Insurance Inland Marine for Restaurant Equipment & Inventory

Inland Marine Coverage for Restaurant Equipment & Inventory

What Is Inland Marine Insurance?

Despite its name, inland marine insurance has nothing to do with water. It’s a specialised policy designed to protect property and equipment in transit or stored offsite—a critical need for California restaurants that depend on mobile tools, catering gear, and temporary storage.

In a restaurant setting, inland marine coverage typically applies to:

Catering equipment being transported to events
Mobile POS systems and digital menus used at food festivals
Refrigerated inventory during transport between locations
Temporarily stored appliances during renovations

Why Restaurants Need Inland Marine Insurance in California

Many restaurant owners assume their property insurance covers everything, but most traditional policies exclude damage or theft that occurs off your premises or while in transit. That’s why inland marine coverage is essential for:

Caterers delivering food and equipment to weddings or corporate events
Food trucks and pop-up restaurants that frequently change locations
Multi-location restaurants moving supplies or equipment between sites
Restaurants undergoing renovations using temporary offsite storage
Here are real-world examples where this coverage makes a difference:
- A catering van accident damages $30,000 worth of warming trays and prep tables
- Refrigerated food spoils during a long-distance delivery after a cooling unit failure
- A thief steals your restaurant’s portable sound system during a downtown event in San Francisco
Given the high cost of restaurant-grade tools and appliances, a single loss event could set your business back tens of thousands of dollars. That’s why California restaurant insurance packages often include inland marine protection.

How Much Does Inland Marine Insurance Cost in California?

Inland marine insurance is typically very affordable, especially compared to the value of what it protects. Premiums are based on the value and mobility of the insured items, frequency of transportation, and business location.

For restaurants in California, expect:

$200–$600/year for inland marine coverage as part of a BOP (Business Owner’s Policy)
Higher premiums (up to $1,000/year) if you operate a catering business, food truck, or event-based restaurant
Custom quotes for restaurants in high-risk areas like Los Angeles, San Jose, or Sacramento, where crime or traffic incidents are more frequent

Enhance Your Business Owner’s Policy with These Additional Coverages

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

If your staff transport equipment or work at offsite venues, workers’ compensation helps cover injuries that may occur during setup, breakdown, or loading—especially vital for catering crews and mobile vendors.

Professional Liability Insurance

If you provide event planning or culinary consulting, professional liability insurance can protect against claims of negligence or mistakes—like food not arriving on time or equipment failures.

Commercial Auto Insurance

Transporting inventory or tools in your personal vehicle? Commercial auto insurance covers liability, medical costs, and vehicle damage if you’re in an accident while doing business.