Glossary / Inland Marine Insurance
Restaurant Insurance Glossary

Inland Marine Insurance

Quick Answer

Inland Marine Insurance is coverage for property that moves or is transportable, including equipment in transit, valuable papers, and property at temporary locations.

What You Need to Know

Despite the confusing name (it has nothing to do with boats), inland marine covers your property while in transit to catering events, equipment moved between locations, or valuable property like computers and POS systems that need broader coverage than standard property policies provide.

Why It Matters for Restaurant Owners

Catering operations require inland marine coverage — your standard property policy stops at your restaurant's door. If you transport food, equipment, and supplies to events, you need coverage for those items in transit and at the event venue.

Similarly, if you rotate expensive equipment between multiple locations or have valuable property that needs blanket coverage, inland marine fills these gaps.

Key steps to document exposure before every event:

  • Complete equipment inventory list with values
  • Photograph all equipment before loading
  • Document food inventory value being transported
  • Verify the transport vehicle is properly insured for commercial use
  • Report any losses or damage to insurance within 24 hours
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