When most people hear the words “inland marine insurance,” they probably think of insuring a boat. It’s a common misconception, but inland marine insurance actually has nothing to do with watercraft. Instead, it’s designed to protect valuable items that are being transported over land or stored in a third-party warehouse.
Given how confusing the name can be, you may not be sure if you need this type of coverage. And if you’ve been working with a captive insurance company, you may not even know if you already have it. That’s where we come in. At Pepper, Johnstone & Company, our insurance experts are here to clear up the confusion and help businesses in Alabama and beyond understand how inland marine insurance or other types of coverage can protect their bottom line.
What is Inland Marine Insurance?
Put simply, inland marine insurance is a type of business insurance. It covers various types of products, materials, and equipment transported by land, either by truck or train. It also includes coverage for items being warehoused at an off-site location.
What Does Inland Marine Insurance Cover?
Some items that inland marine insurance protects include:
- Electronics & Technology - Any type of electronic device that is mobile, including, but not limited to:
- Laptops & communication devices
- Cameras & photography equipment
- Construction Equipment - Both heavy machinery and building materials are covered under such policies.
- Medical & Scientific Equipment - From medical devices to laboratory supplies, these essential items are covered.
That said, while inland marine insurance covers a broad range of items, it applies to specific situations, which include:
- Transportation - The covered item is being transported by land.
- Warehousing - Covered items are stored at a warehouse or storage facility.
- Construction - Heavy equipment that needs to be scheduled and insured separately or building materials left at a jobsite waiting to be installed.
No matter the situation, if your business is involved in activities like transporting goods or storing items off-site, inland marine insurance is essential to protect your products and property. If you're unsure whether your business is covered, it’s always a good idea to consult with an independent insurance expert.
The team at Pepper, Johnstone & Company can assess your specific risks and make sure you have the right coverage in place.
Common Types of Inland Marine Insurance Policies
As with any other type of insurance policy, there are a variety of options for inland marine insurance coverage to meet the needs of different businesses. All function to protect products or property from theft, accidents, or other threats during storage or transportation. These types of policies include:
- Customer Coverage - If you operate a warehouse or repair shop, this type of coverage protects your customers’ property while it is in your care.
- Builder’s Risk - During a construction or renovation project, products must be transported to and stored at the job site. This coverage protects them.
- Exhibition & Fine Art - Valuable artwork or artifacts require this type of special protection while on exhibit, in transit, or on loan to other exhibitors.
- Cargo Coverage - If you transport goods via truck or rail, this type of insurance coverage protects your products while in transit and during delivery.
If you're not sure which type of protection is right for your business, reach out to an insurance expert—like the team at Pepper, Johnstone & Company. We’ll work with you to find the coverage that best fits your needs. Contact us today, and let’s get started!
Who Can Get Inland Marine Insurance?
Almost any business can benefit from an inland marine insurance policy. However, certain industries face a higher risk of losses, making this coverage especially important for them. These include:
- Construction
- Technology
- Healthcare
- Food Services
- Jewelers
- Museums & Artists
- Educational Institutions
- Government Agencies
- Dry Cleaners
- Auto Repair
No matter your industry, inland marine insurance offers valuable protection for businesses that transport or store products. If you're in one of these fields—or just want to make sure you're covered—consult with our insurance experts. We'll help you find the right policy tailored to your business needs.
Why Do I Need Inland Marine Insurance?
When you’re transporting or storing items, a lot can go wrong—especially when it comes to collisions and theft, which are two of the most common causes of inland marine losses. Inland marine insurance helps protect your business from these risks.
That said, you might face other types of risks too, like property damage from natural disasters—think incidents like 2014’s “snowpocalypse” or the more recent Hurricane Helene. An insurance expert can help you identify your specific risks and find the coverage that best protects your business.
And if your company participates in tradeshows or events that involve a lot of travel, inland marine insurance can cover the displays and equipment you’re transporting. Just keep in mind, the items need to be transported by land to qualify for coverage.
Get Inland Marine Insurance for Your Business Today
Whether you’re warehousing products in Alabama or transporting cargo across state lines, marine inland insurance is essential to protecting your livelihood. Pepper Johnstone can help you explore your options to find the right coverage. To learn if this type of insurance is right for your business, contact us online or call us at 866-872-0431 today.
Marine Inland Insurance Coverage for Businesses in Alabama & Across the Southeast
Inland marine insurance plays a crucial role in protecting the products we rely on every day. At Pepper Johnstone, we understand the unique needs of businesses in Alabama and are here to help you navigate your options. Let us help you secure the right coverage to protect what matters most. Contact us online or call us at 866-872-0431 to get started!