Inland Marine Insurance for California Contractors

Quick Answer

Inland Marine is the insurance category that covers property that moves — tools, equipment in transit, contractor materials, rented gear. For most California contractors it overlaps with what's sold as "Tools & Equipment" coverage. Typical premium: $400–$1,800/year depending on the value of items insured. Call (858) 925-9555.

Why It's Called "Marine"

A historical quirk — insurance for property in transit was originally written for cargo on ships. Coverage for property in transit overland inherited the name "Inland Marine." Nothing to do with boats today.

What Inland Marine Forms a Contractor Uses

• Tools & Equipment / Tool Floater — for hand tools and small power tools
• Contractors Equipment — for heavy machinery (excavators, dozers, lifts, dump trucks)
• Installation Floater — covers materials from delivery to installation
• Builder's Risk — project-specific (treated as Inland Marine in many policies)
• Rented Equipment — covers gear you rent or lease
• Computer / Electronics Floater — covers laptops, tablets, surveying equipment

Coverage Forms — Named Peril vs All-Risk

Named peril policies cover only listed causes (theft, fire, transit). All-risk (also called "open peril") covers everything except specifically excluded causes — broader and recommended for most contractors.

Related: Tools & Equipment Insurance · Commercial Auto