On a recent trip to Baltimore, Maryland, our family was fortunate to visit a well-known bakery. Even though the door was locked, somehow the children got the attention of the receptionist and we were welcomed inside where all the magic happens. There were several cakes on display for us to admire and the staff was busy decorating some pretty amazing cakes and eager to share their art. We spent several minutes taking pictures and chatting with the staff before buying treats to take with us. The cake was simply divine!
As we made our way home, I pondered the types of insurance the bakery or other commercial business owners may need to consider. One type in particular came to mind, as bakers often travel for long distances to deliver their amazing creations or even decorate their goods on site. So many things could go wrong on the drive there! For example, all the supplies could go flying if someone forgot to shut the back door before they left. Or the cake could topple over during a fender bender. How is the baker protected from unforeseen events like that?
The answer is Inland Marine Insurance. This type of insurance can provide coverage for your commercial property while on location or in transit. It’s an extension of Ocean Marine Insurance which covers goods in-transit on the water; Inland Marine is a separate type of insurance to cover goods in-transit on land.
There are many businesses that operate at multiple sites or need to move equipment between locations. Here are just a few examples of commercial property that is often on-the-go and can be protected by an Inland Marine policy:
- Property in-route to customers, an exhibit, or display
- Salesperson’s samples
- Contractor’s equipment
- Camera equipment
- Musical equipment
- Pet grooming equipment
- Computer equipment
This type of coverage commonly protects equipment from things like the aforementioned fender bender, as well as weather events like lightning or windstorms and even theft or fire. So before you load up your equipment and take off, talk to your independent agent to make sure your business coverage is customized to fit your unique needs. Safe travels!
The coverages here are described in the most general terms, and are subject to the actual policy conditions and exclusions. For actual coverage wording, conditions, and exclusions, refer to the policy or contact your agent.
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