile, high-theft, or high-maintenance items carry more risk. These factors significantly influence the pricing of inland marine coverage.
Industry Type- Businesses in construction, logistics, or events may face higher premiums due to exposure to multiple mobile assets and job sites.
Add-ons and Floaters- Additional coverage, such as employee theft, natural disaster protection, or international transit, will increase the total policy cost.
Usage Conditions- Items used in high-risk zones, harsh climates, or unstable environments may affect the cost of inland marine policy insurance.
Choosing the Right Inland Marine Insurance Policy
Assess Transit Volume- Review how often your equipment or goods move. Higher transit frequency requires broader inland marine policy insurance coverage.
Check Type and Value of Mobile Equipment- List every item (tools, machines, or customer property), and note its current value to determine accurate coverage limits.
Identify Off-site Exposure- Consider how often property is used or stored off your main premises, such as at job sites or exhibitions.
Understand Exclusions- Read the fine print. Inland marine insurance policies often exclude wear and tear, poor packaging, or intentional misuse.
Compare Insurer Claim Ratios- Look into the insurer’s claim settlement record. A higher claim ratio often reflects trust, reliability, and smoother claim processing.
Ensure Add-ons Meet Industry Needs- Choose add-ons that suit your sector. Contractors may need equipment floaters, while galleries may require fine art protection.
Why Businesses Should Not Ignore Inland Marine Coverage
High Financial Risk Exposure- Loss, theft, or damage of movable assets can lead to major financial setbacks and costly business interruptions.
Increased Mobility of Business Assets- More companies now operate from multiple locations and job sites, or depend on the regular transportation of goods and tools.
Standard Property Insurance Is Not Enough- Stationary coverage does not protect mobile equipment, goods in transit, or property stored offsite.
Rising Theft and Transit Risks- Theft, mishandling, road accidents, and unforeseen damage are more common for businesses with frequent asset movement.
Essential for Asset-Heavy Industries- Construction, logistics, healthcare, and events rely heavily on high-value mobile assets that need extra protection.
Prevents Disruptions and Downtime- Inland marine insurance coverage ensures faster recovery and operational continuity after unexpected incidents.
Conclusion
Inland marine insurance offers essential protection for businesses that rely on mobile assets, off-site storage, and frequent transit. It helps reduce financial risks, prevents disruptions, and strengthens operational continuity even during unexpected events. Every business with movable property should consider this specialised coverage.
At TATA AIG, we provide comprehensive solutions that support your business at every step. Our marine insurance policy options include robust inland marine protection and enhanced support for goods moving across regions. We also offer marine cargo insurance for global shipments, giving businesses complete confidence throughout their logistics cycle.
For businesses seeking broader safeguards, we offer customised marine shipment insurance plans tailored to unique operational needs. With transparent processes and reliable claim assistance, we help you protect mobile assets with greater confidence.
Choose TATA AIG today and secure your business with the right marine transit insurance coverage.
Inland Marine Insurance – Protecting Assets on the Move
Protect What Moves You — Get Marine Plans Starting ₹591!
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