Why HVAC Contractors Need Inland Marine Insurance
Protecting Your Tools and Equipment
HVAC contractors rely on a wide array of specialized tools and equipment—from refrigerant gauges and vacuum pumps to portable compressors and duct cutters. These tools are often transported between job sites and stored in trucks or temporary locations. Inland marine insurance ensures your gear is covered against loss, theft, or damage while in transit or at temporary sites—something standard property insurance typically doesn’t cover.
Coverage On the Move
Your work takes you everywhere—clients’ homes, commercial buildings, even construction sites. Inland marine insurance travels with you, protecting your mobile property from the unexpected. Whether you're replacing rooftop units or installing split systems, your equipment stays protected wherever your next job takes you.
Beyond Standard Policies
Many HVAC business owners assume their general liability or property insurance is enough. Unfortunately, most traditional policies don’t cover tools once they leave the business premises. Inland marine insurance fills that gap, giving you peace of mind knowing your gear is protected wherever you go.
What Exactly Is Inland Marine Insurance?
Despite the name, inland marine insurance has nothing to do with boats. It originated to protect goods shipped by land—especially valuable or mobile items. For HVAC professionals, it’s a safety net for tools, materials, and mobile equipment that aren’t always in a fixed location. This type of policy is tailored for businesses that work off-site and depend on equipment that’s constantly on the move.
Why It Matters to HVAC Contractors
Imagine pulling up to a job and finding your van has been broken into overnight. Thousands of dollars in copper coils, gauges, and hand tools are gone. Or imagine dropping a $2,500 leak detector down a stairwell on a commercial site. Standard business insurance might not cover these incidents—but inland marine insurance likely would.
For HVAC contractors, staying on schedule is critical. Equipment losses can cause delays, lead to lost business, and ultimately cost you your reputation. Inland marine coverage is your backup plan to avoid those setbacks.
What Does Inland Marine Insurance Cover?
Every policy can be tailored, but here are common HVAC-related items covered:
- Portable tools (drills, saws, crimpers)
- Specialty HVAC equipment (gauges, vacuums, meters)
- Copper piping, ductwork, and fittings in transit
- Jobsite storage units and temporary workspaces
- Rental equipment under your care
- Tools stored in work trucks or trailers
- Machinery and mobile devices
- Diagnostic laptops and mobile electronics
- Equipment damaged by fire, theft, or accidents
- Lost items from vehicle accidents or transit events
Real-World Example
Meet James, an HVAC contractor in a mid-sized town. One morning, he arrived at a jobsite only to discover that thieves had cleaned out his van overnight. Gone were his pressure gauges, pipe benders, and several hundred feet of copper piping—worth over $8,000. His general liability insurance denied the claim because the items weren’t stolen from his business premises. Fortunately, he had added inland marine coverage the year before. Within days, his policy reimbursed the full value, allowing him to replace the tools and complete the project without delays or client complaints.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of inland marine insurance varies based on the value of your tools and equipment, where you operate, and how much coverage you need. For many small HVAC contractors, policies can start as low as $300 to $500 per year. It’s a small price to pay to protect the gear that powers your business.
| Coverage Item | Typical Annual Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small Tool Coverage (up to $10,000) | $300 – $500 | Ideal for independent contractors |
| Mid-Sized Contractor Equipment ($25,000+) | $700 – $1,200 | Covers multiple job sites and storage units |
| High-Value Policies ($50,000+) | $1,200 – $2,000+ | Custom-built coverage with higher deductibles |
Why Choose Mike Lively Agency LLC?
At Mike Lively Agency LLC, we understand the unique risks HVAC contractors face. Our team works closely with professionals like you to design inland marine insurance policies that match your exact needs—nothing more, nothing less. Whether you're a one-person shop or manage a fleet of trucks, we've got your back.
Call us today at 432-300-6219 or click below to get started.