What Plumbers Need to Know About Inland Marine Insurance

As a plumber, you rely on your tools and equipment every single day — and often take them from job to job. But what happens if your gear is stolen out of your van, damaged while moving between sites, or lost in transit?

That’s where inland marine insurance comes in.

Despite the name, this coverage does not have anything to do with water or boats. It’s designed to protect your tools, equipment, and materials while they’re in motion or temporarily stored off-site — situations not typically covered by general liability or commercial auto insurance.

Why Plumbers Need Inland Marine Coverage

Plumbing work is mobile. Whether you’re installing a new water heater at a customer’s home or running pipe through a commercial property, your tools are constantly on the move.

Standard business insurance has gaps. General liability can cover third-party injury or damage, and commercial auto policies can protect your van — but not the thousands of dollars in gear you haul with you.

That’s where inland marine steps in.

What Inland Marine Insurance Covers for Plumbers

Here are real-world plumbing scenarios where inland marine may apply:

• Your pipe-threader is stolen from a job site overnight
• A press tool is damaged during transport between sites
• Materials for a remodel are destroyed in a fire at a staging area
• You drop your inspection camera while climbing into a crawlspace

Inland marine insurance may help cover:

• Hand tools
• Power tools
• Diagnostic equipment
• Job-site materials
• Specialized plumbing gear
• Rental or borrowed equipment

What It Doesn’t Cover

It’s important to know inland marine isn’t a catch-all. It typically doesn’t cover:

• Normal wear and tear
• Intentional damage
• Equipment not listed or scheduled
• Tools left unsecured or in violation of policy terms

Always check your specific policy for details.

Who Needs It?

You may need inland marine insurance if you:

• Regularly transport tools and equipment to job sites
• Store tools at client properties or temporary locations
• Own high-value diagnostic or plumbing tools
• Want to avoid out-of-pocket losses from theft or damage

What Does It Cost?

Costs vary depending on:

• The value of the equipment covered
• Whether you choose blanket or scheduled coverage
• Your location and theft risk
• Your claims history and security practices

On average, small plumbing businesses can expect to pay $250–$800 per year for inland marine coverage. Higher-value gear or urban theft zones may push that higher.

Blanket vs. Scheduled Coverage

You’ll usually choose between:

Blanket coverage

One set limit for all covered equipment (e.g. $10,000 total)

Scheduled coverage

Each item is listed with its individual value

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For plumbers with lots of tools under $1,000 each, blanket coverage is often easier. For expensive gear, scheduling may be more precise.

Policies may have claim limits or caps on specific tools—verify maximum loss per item and per policy term.

Tips to Keep Your Gear Protected

Even with insurance, prevention is key. Here’s how to reduce your risk:

• Lock tools up when not in use
• Use job-site lock boxes or secured trailers
• Park in well-lit or secure areas
• Keep a current inventory with serial numbers
• Only hire employees you trust to handle gear

Final Word: Inland Marine Insurance is Worth a Look

If you’re a working plumber or own a small plumbing business, don’t overlook the value of inland marine insurance. It’s one of the most practical ways to protect your gear — and your ability to keep working.

Your general liability policy won’t replace a stolen camera. Your auto policy won’t pay for a dropped thermal imager. But inland marine might.

Need help finding the right coverage? The team at Sun Coast General Insurance can help you determine what protection makes sense based on your tools, business size, and risk.

Protect your tools, your reputation, and your bottom line. Get a custom quote today from Sun Coast General Insurance tailored to your trade, tools, and coverage needs.