What Inland Marine Insurance Covers in Connecticut

When Connecticut business owners hear “inland marine insurance,” the first thought is often, “I don’t own a boat.” But this crucial form of coverage has nothing to do with the ocean — and everything to do with protecting the tools, equipment, and property your business moves from place to place.

Inland marine insurance can be the safety net that saves your business from serious financial loss. Whether you're a contractor driving between job sites, a photographer traveling with expensive gear, or a tech company installing systems statewide, this policy can make all the difference.

Let’s break down exactly what inland marine insurance covers — and why it matters for Connecticut businesses.

What Is Inland Marine Insurance?

Inland marine insurance is designed to protect business property that is mobile, in transit, or stored at a location other than your main business premises. Unlike standard commercial property insurance (which only covers assets at a fixed address), inland marine insurance follows your property wherever it goes — across the state, across the country, or even temporarily stored off-site.

It was originally created to ensure cargo being transported inland (hence the name), but today it’s used widely by businesses with valuable, movable equipment.

Who Needs Inland Marine Insurance in Connecticut?

If your business relies on tools, equipment, or inventory that moves between locations, inland marine insurance could be essential. Some common examples in Connecticut include:

• General contractors & subcontractors moving tools and machinery to job sites

• Landscapers & arborists transporting mowers, saws, and other outdoor gear

• IT & medical equipment installers carrying high-value devices

• Artists, photographers, or event vendors taking their work to exhibitions or shoots

• Logistics and delivery businesses handling goods in transit

• HVAC or plumbing companies using rented or owned portable equipment

Basically, if it’s on the move — and it’s valuable — it’s vulnerable. And Connecticut’s active commercial sectors and varied weather only increase the risk.

What Inland Marine Insurance Covers

Here’s what’s typically covered under an inland marine insurance policy:

• Tools and Equipment in Transit: Protects gear that’s stolen, damaged, or lost while being transported.

• Property at Temporary Locations: Covers equipment or materials stored at a job site, storage facility, or other non-owned location.

• Rented or Leased Equipment: Insures short-term use of tools or machines that your business doesn’t own.

• Installation Floater Coverage: Protects materials and equipment waiting to be installed or already in place but not yet accepted by the customer.

• Exhibition or Trade Show Property: Coverage for items taken to events, expos, or demos.

What It Doesn’t Cover

It’s equally important to understand what inland marine insurance doesn’t cover. Exclusions may include:

• Stationary property at your business premises: This should be covered under your commercial property policy.

• Motor vehicles: These are covered by a separate commercial auto insurance policy.

• Employee dishonesty or theft: Requires crime coverage or a fidelity bond.

• Cyber-related losses: You’d need cyber liability insurance for that.

Your insurance agent can help you tailor a policy so there are no gaps in your coverage.

Why Inland Marine Insurance Matters in Connecticut

Connecticut businesses often operate across multiple cities, job sites, and client locations — from New Haven to Hartford to Stamford. Equipment is regularly transported on highways, temporarily stored in trucks or storage units, or left on job sites overnight.

Add in New England’s unpredictable weather, and the risks rise even higher: theft, water damage, equipment falling during transport, and more.

A single stolen generator or damaged camera could cost thousands. Inland marine insurance is there to soften — or eliminate — the financial blow.

How Much Does Inland Marine Insurance Cost in CT?

Inland marine insurance in Connecticut typically starts at $250–$1,500 per year, depending on:

• The value of your tools and equipment

• How often did they move or use

• The risk level of your industry

• Your claims history

• Whether your equipment is new or used

The good news? It’s often affordable, especially when bundled with other business policies.

How to Get the Right Coverage

To get the right inland marine insurance in Connecticut:

1. Take inventory of all mobile equipment, tools, and property.

2. Work with an independent insurance broker (like us!) who can compare quotes from multiple carriers.

3. Ask about bundling inland marine with general liability or commercial property for discounts.

4. Review your coverage regularly as your business grows and your needs change.

Final Thoughts: Do You Need Inland Marine Insurance?

If your business relies on equipment that leaves your office, you likely need inland marine coverage. It’s not just for large companies — even solo contractors, freelancers, and small businesses can benefit from the protection it offers.

At Insure Connecticut LLC, we specialize in helping businesses across the state find the right inland marine insurance policy — without overpaying. Whether you’re in construction, IT, or creative services, we’re here to make sure your gear is protected wherever work takes you.

👉 Ready to protect your tools, gear, and business? Get a free quote or contact us today.