Tools and equipment insurance that goes where they go.
Inland marine coverage for hand tools, power tools, heavy equipment and materials, whether they're on a job site, in a truck or in storage.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Liability policies don't cover your tools
General liability protects you from claims by others. It doesn't pay when your tools are stolen from a truck overnight or your skid steer is damaged on site. Commercial property policies usually only cover equipment at a listed location.
Tools and equipment are covered under inland marine, a coverage built for property that moves. I set limits from a schedule of your larger equipment plus a blanket amount for smaller tools.
- Scheduled equipmentNamed items like excavators, skid steers and generators, at agreed values.
- Blanket toolsSmall tools covered up to a total limit without listing each one.
- Rented and borrowedEquipment you rent or borrow, which rental agreements often make you responsible for.
- Materials in transitMaterials and supplies on the way to the job site.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Large equipment: year, make, model, serial number and value.
- Small tools: estimated total value.
- Rented equipment: how often and typical values.
- Storage: where equipment is kept overnight and how it's secured.
- Financing: lenders or lessors to list.
- History: any theft or damage claims.
Tools and equipment insurance, answered
Does general liability cover stolen tools?
No. General liability covers claims from others. Your own tools and equipment need inland marine or contractor's equipment coverage.
What is inland marine insurance?
Coverage for property that moves or is kept away from your main location, such as tools, equipment and materials in transit or on job sites.
Are tools stolen from my truck covered?
With tools coverage, usually yes, though some policies require signs of forced entry or a locked vehicle. Check the theft conditions in the policy.
Should I insure rented equipment?
Rental agreements usually make you responsible for damage or theft. Rented equipment coverage is often cheaper over a year than buying the rental company's damage waiver every time.
Do you offer tools and equipment insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Send your equipment list. I'll shop it.
A list of larger equipment and a total for tools is enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
A short video from Sam
Under a minute each. Videos use an AI-generated version of Sam’s likeness and voice. General information only; coverage depends on your policy.
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.