Inland Marine Insurance for Landscapers in Texas: Tools and Equipment Coverage

A Texas landscaper whose mower and equipment trailer are stolen overnight has no claim under general liability and no claim under commercial property. Inland marine is the coverage that pays for that loss.

Landscaping businesses in Texas run their equipment hard, move it between multiple client sites daily, and leave trailers loaded and parked overnight. That combination creates consistent theft and damage exposure that standard commercial property cannot address.

Quick Answer

Estimated inland marine premiums for Texas landscapers:

Coverage Type	Estimated Annual Premium
Small equipment floater ($10K to $30K value)	$350 to $800 per year
Mid-size landscaping equipment package ($30K to $80K value)	$700 to $1,800 per year
Large multi-crew equipment schedule ($80K to $200K+ value)	$1,400 to $4,000 per year

Texas landscaping inland marine premiums are near the national average.

What Inland Marine Covers for Texas Landscapers

Equipment Floater

Covers mowers, trimmers, blowers, and other portable landscaping equipment against theft, loss, and accidental damage at any location:

• Zero-turn mowers stolen from a trailer parked at a client property
• String trimmers damaged in a fall from the truck bed
• Blowers and edgers stolen from an open trailer overnight in a Dallas suburb

Trailer Contents Coverage

Most inland marine policies for landscapers can be structured to cover the equipment inside or attached to a trailer, separate from the trailer itself (which falls under commercial auto).

Small Equipment Floater

Covers hand tools, battery-powered equipment, and small-engine tools against theft and accidental damage across all client locations.

What Inland Marine Does Not Cover

• The trailer itself: Commercial auto covers your trailers registered on Texas roads.
• Company trucks and vehicles: Commercial auto handles those.
• Damage caused during normal wear and use: Mechanical breakdown is not an inland marine loss.
• Employee theft: A commercial crime policy covers that separately.

Texas-Specific Considerations

Year-Round Operations and Theft Exposure

Texas landscapers work year-round, which means equipment is in the field and on trailers more days per year than in colder states. That extended operational period also means more overnight exposure.

Multi-Client Daily Routes

Texas landscaping crews often service ten or more properties per day, loading and unloading across multiple neighborhoods. Equipment left on a trailer during lunch or between stops is exposed at every stop.

Houston and Dallas Suburb Operations

High-volume residential landscaping work in suburban Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and San Antonio involves large crews with significant equipment investments. Zero-turn mowers alone can represent $8,000 to $20,000 per unit, and a single theft can set a crew back days.

Equipment Value Inventory

Texas landscapers should inventory all movable equipment annually. Battery-powered tools have significantly higher replacement costs than their predecessors, and total fleet values often exceed what operators realize until they face a loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does commercial property cover mowers stolen from a job site in Texas?

No. Commercial property covers items at your listed business address. Equipment at client properties, in transit, or on trailers needs inland marine coverage.

Does commercial auto cover the mowers on my trailer?

No. Commercial auto covers the trailer and the truck. Equipment loaded in or on the trailer needs inland marine or a separate equipment floater.

What is an equipment floater?

An equipment floater is an inland marine policy that covers specific equipment items wherever they are located, including at client properties, in transit, and at overnight storage.

How much inland marine does a Texas landscaping business need?

Your limit should match the replacement cost of all portable equipment that routinely leaves your property. Include mowers, trimmers, blowers, and all hand tools in your inventory.

Does inland marine cover equipment damaged in an accident on a Texas highway?

Yes. Inland marine typically covers accidental damage to equipment in transit, including damage during a vehicle accident where the equipment is not a registered vehicle.

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
• Texas Department of Insurance
• Inland Marine Underwriters Association