You show up early, coffee in hand, ready to get the crew moving. But your trailer door’s wide open—and your tools are gone.
No saws. No mixers. No laser levels. No way to work.
For a masonry contractor, tools aren’t just tools. They’re your livelihood. And when they disappear or get damaged, your business stops cold. That’s why protecting them with the right insurance coverage isn’t a luxury—it’s essential.
Let’s talk about inland marine insurance: what it is, why it matters, and how it could be the thing that keeps your job going when everything else goes wrong.
What Is Inland Marine Insurance?
Despite the name, it has nothing to do with boats.
Inland marine insurance is a type of coverage designed to protect equipment and materials that travel with you—from site to site, in trucks and trailers, and at temporary storage locations.
Your general liability policy might protect gear at your shop—but what about on the road or overnight at the jobsite? That’s where inland marine coverage steps in.
According to the International Risk Management Institute (IRMI), contractors with gear that moves between locations need inland marine coverage to avoid major gaps.
Why Masonry Contractors Face Bigger Risks
Your tools are always in motion. That’s part of the job. But it also makes them vulnerable.
1. Theft at the Jobsite
Construction sites are a favorite target for thieves—especially when trailers or containers are left overnight. Standard insurance may not cover those losses. Inland marine often does.
2. Damage in Transit
Rough roads, sudden stops, or a rear-end collision can take out your entire rig’s worth of tools. Inland marine policies are built to cover damage on the go.
3. Weather and Disasters
Windstorms, floods, or fires can wipe out your gear in seconds. FEMA says 40% of small businesses don’t reopen after major disasters. Inland marine insurance can be the difference between recovery and shutting down.
What’s the Real Cost of Uninsured Tools?
A mid-sized contractor could have $25,000 to $100,000 in equipment out on a jobsite. One incident—just one—can set you back months.
But beyond replacing tools, there’s the cost of:
- Missed deadlines
- Lost revenue
- Idle crews
- Reputational damage
While you scramble, your competitors stay on schedule—and you fall behind.
When you consider that inland marine coverage might only cost a few hundred dollars a year, it becomes a no-brainer investment.
What Does Inland Marine Insurance Cover?
A good inland marine policy typically includes protection for:
- Power tools (saws, drills, grinders, mixers)
- Hand tools (trowels, levels, chisels)
- Equipment in transport or stored at a jobsite
- Jobsite materials (like mortar, block, or stone)
- Rented or leased gear (if added)
Investopedia has a helpful breakdown of what’s usually included in this coverage type. But every provider is different—be sure your policy is written with your trade in mind.
Build Business Resilience With More Than Just Tools
Insurance is a key part of your business continuity plan—your plan for keeping things running when trouble hits.
Here’s what that plan should include:
- Risk assessments for equipment, transport, and storage
- Backup suppliers or rental gear partners
- Emergency contacts and crew communication protocols
- Digital backups of inventory and policies for fast claims
- Annual insurance reviews as your gear and team grow
We can help you build this plan—not just sell you a policy.
Protect Your Tools and Your Timeline with a Quote Today
From Vulnerable to Resilient
Contractors who invest in inland marine insurance aren’t just protecting tools—they’re protecting project timelines, client relationships, and their team’s livelihood.
You can’t control every variable on a jobsite, but you can control how you recover.
Choose a policy that keeps you in the game—even when your gear’s taken out.
Read More Contractor-Focused Insurance Tips and stay a step ahead.
Time to Review Your Coverage?
If you’re not sure whether your current policy protects your tools in the trailer, on the road, or at a site, we’ll walk through it with you.
This isn’t about premiums—it’s about keeping your operation moving.
Schedule a 15-Minute Coverage Review—we’ll speak your language, not insurance jargon.
FAQ: Inland Marine Insurance for Masonry Contractors
Is inland marine insurance just for big operations?
No. In fact, it’s even more critical for small-to-mid-sized crews that can’t absorb a major financial hit.
Doesn’t my general commercial policy protect my tools?
Sometimes—but usually only at your primary business address. Anything offsite or in motion? Likely uncovered.
What’s it cost?
Usually just a few hundred dollars per year, depending on the value of your tools and how often they’re moved.
Can I add rented equipment?
Yes—just make sure it’s included in your policy when you set it up or renew.
How do I know if it’s right for me?
If your tools leave your shop, travel to job sites, or get stored in trailers, this coverage is built for you.
Talk to an Advisor Who Gets the Trades
Don’t let a missing trailer full of gear be the reason you miss your next job.
Protect every hammer, every mixer, and every hour of your crew’s time—because to your business, they’re not replaceable.
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