What is inland marine insurance?
Inland marine insurance is coverage for business property that moves or sits away from your premises: equipment and tools that travel to job sites, goods in transit over land, customers' property in your care, and fixed transportation property such as bridges and towers. Utah's insurance code defines it by those classes and keeps it separate from property insurance. Carriers sell it as contractor's equipment, builder's risk and installation, motor truck cargo, and warehouse and logistics coverage. Utah's rate filing requirement does not apply to inland marine risks, which the statute says are by general custom not written to standardized manual rules or rating plans.
Updated . Written by Andre Beukers, principal at Redoubt, a commercial insurance agency in Salt Lake City, not a government office.
What does inland marine insurance cover?
Utah's insurance code answers by class. Section 31A-1-301 says inland marine "includes insurance covering: (a) property in transit on or over land; (b) property in transit over water by means other than boat or ship; (c) bailee liability; (d) fixed transportation property such as bridges, electric transmission systems, radio and television transmission towers and tunnels; and (e) personal and commercial property floaters." For a business that works out of vehicles, three of those matter: goods in transit, other people's property in your care, and commercial floaters on equipment that goes from site to site.
Carriers describe the same ground in their own terms. Travelers calls its inland marine "property coverage for material, products or equipment that moves or is transportable, and/or is instrumental in transportation or communication."
| Policy | What it covers | Described by |
|---|---|---|
| Contractors' equipment | Damaged or stolen equipment, small tools, and certain leased or borrowed items | The Hartford |
| Builder's risk and installation | Construction projects, their materials, and certain temporary structures | The Hartford |
| Transportation and cargo | Businesses that manage and handle the transportation and storage of cargo | Travelers |
| Carrier logistics | A trucker's legal liability for others' property in its care | The Hartford |
| Warehouse and logistics | Businesses responsible for storing, shipping and securing others' property | The Hartford |
| Towers, bridges, specialized property | Communication towers, bridges, computers and medical equipment | Travelers |
How is inland marine different from commercial property and commercial auto insurance?
By law, and by where the property is. Utah's code says "Property insurance" does not include inland marine or ocean marine insurance, so in Utah they are separate lines. The same section defines ocean marine as insurance on ships and on goods in transit over the oceans or inland waterways, and The Hartford contrasts its inland marine as property moved over land or used off-site. The Hartford also draws the working line for its own products: "Commercial property insurance often focuses on property at a fixed location (like a building and its contents). Inland Marine insurance often focuses on property that moves, is in transit, is at jobsites or is temporarily stored."
The vehicle is the other edge. The Hartford lists "Vehicles and vehicle‑mounted equipment, which are generally covered under commercial auto insurance" among what its inland marine leaves out. A loaded work van can therefore sit on two policies: the van on the auto policy, and the loose equipment, materials and customer property on an inland marine form.
Some coverages are written either way. The Hartford sells builder's risk as inland marine, while the builder's risk Utah's Division of Facilities and Construction Management keeps for state projects runs under its "Commercial Property Policy Declarations and Scheduled Forms."
How does inland marine insurance work?
ISO's version pairs a coverage form for the class of property with a shared set of conditions, CM 00 01, which "apply in addition to the Common Policy Conditions and applicable Additional Conditions in Commercial Inland Marine Coverage Forms." Those conditions cover loss "commencing: 1. During the policy period shown in the Declarations; and 2. Within the coverage territory," so the coverage goes where the property goes, inside the territory the coverage form sets.
Read the valuation clause first. CM 00 01 values property at "the least of" its actual cash value, the cost of reasonably restoring it, or the cost of replacing it with substantially identical property, as of the time of loss. A coverage form or endorsement can change that; if you want replacement cost, ask for it by name and find it in the wording.
A paid claim does not use up the limit: "The Limit of Insurance will not be reduced by the payment of any claim, except for total loss or damage of a scheduled item." For property of others, the insurer "may adjust losses with the owners of lost or damaged property if other than you," and a shop or carrier holding your property gets nothing from your policy: "No person or organization, other than you, having custody of Covered Property will benefit from this insurance." The ISO form also says a suit must be brought "within 2 years after you first have knowledge of the direct loss or damage." Utah's statute gives first-party policies three years, but 31A-21-313 is not among the sections 31A-21-101 applies to inland marine, so ask the insurer which deadline governs your policy.
Forms vary by carrier. Utah's form filing requirement, 31A-21-201, reaches inland marine only when it "is written according to manual rules or rating plans." Two contractors' equipment quotes can cover different things under one name; compare form numbers, valuation and exclusions, not just premium.
How much does inland marine insurance cost?
Utah's rate filing requirement "does not apply to inland marine risks, which, by general custom, are not written according to standardized manual rules or rating plans." The figures published are what each company says about its own business, not a price for your risk.
They sit far apart. Insureon says "Small businesses pay an average of $48 per month for inland marine insurance. Annual premiums range from around $150 to over $4,500 per year," a figure it calculates as the median of policies sold to its small business customers (page dated 2026-05-21). The Hartford says, on a page modified 2026-08-31, that its quick quote marine team handles contractor's equipment, builder's risk, installation and motor truck cargo, and that "For larger businesses, premiums start at $10,000."
Insureon names the value of the property, the limits, industry risk and claims history among its price factors, and says "Actual cash value policies are less expensive as they pay out less on a claim."
Who requires inland marine insurance, and what do they ask for?
We found no Utah section that requires a business to buy it; Title 31A defines inland marine and governs how insurers file it. The requirement comes from the owner of the property or the project, in its contract.
An equipment rental company is the plainest case. Sunbelt Rentals' terms require a business customer to carry "property insurance against loss by all risks to the Equipment, in an amount at least equal to the FMV thereof, unless RPP is elected at the time of rental," and require every policy they call for, liability and auto included, to name Sunbelt as additional insured and loss payee and give Sunbelt 30 days' written notice of cancellation. They add: "Any insurance that excludes boom damage or overturns is a breach." If your equipment coverage includes rented equipment, check its limit against the largest machine you rent and its exclusions against that sentence. The RPP is Sunbelt's alternative, and its RPP terms (Rev Date 11/19/2021) say "The RPP is NOT INSURANCE"; Sunbelt says the fee is 15% of gross rental charges.
A project owner is the other. Utah DFCM's General Conditions for state construction split the risk. On an eligible project (new construction, alterations, repairs and additions), DFCM "shall maintain insurance to protect the interest of the Contractor, Subcontractors, or Sub-subcontractors." On any other project, the contractor bears the risk of loss to its materials, equipment and other property until DFCM accepts the work in writing, and DFCM provides no "builders risk", "course of construction" or "inland marine" coverage for the contractor.
Whoever the holder is, send its written requirement with the application.
How do you get inland marine insurance?
Through an agency or a carrier. The Hartford quotes contractor's equipment, builder's risk, installation and motor truck cargo as marine lines. Tools coverage can also be added to a businessowners policy: ISO's BP 07 01 adds contractors' installation, tools and equipment coverage and "modifies insurance provided under the following: BUSINESSOWNERS COVERAGE FORM."
Send what the underwriter needs to build the quote on your property:
- What the property is: owned or rented equipment, materials to install, customer property, or cargo
- A schedule of items with values, and the total
- The most ever at one job site, in one vehicle, or in storage
- Where it is kept overnight, and how it is secured
- Replacement cost or actual cash value, and the deductible you want
- Any rental agreement, project contract or shipper requirement
- Your loss history
What does inland marine insurance not cover?
It depends on the form. For its own policies, The Hartford lists buildings and permanently installed property, wear and tear and mechanical breakdown, employee theft unless added, intentional acts, vehicles and vehicle-mounted equipment, and high-value items not scheduled. Read the exclusions on the form you are quoted.
Where these answers come from
Each entry carries the exact words of the source so you can check it yourself. Forms, rules and carrier pages change; read the current version before acting.
- 1. Utah Code 31A-1-301(94), definition of inland marine insurance
“"Inland marine insurance" includes insurance covering: (a) property in transit on or over land; (b) property in transit over water by means other than boat or ship; (c) bailee liability; (d) fixed transportation property such as bridges, electric transmission systems, radio and television transmission towers and tunnels; and (e) personal and commercial property floaters.”
le.utah.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Utah Code, versioned file on le.utah.gov (the section page is a JS shell). Version effective 2024-05-01. Checked for a purchase requirement: 31A-1-301, 31A-19a-203, 31A-21-101 and 31A-21-201 define and regulate inland marine; none requires a business to buy it. - 2. Utah Code 31A-1-301(160)(b), property insurance excludes marine
“"Property insurance" does not include: (i) inland marine insurance; and (ii) ocean marine insurance.”
le.utah.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Utah Code, versioned file on le.utah.gov (the section page is a JS shell). - 3. Utah Code 31A-1-301(138), definition of ocean marine insurance
“"Ocean marine insurance" means insurance against loss of or damage to: (a) ships or hulls of ships;”
le.utah.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Utah Code, versioned file on le.utah.gov (the section page is a JS shell). Clause (b) continues with goods, freight and cargoes "in or awaiting transit over the oceans or inland waterways." - 4. Utah Code 31A-19a-203(5), rate filings, inland marine exception
“Subsection (1) does not apply to inland marine risks, which, by general custom, are not written according to standardized manual rules or rating plans.”
le.utah.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Utah Code, versioned file on le.utah.gov (the section page is a JS shell). Subsection (1) is the duty to file rates with the commissioner. Version effective 2024-05-01. - 5. Utah Code 31A-21-101(3)(b), scope of the form rules for inland marine
“Section 31A-21-201 applies to inland marine insurance that is written according to manual rules or rating plans.”
le.utah.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Utah Code, versioned file on le.utah.gov (the section page is a JS shell). - 6. Utah Code 31A-21-201(1)(a), filing of forms
“Except as exempted under Subsections 31A-21-101(2) through (6), a form may not be used, sold, or offered for sale until the form is filed with the commissioner.”
le.utah.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Utah Code, versioned file on le.utah.gov (the section page is a JS shell). - 7. ISO CM 00 01 09 04, Commercial Inland Marine Conditions, opening
“The following conditions apply in addition to the Common Policy Conditions and applicable Additional Conditions in Commercial Inland Marine Coverage Forms:”
forms.nationwideexcessandsurplus.com, accessed October 3, 2026. ISO form, served by Nationwide Excess & Surplus's public forms library to a browser user agent; the text matches the copy in Redoubt's forms library. A carrier's own inland marine form can differ. - 8. ISO CM 00 01 09 04, General Condition E, policy period and coverage territory
“We cover loss or damage commencing: 1. During the policy period shown in the Declarations; and 2. Within the coverage territory.”
forms.nationwideexcessandsurplus.com, accessed October 3, 2026. ISO form, served by Nationwide Excess & Surplus's public forms library to a browser user agent; the text matches the copy in Redoubt's forms library. A carrier's own inland marine form can differ. The territory itself is set by each coverage form. - 9. ISO CM 00 01 09 04, General Condition F, valuation
“The value of property will be the least of the following amounts: 1. The actual cash value of that property; 2. The cost of reasonably restoring that property to its condition immediately before loss or damage; or 3. The cost of replacing that property with substantially identical property.”
forms.nationwideexcessandsurplus.com, accessed October 3, 2026. ISO form, served by Nationwide Excess & Surplus's public forms library to a browser user agent; the text matches the copy in Redoubt's forms library. A carrier's own inland marine form can differ. The condition ends: "the value of property will be determined as of the time of loss or damage." - 10. ISO CM 00 01 09 04, Loss Condition I, reinstatement of limit after loss
“The Limit of Insurance will not be reduced by the payment of any claim, except for total loss or damage of a scheduled item, in which event we will refund the unearned premium on that item.”
forms.nationwideexcessandsurplus.com, accessed October 3, 2026. ISO form, served by Nationwide Excess & Surplus's public forms library to a browser user agent; the text matches the copy in Redoubt's forms library. A carrier's own inland marine form can differ. - 11. ISO CM 00 01 09 04, Loss Condition E.3, adjusting with owners
“We may adjust losses with the owners of lost or damaged property if other than you. If we pay the owners, such payments will satisfy your claim against us for the owners' property.”
forms.nationwideexcessandsurplus.com, accessed October 3, 2026. ISO form, served by Nationwide Excess & Surplus's public forms library to a browser user agent; the text matches the copy in Redoubt's forms library. A carrier's own inland marine form can differ. - 12. ISO CM 00 01 09 04, General Condition D, no benefit to bailee
“No person or organization, other than you, having custody of Covered Property will benefit from this insurance.”
forms.nationwideexcessandsurplus.com, accessed October 3, 2026. ISO form, served by Nationwide Excess & Surplus's public forms library to a browser user agent; the text matches the copy in Redoubt's forms library. A carrier's own inland marine form can differ. - 13. ISO CM 00 01 09 04, General Condition C, legal action against us
“The action is brought within 2 years after you first have knowledge of the direct loss or damage.”
forms.nationwideexcessandsurplus.com, accessed October 3, 2026. ISO form, served by Nationwide Excess & Surplus's public forms library to a browser user agent; the text matches the copy in Redoubt's forms library. A carrier's own inland marine form can differ. Form wording, not a statute. Item 1 of the same condition requires full compliance with the coverage part first. - 14. ISO BP 07 01 08 24, Contractors' Installation, Tools And Equipment Coverage, form it modifies
“This endorsement modifies insurance provided under the following: BUSINESSOWNERS COVERAGE FORM”
assets.alm.com, accessed October 3, 2026. ISO form, public copy; the same edition is held in Redoubt's forms library. A carrier's own form or edition can differ. - 15. Travelers, Inland Marine Insurance, what is inland marine insurance
“Inland marine insurance is property coverage for material, products or equipment that moves or is transportable, and/or is instrumental in transportation or communication.”
travelers.com, accessed October 3, 2026. A carrier describing its own product. Page modified 2023-06-14. - 16. Travelers, Inland Marine Insurance, communications and specialized property
“We work with customers to protect specialized property, including coverage for communication towers, bridges, computers, medical equipment and sports and entertainment production equipment.”
travelers.com, accessed October 3, 2026. A carrier describing its own product. - 17. The Hartford, Inland Marine Insurance Solutions, types of coverages, contractors' equipment
“Helps protect damaged or stolen equipment, including small tools and certain leased or borrowed items.”
thehartford.com, accessed October 3, 2026. A carrier describing its own inland marine products, which the page says are designed for midsize and large businesses. Page modified 2026-08-31. - 18. The Hartford, Inland Marine Insurance Solutions, types of coverages, builders risk and installation
“Helps protect construction projects and related exposures, including materials and certain temporary structures (where applicable).”
thehartford.com, accessed October 3, 2026. A carrier describing its own inland marine products, which the page says are designed for midsize and large businesses. Page modified 2026-08-31. - 19. The Hartford, Inland Marine Insurance Solutions, types of coverages, carrier logistics
“Helps cover a trucker’s legal liability for the property of others in their care, tailored to operations.”
thehartford.com, accessed October 3, 2026. A carrier describing its own inland marine products, which the page says are designed for midsize and large businesses. Page modified 2026-08-31. - 20. The Hartford, Inland Marine Insurance Solutions, inland marine vs. commercial property insurance
“Commercial property insurance often focuses on property at a fixed location (like a building and its contents). Inland Marine insurance often focuses on property that moves, is in transit, is at jobsites or is temporarily stored.”
thehartford.com, accessed October 3, 2026. A carrier describing its own inland marine products, which the page says are designed for midsize and large businesses. Page modified 2026-08-31. - 21. The Hartford, Inland Marine Insurance Solutions, FAQ, what inland marine does not cover
“Vehicles and vehicle‑mounted equipment, which are generally covered under commercial auto insurance”
thehartford.com, accessed October 3, 2026. A carrier describing its own inland marine products, which the page says are designed for midsize and large businesses. Page modified 2026-08-31. One item of a list introduced "While coverage varies by policy, common exclusions often include:"; the others are buildings and permanently installed property, normal wear and tear, deterioration or mechanical breakdown, employee theft or dishonesty unless added, intentional damage or illegal acts, and high-value items not listed or scheduled. - 22. The Hartford, Inland Marine Insurance Solutions, inland and ocean marine
“Unlike ocean marine insurance, which covers goods transported over water, Inland Marine insurance focuses on property moved over land or used off‑site.”
thehartford.com, accessed October 3, 2026. A carrier describing its own inland marine products, which the page says are designed for midsize and large businesses. Page modified 2026-08-31. - 23. The Hartford, Inland Marine Insurance Solutions, quick quote marine
“The Hartford’s Quick Quote team handles submissions for select lines of Marine business, including Contactor’s Equipment, Builder’s Risk, Installation and Motor Truck Cargo. For larger businesses, premiums start at $10,000.”
thehartford.com, accessed October 3, 2026. A carrier describing its own inland marine products, which the page says are designed for midsize and large businesses. Page modified 2026-08-31. "Contactor’s" is the page's spelling. A carrier's statement about its own minimum premium. - 24. Insureon, Inland Marine Insurance Cost, average cost
“Small businesses pay an average of $48 per month for inland marine insurance. Annual premiums range from around $150 to over $4,500 per year.”
insureon.com, accessed October 3, 2026. Quoted as what Insureon, an online broker, says about policies it sells. Page dateModified 2026-05-21. - 25. Insureon, Inland Marine Insurance Cost, how the figure is calculated
“Our figures are calculated using the median cost of policies sold by leading insurance companies to Insureon's small business customers.”
insureon.com, accessed October 3, 2026. Quoted as what Insureon, an online broker, says about policies it sells. Page dateModified 2026-05-21. Insureon calls the figure an average and computes it as a median. - 26. Insureon, Inland Marine Insurance Cost, what drives the price
“The cost of inland marine insurance coverage varies based on several factors. Your premium is directly impacted by the value of your business property, your policy limits, industry risks, and more.”
insureon.com, accessed October 3, 2026. Quoted as what Insureon, an online broker, says about policies it sells. Page dateModified 2026-05-21. Its factor list: type of coverage, policy limits and deductible, type of property and its value, business location, history of insurance claims, industry risks. - 27. Insureon, Inland Marine Insurance Cost, replacement cost and actual cash value
“Actual cash value policies are less expensive as they pay out less on a claim.”
insureon.com, accessed October 3, 2026. Quoted as what Insureon, an online broker, says about policies it sells. Page dateModified 2026-05-21. - 28. Travelers, Inland Marine Insurance, transportation, cargo and logistics
“Travelers offers protection for a range of businesses involved in managing and handling the transportation and storage of cargo.”
travelers.com, accessed October 3, 2026. A carrier describing its own product. Page modified 2023-06-14. - 29. The Hartford, Inland Marine Insurance Solutions, types of coverages, warehouse and logistics
“Supports businesses responsible for storing, shipping and securing others’ property, with optional solutions for additional cargo protection.”
thehartford.com, accessed October 3, 2026. A carrier describing its own inland marine products, which the page says are designed for midsize and large businesses. Page modified 2026-08-31. - 30. Utah Code 31A-21-313(1)(a), limitation of actions on first-party policies
“A person shall commence an action on a written policy or contract of first party insurance within three years after the inception of the loss”
le.utah.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Utah Code, versioned file on le.utah.gov (the section page is a JS shell). Version effective 2023-05-03. Subsection (3)(a) bars a policy from limiting the time to sue below the statute. - 31. Utah Code 31A-21-101(3)(a), the Chapter 21 sections that apply to marine insurance
“Sections 31A-21-102, 31A-21-103, 31A-21-104, Subsections 31A-21-107(1) and (3), and Sections 31A-21-306, 31A-21-308, 31A-21-312, and 31A-21-314 apply to ocean marine and inland marine insurance.”
le.utah.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. Utah Code, versioned file on le.utah.gov (the section page is a JS shell). 31A-21-313 is not in the list. Whether it governs an inland marine policy is not settled by this text. - 32. Sunbelt Rentals, Rental Terms and Conditions (U.S.), section 9, insurance
“for Customers using Equipment for non personal use, property insurance against loss by all risks to the Equipment, in an amount at least equal to the FMV thereof, unless RPP is elected at the time of rental and paid for prior to any Incident;”
sunbeltrentals.com, accessed October 3, 2026. The rental company's own contract terms, Rev Date 11/19/2021. Item (b) of the minimum coverage the customer must maintain during the rental period; item (a) is $1,000,000 general liability. - 33. Sunbelt Rentals, Rental Terms and Conditions (U.S.), section 9, named parties and notice
“name Sunbelt and its agents as an additional insured (including an additional insured endorsement) and loss payee, and provide for Sunbelt to receive at least 30 days prior written notice of any cancellation or material change. Any insurance that excludes boom damage or overturns is a breach.”
sunbeltrentals.com, accessed October 3, 2026. The next sentence requires certificates of insurance "prior to any rental and any time upon Sunbelt’s request." - 34. Sunbelt Rentals, Rental Protection Plan terms
“The RPP is NOT INSURANCE and does NOT protect Customer from liability to Sunbelt or others arising out of possession, control or use of the Equipment, including injury or damage to persons or property.”
sunbeltrentals.com, accessed October 3, 2026. Rev Date 11/19/2021. The conditions that follow include "(ii) Customer pays 15% of the gross rental charges as the fee for the RPP (plus applicable taxes)". - 35. Utah DFCM General Conditions (Aug. 31, 2020, rev. July 12, 2023), 10.2.1, builder's risk on eligible projects
“DFCM shall maintain insurance to protect the interest of the Contractor, Subcontractors, or Sub-subcontractors subject to all of the terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, waivers and/or endorsements stated in the Commercial Property Policy Declarations and Scheduled Forms available on DFCM’s website”
dfcm.utah.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. An Eligible Project is one for new buildings, structures or construction projects, or the alteration or repair of, or addition to, existing ones (10.2.1). - 36. Utah DFCM General Conditions (Aug. 31, 2020, rev. July 12, 2023), 10.2.5, non-eligible projects
“Contractor shall bear the risk of damage and/or loss to Contractor’s materials, equipment and other property, until acceptance of the Work by DFCM in writing, and no protection from damage and/or loss of the Work (including, without limitation, so called “builders risk”, “course of construction”, “inland marine” and/or similar property insurance) will be provided by DFCM for the protection of Contractor.”
dfcm.utah.gov, accessed October 3, 2026. The sentence spans pages 52 and 53. 10.2.5 continues: the contractor may obtain insurance for these risks at its own cost, not included in the Contract Price.
Tools were stolen from the van or trailer, or the owner wants them covered before they are
Contractors' tools and equipment: what commercial auto leaves out, inland marine and tool floaters, and what to schedule.
Elsewhere on the site
Renting equipment, starting a project, or loading the van?
Text Redoubt what the property is, roughly what it is worth, and any rental agreement or contract that sets a requirement. We will talk through which inland marine coverage fits it, what its valuation and exclusions mean for you, and what to send for a quote.
This is general insurance information, not legal advice or a coverage determination. The policy forms, the endorsements the carrier issues, and the requirement in writing from whoever is asking control.