A Commercial Inland Marine Insurance policy in California (and generally elsewhere in the U.S.) is designed to provide coverage for a wide range of movable or specialized business property that is transported, stored, or used in transit or at different locations. 

Unlike traditional property insurance, which typically covers fixed assets on a single premises, inland marine insurance focuses on property that is more mobile or exposed to higher risks during transportation or temporary storage.

What does a Commercial Inland Marine Insurance policy typically cover?

Property in Transit:

Items being shipped or transported, such as equipment, goods, or materials that are in transit between locations.

Bailee Coverage:

Protection for businesses that hold property belonging to others, such as repair shops, dry cleaners, or storage facilities, against loss or damage.

Installation Floater:

Coverage for equipment or fixtures that are being installed at a location, protecting against damage or loss during installation.

Specifically Named Property:

Coverage for specialized or high-value property such as fine arts, jewelry, musical instruments, or electronic equipment.

Equipment and Machinery:

Coverage for mobile equipment, tools, or machinery that are used in operations but are not permanently fixed to a building.

Leased or Rented Property:

Protection for leased or rented equipment, like computers, servers, or industrial tools.

Coverage for Construction Materials:

Materials and supplies stored on-site or in transit during construction projects.

Key Features:

Broad Coverage Scope:** It can be tailored to cover specific types of property that are otherwise difficult to insure under standard property policies.

Flexibility:** Policies can be customized to fit the unique needs of the business and the types of property it handles.

Coverage Extensions:** Often includes coverage for accidental damage, theft, or loss during transit or storage.

Important Considerations:

Exclusions:** Like all policies, inland marine insurance typically excludes certain risks, such as wear and tear, gradual deterioration, or damage from inherent vice.

Separate from Commercial Property Insurance:** It specifically covers property that is in transit or portable, rather than fixed assets within a building.

Summary:

In California, a Commercial Inland Marine Insurance policy mainly protects movable, transportable, or specialized property associated with a business—covering risks during transit, storage, or installation. It’s particularly valuable for businesses involved in shipping, installation, or handling valuable or unique property.

Always review the specific policy language and consult with an insurance professional to tailor coverage to your business needs.