In Georgia’s construction and contracting industry, businesses rely on valuable equipment, specialized tools, and materials that are constantly on the move. Whether you’re transporting gear to a job site, storing it temporarily, or using it in the field, your property is at risk every step of the way. That’s where inland marine insurance comes in.
At J.F. Shaw Insurance Agency, an independent insurance agency based in Marietta, we work closely with Georgia contractors to ensure their operations are protected from the unexpected. Inland marine insurance is a key part of a comprehensive risk management plan for businesses that deal with mobile property. If you’re a contractor in Georgia, it’s important to understand what this coverage entails, what it protects, and why it may be essential to your long-term success.
What Is Inland Marine Insurance?
Inland marine insurance is a type of commercial property insurance designed to cover items that are movable or in transit. Although the name suggests a connection to water, this policy has evolved far beyond its historical maritime roots. Today, inland marine insurance covers property transported by land and equipment located away from your primary place of business—something that’s especially relevant to contractors.
Standard commercial property insurance typically covers assets at a fixed location. If your equipment is stolen from a job site or damaged during transport, your standard policy may not apply. That’s why inland marine insurance is essential for contractors who regularly move tools, rent machinery, or work across multiple sites.
Why Georgia Contractors Need Inland Marine Insurance
Georgia’s active construction and infrastructure sectors mean there’s no shortage of contractors working across various regions. From metropolitan Atlanta to smaller towns and rural job sites, contractors face a wide range of operational risks.
Some of the most common exposures include:
- Theft or vandalism at unsecured job sites
- Damage to tools or equipment during transportation
- Losses due to accidents while loading or unloading gear
- Unpredictable weather damaging property on open job sites
- Limited protection under general property insurance for off-site tools and materials
Without inland marine insurance, these scenarios could lead to costly out-of-pocket losses. J.F. Shaw Insurance Agency has seen how inland marine coverage can keep Georgia contractors moving forward, even after an unexpected incident.
Key Coverages Under Inland Marine Insurance
Inland marine insurance is highly customizable, and at J.F. Shaw Insurance Agency, we tailor policies to match each contractor’s specific needs. Some of the most common items and situations covered include:
Equipment and Tools Coverage
Covers owned or rented equipment, hand tools, and machinery used on job sites. Whether your gear is being transported, in use, or stored temporarily, this coverage helps you recover from damage or theft.
Installation Floater
Provides protection for building materials and supplies from the time they leave your facility until they are installed and accepted by the project owner. This is ideal for contractors involved in construction, HVAC installation, electrical work, or plumbing.
Builders Risk Add-Ons
While not the same as a standalone builders risk policy, inland marine coverage can complement your builders risk insurance by protecting certain tools and equipment during the construction phase.
Leased or Borrowed Equipment
If you regularly lease heavy equipment or borrow gear from vendors or partners, inland marine insurance can provide temporary protection during the rental period.
Off-Site Storage
Covers property stored at a location other than your main office or warehouse, such as temporary storage facilities or locked trailers on-site.
Real-Life Risks for Georgia Contractors
To understand the real-world value of inland marine insurance, consider these scenarios we’ve seen with Georgia-based contractors:
- A roofing contractor’s trailer, loaded with tools and materials, is stolen overnight from a job site. Inland marine insurance covered the cost of the lost tools, allowing the contractor to replace essential items quickly and continue the project with minimal delay.
- A general contractor delivering custom cabinets to a new home build in Atlanta encounters a sudden traffic accident. The cabinets are destroyed in the collision. Inland marine insurance helped recover the cost of materials, avoiding a significant financial hit.
- During a thunderstorm in Marietta, high winds damage scaffolding and materials left overnight at a work site. Inland marine coverage compensated the contractor for the damage, preventing project delays and additional out-of-pocket costs.
In each of these situations, having inland marine insurance through J.F. Shaw Insurance Agency provided the financial protection needed to bounce back quickly.
What Inland Marine Insurance Does Not Cover
While inland marine insurance offers robust protection, it’s important to understand its limitations. Inland marine insurance generally does not cover:
- Stationary property already covered by your commercial property insurance
- Employees’ personal belongings
- Wear and tear, mechanical breakdowns, or intentional damage
- Vehicles registered for road use (which require commercial auto insurance)
At J.F. Shaw Insurance Agency, we help clients understand exactly what their inland marine policy includes and what additional policies may be needed for full protection.
Customizing Coverage With J.F. Shaw Insurance Agency
No two contractors are alike. Your business may use high-end laser tools for precise measurements, while another relies on earth-moving machinery or specialty trade tools. That’s why we believe in creating custom insurance solutions—not cookie-cutter policies.
At J.F. Shaw Insurance Agency, we take time to:
- Understand your business size and structure
- Identify the type of work you do and the tools you rely on
- Assess how and where your equipment is used or stored
- Review any additional policies you carry to ensure seamless coverage
From sole proprietors to mid-size commercial contractors, we help you fill the gaps in your current coverage and safeguard what matters most to your business.
Ensuring Long-Term Protection for Your Contracting Business
Contracting in Georgia comes with a unique set of risks, especially when your tools and equipment are constantly in motion. Inland marine insurance isn’t just an optional add-on—it’s a practical, often essential solution to protect your mobile assets.
At J.F. Shaw Insurance Agency, we’ve helped countless Georgia contractors find peace of mind through smart, customized insurance planning. Whether you’re just getting started or expanding your operations, inland marine insurance coverage can be the safeguard that keeps your business running, even when the unexpected happens.
Contact J.F. Shaw Insurance Agency today to request a free quote for inland marine insurance and learn how we can help you build lasting protection for your contracting business.