So what, exactly, is
inland marine insurance?
It provides coverages to businesses for property that is mobile in nature or requires unique valuation that they own or have in their care. Many types of property are covered, including those related to construction, transportation, fine art and communications.
As a business owner, it could be you've never heard of inland marine insurance, or maybe you've dismissed it because of the name. "My business doesn't own any marine craft or transport goods over water." You figure, "Why would I want to learn about Inland Marine Insurance?"
Well, you might want to think again. Inland marine insurance was first created to cover the transport of goods over water,1 but the definition of the term has expanded to refer to the coverage of goods in transit on land, as well as to the property of others that is at your premises or being transported to or from your premises.
In fact, depending on the type of small business you own, Inland Marine Coverage could be key to protecting business property. Does your business transport property of any kind? Do you have buildings under construction?
Consider everything you and your employees put in some vehicle or another during the day to keep your business going. That can range from tools and construction equipment to computer data to building plans and beyond.
Your property insurance policy might not be enough to protect the items you need to do business. Many property policies limit coverage to within a certain number of feet from a designated business address. That doesn't help you if your equipment is damaged at a job site 10 miles away from your office.
If you have property that's moved from place to place on a regular basis, inland marine coverage is crucial.
Inland Marine Coverage offers affordable protection for the tools, equipment, merchandise, and other goods and items you transport for your business no matter where they go or are located. All of these things are covered while they're in transit, sitting in a company vehicle or at a job site. Your personal auto policy may not fully cover these items.
And keep in mind that Inland Marine Insurance isn't necessary only for contractors. Valuable papers, portable computers and the data contained on them, signs, items to be shipped - all can be covered by an Allstate Inland Marine policy. It can even cover loss or damage to property belonging to others while the property is in your possession. If you clean, service, or repair the property of others, even while that property is on your premises, Inland Marine Coverage can help save the day - or at the very least a great deal of headaches and hassle.
And keep in mind that Inland Marine Insurance isn't necessary only for contractors. Valuable papers, portable computers and the data contained on them, signs, items to be shipped - all can be covered by an Allstate Inland Marine policy. It can even cover loss or damage to property belonging to others while the property is in your possession. If you clean, service, or repair the property of others, even while that property is on your premises, Inland Marine Coverage can help save the day - or at the very least a great deal of headaches and hassle.
