Inland Marine Insurance for Washington Businesses
Protect your tools, equipment, and property wherever your work takes you. Inland marine insurance covers valuable business property that moves between locations or is used at job sites throughout Washington.
What's Included
What Inland Marine Covers
- Contractors' tools and equipment on job sites
- Property in transit between locations
- Equipment rented or leased to others
- Valuable papers and records
- Computer equipment used off-premises
- Installation floaters for property being installed
- Builders risk for buildings under construction
- Fine arts and valuable items
What It Doesn't Cover
- Wear and tear, gradual deterioration, or rust
- Mechanical or electrical breakdown (unless from covered cause)
- Theft from unlocked vehicles (typically requires secure storage)
- Mysterious disappearance without evidence of theft
- Intentional damage or employee dishonesty beyond limits
- Property at permanent locations (use commercial property)
- Vehicles themselves (need auto coverage)
- Damages caused by faulty workmanship
How Inland Marine Works
Inland marine insurance "floats" with your property wherever it goes—on your truck, at job sites, in transit, or at client locations. Unlike standard property insurance, coverage isn't limited to one fixed location.
Policies can be written on a scheduled basis (specific items listed with values) or a blanket basis (all equipment up to a total limit). Scheduled coverage ensures adequate limits for high-value items.
Coverage typically applies on an "all-risk" or "open perils" basis, meaning everything is covered unless specifically excluded. This provides broader protection than named-perils coverage.
When equipment is stolen, damaged, or destroyed, you file a claim with documentation of the loss. Theft claims typically require a police report. Claims are paid at replacement cost or actual cash value depending on policy terms.
Contractors' equipment floaters are the most common form. These cover owned tools and equipment, often including rented equipment and newly acquired items up to a limit.
Who Needs Inland Marine?
Washington State Requirements
Washington State does not require inland marine insurance, but practical business needs and contract requirements often make it essential for contractors and mobile businesses.
General contractors in Washington frequently require subcontractors to carry tools and equipment coverage. Certificates of insurance may be required showing adequate limits.
Commercial auto policies exclude tools and equipment that aren't permanently installed in vehicles. If you carry tools in your truck, you need inland marine coverage—not auto coverage—to protect them.
Equipment rental agreements typically require you to insure rented equipment. Inland marine coverage can include rented equipment protection, avoiding expensive rental company insurance.
Builders risk policies (a form of inland marine) are typically required for construction projects in Washington. They cover the building under construction until completion.
What Affects Your Inland Marine Cost?
Total equipment value—the more you need to cover, the higher the coverage needs
Equipment type—high-theft items like power tools may have different considerations
Storage and security—how and where equipment is stored when not in use
Territory—where equipment is used; higher-risk areas may affect terms
Claims history—prior losses affect rates and may require higher deductibles
Deductible selection—higher deductibles can impact rates
Coverage basis—replacement cost vs. actual cash value affects terms
Claims Scenarios
See how inland marine protects Washington businesses in actual claim scenarios.
Tools Stolen from Job Site
A contractor's tools worth $25,000 are stolen overnight from a secured job site trailer in Tacoma. The theft includes power tools, specialty equipment, and hand tools accumulated over years.
Inland marine coverage pays the replacement cost for the stolen tools after the deductible. The contractor can purchase new tools and get back to work without devastating financial impact. A police report documents the theft.
Equipment Damaged in Transit
A landscaping company's commercial mower falls off a trailer on I-90, causing $12,000 in damage. The mower is totaled and needs replacement.
The contractors equipment floater covers the mower at replacement cost. Because inland marine covers property in transit, the damage is covered even though it occurred on the highway.
Water Damage to Photography Equipment
A wedding photographer's camera bag falls into a lake during an outdoor shoot. Cameras, lenses, and accessories worth $18,000 are destroyed.
An equipment floater covering the photography gear pays for replacement equipment. The photographer can purchase new gear and honor upcoming bookings without financial hardship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called "inland marine" if it covers land-based equipment?
Does my commercial auto policy cover tools in my truck?
What's the difference between inland marine and commercial property insurance?
Does inland marine cover rented equipment?
What do I need to do to prevent claim problems?
What is builders risk insurance?
You May Also Need
Ready to Get Inland Marine Coverage?
Get a free quote in minutes. Our Washington State insurance experts are here to help you find the right coverage at the best price.