Business Personal Property vs. Inland Marine Coverage — Why Your Business Might Need Both

When it comes to protecting your business assets, the insurance world can sometimes feel like it’s speaking its own language. Two common types of commercial coverage that often cause confusion are Business Personal Property (BPP) insurance and Inland Marine insurance. While they might sound similar, they serve very different purposes — and for many businesses, carrying both can be the smartest move.

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What is Business Personal Property Coverage?

Business Personal Property insurance covers the physical items your business owns and keeps at a specific location. This includes:

• Office furniture and fixtures

• Computers and electronics

• Inventory and supplies

• Tools and equipment kept at your primary business location

Example: If a fire damages your office and destroys your desks, computers, and inventory, your BPP policy would help replace those items.

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What is Inland Marine Coverage?

Despite the name, Inland Marine insurance has nothing to do with boats. It was originally created to cover goods in transit over land. Today, it protects business property that moves from place to place or is used off-site. This includes:

• Tools and equipment used at job sites

• Trade show displays

• Construction machinery

• Items in transit between locations

• Property you lease to others

Example: If your construction tools are stolen from a job site or damaged in transit, your Inland Marine policy can step in — coverage that a standard BPP policy wouldn’t typically provide.

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Key Difference in a Nutshell

• BPP = Covers your property at your main business location.

• Inland Marine = Covers your property while it’s away from your main location or in transit.

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Why It’s Often Beneficial to Have Both

Many businesses operate in both worlds — some property stays put, while other property is always on the move. If you only have BPP coverage, anything that leaves your main address could be at risk. If you only have Inland Marine, your stationary property might not be fully protected.

Real-world scenario: A landscaping company keeps mowers, office equipment, and supplies at its shop (BPP covers these). But crews also take specialized equipment to job sites daily (Inland Marine covers this while it’s away). Without both policies, half the company’s assets would be unprotected at any given time.

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Final Thoughts

Understanding how these two coverages complement each other can help you avoid costly coverage gaps. If your business owns valuable equipment, tools, or inventory — both stationary and mobile — talk to your insurance agent about how Business Personal Property and Inland Marine coverage can work together to fully safeguard your assets.

At Insurance Connection, Inc., our experienced agents can help you navigate these options — and many more — so you can feel confident your business is protected from every angle.

Your business works hard. Your insurance should work just as hard to protect it.