Inland Marine Insurance for General Contractors in Georgia: Tools and Equipment Coverage

A Georgia general contractor whose tools are stolen from a job site trailer has no claim under GL and no claim under commercial property. Inland marine is the coverage that fills that gap.

Georgia's construction market is booming, particularly in Atlanta and the surrounding metro. More job sites means more equipment exposure, more overnight theft risk, and more contractors who find out too late that their commercial property policy only covers the items at their home address.

Quick Answer

Estimated inland marine premiums for Georgia general contractors:

Coverage Type	Estimated Annual Premium
Small contractor tool floater ($10K to $25K value)	$280 to $680 per year
Mid-size contractor equipment package ($25K to $75K value)	$580 to $1,500 per year
Large contractor equipment schedule ($75K to $200K+ value)	$1,100 to $3,500 per year

Georgia premiums are near or slightly below the national average.

What Inland Marine Covers for Georgia General Contractors

Contractor Tools Floater

Covers hand tools, power tools, and portable equipment at any location:

• Tools stolen from a job site trailer in Atlanta or Savannah
• Equipment damaged in transit between suburban project sites
• Tools lost or damaged at a commercial renovation in Augusta

Equipment Floater

Covers portable heavy equipment that moves between Georgia job sites: generators, compressors, scaffolding systems, and similar items.

Installation Floater

Covers materials and equipment purchased for a project before permanent installation. Materials staged at a Georgia commercial construction site before installation are covered here.

Builders Risk (Related)

Builder's risk covers the structure under construction. Installation floater covers the materials and equipment before they are part of that structure.

What Inland Marine Does Not Cover

• Structures under construction: Builder's risk handles those.
• Licensed vehicles: Commercial auto covers trucks and tow equipment on Georgia roads.
• Permanently installed equipment: Once installed in a structure, coverage shifts to commercial property.
• Employee dishonesty: A commercial crime policy handles losses from employee theft.

Georgia-Specific Considerations

Atlanta Metro Growth

Atlanta's sustained commercial and residential construction activity has brought a corresponding increase in job site theft. Contractors in Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, and Cobb counties regularly work multiple simultaneous projects.

Suburban Multi-Site Operations

Georgia GCs covering the Atlanta suburbs often run equipment across a wide geographic area. Blanket inland marine coverage is more practical than scheduling individual items at specific addresses when your equipment moves constantly.

Storm Damage Exposure

Georgia sees severe thunderstorms, occasional tornadoes, and hurricane-related weather events, particularly in the coastal Savannah region. Inland marine typically covers accidental damage from weather, but review policy language for outdoor equipment exclusions.

Georgia Contractor Licensing

Georgia requires contractor licensing for residential and commercial work above certain project values. Inland marine is not a state licensing requirement, but most project owners and commercial GCs require it by contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does commercial property cover tools at a Georgia job site?

No. Commercial property covers items at your listed business address. Tools at job sites or in vehicles need an inland marine policy.

What is an installation floater?

An installation floater is an inland marine policy covering materials purchased for a project while staged or in transit before permanent installation.

Does inland marine cover tools stolen from a vehicle in Georgia?

Yes, most contractor equipment floaters cover theft from vehicles. Review the policy for sublimits and any requirements for locked vehicles.

How much inland marine coverage does a Georgia GC need?

Your limit should match the replacement cost of tools and equipment routinely off your primary business premises. Get an accurate inventory before setting limits.

Is inland marine required for Georgia contractor licensing?

No. Georgia contractor licensing requirements do not include inland marine. Most project owners require it through contract.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance or legal advice. Coverage details and costs vary by carrier and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed insurance agent for guidance specific to your situation.

Sources

• Insurance Information Institute - Inland Marine
• Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner
• Inland Marine Underwriters Association