Why Artisan Contractors Need Inland Marine Insurance
A carpenter arrives at a job site, only to discover the back of their work truck has been broken into. Thousands of dollars in tools are gone, and the job is delayed. The client is frustrated, the schedule is off, and replacing the equipment comes straight out of pocket. Unfortunately, this is not a rare scenario. For artisan contractors who rely on their tools, equipment, and materials to get the job done — often across multiple locations — the risks don’t stop when the workday ends, making inland marine insurance essential.
As part of a strong business insurance strategy, inland marine coverage aims to protect what standard property policies don’t — your tools and gear on the move. For electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and others in mobile trades, it’s a must-have layer of protection.
What Is Inland Marine Insurance?
Despite its name, inland marine insurance has nothing to do with boats. As explained by the Insurance Information Institute, this coverage was originally designed for cargo traveling over land. Today, it protects property in transit, as well as equipment and materials stored at job sites or temporary locations.
For artisan contractors, items at risk may include:
- Expensive power tools and machinery
- Job site materials in transport
- Equipment stored in trucks, trailers, or mobile units
Traditional property insurance generally only covers assets located at a business’s primary location. If it’s off-site, in transit, or temporarily stored elsewhere, it may not be protected — and that’s a costly blind spot.
Why Artisan Contractors Are Especially at Risk
Unlike businesses that operate out of a single location, artisan contractors are constantly on the move. Whether it’s a residential install one day or a commercial build the next, their tools, equipment, and materials are often in transit or stored temporarily at job sites. This mobile way of working introduces a higher level of risk — not just from the wear and tear of daily use but also from exposure to theft, loss, and accidental damage.
Imagine these potential scenarios, any of which can delay projects, upset clients, and chip away at your bottom line:
- A plumber’s van is broken into overnight, and a high-end pipe inspection camera is stolen.
- An HVAC technician drops a rooftop unit while unloading, damaging both the unit and nearby property.
- A generator goes missing from a fenced job site trailer over a weekend.
For artisan contractors, tools and equipment must be ready and reliable at every stop. However, the nature of off-site work — from unpredictable environments to unsecured storage — means the risk of something going wrong is never far away. Inland marine insurance addresses these vulnerabilities head-on, filling the gaps that standard property policies often leave behind.
What Does Inland Marine Insurance Cover?
Inland marine insurance covers the critical assets artisan contractors use outside of their main place of business. This includes tools and equipment — whether they’re owned, rented, or borrowed — that are transported to and from job sites. If these items are stolen from a vehicle or damaged while being unloaded, the policy can help cover the replacement or repair costs.
In addition to tools, the policy typically covers materials and supplies in transit, such as lumber, piping, or HVAC units that are en route to a project. If these materials are lost or damaged before they reach the site, inland marine insurance may reimburse the value and help prevent costly project delays.
Contractors who store equipment at temporary job sites — whether in a trailer, storage unit, or fenced area — also benefit from this coverage. Inland marine policies extend protection to gear left at these off-site locations, offering peace of mind that your business assets aren’t vulnerable just because they’re not locked up at your main office.
Some policies also include optional add-ons, like installation floaters, which provide coverage for items from the moment they arrive on-site until the installation is complete. Others offer rental reimbursement coverage to help pay for temporary replacement equipment so your crew can keep working without interruption. Together, these coverages help ensure that the flow of work stays as smooth and uninterrupted as possible, even when the unexpected occurs.
You can explore more specific coverage types here.
Benefits of Inland Marine Coverage for Contractors
For artisan contractors, the advantages go far beyond simple reimbursement:
- Faster recovery times: Replace stolen or damaged equipment quickly to keep projects on track.
- Customer satisfaction: Avoid client frustrations and delays caused by missing tools.
- Reputation management: Keep your reputation intact and prevent negative reviews, which can erode trust and prevent you from winning new contracts.
- Peace of mind: Know your property is protected, even when subcontractors or crews are handling equipment.
- Risk reduction: If damaged equipment leads to a third-party claim, this coverage may help absorb the cost.
Partnering With the Right Insurance Advisor
Not all inland marine policies are alike, and not every contractor’s needs are the same. At Oakwood Risk, our experienced team works closely with you to customize coverage based on your operations, typical job sites, and equipment types.
Bundling inland marine with other business insurance lines such as general liability and commercial auto helps streamline protection and often results in cost savings. As your business grows, we recommend regular policy reviews to ensure your coverage keeps pace with your tools and your work.
Stay Covered in Transit
For trades that rely on mobility and equipment, inland marine insurance offers crucial coverage. From protecting your investment in tools to preserving your reputation and productivity, it’s a vital part of any business insurance plan.
If you’re unsure whether your current policy fully protects your off-site property, now is the time to take a closer look. Contact us to discuss how Oakwood Risk can help you stay covered wherever the job takes you.
Oakwood
Oakwood Risk provides industry-leading insurance services, solutions, and counsel to our clients. Our professionals are valued for their ability to provide outstanding customer service, with a commitment to the relentless pursuit of value-added solutions, results, and comprehensive coverage.
