Inland Marine Insurance for Security Guards in Pennsylvania: Security Guard Equipment Coverage

A security company whose portable cameras, communication equipment, and specialty gear are stolen from a vehicle or client site has no claim under commercial property for items off-premises. Inland marine covers security equipment wherever it is deployed.

Security companies and guards carry valuable equipment to client sites: portable cameras, two-way radios, body cameras, thermal imaging devices, metal detectors, and specialty security tools. Standard commercial property covers the security company's office, not equipment deployed at client locations.

Quick Answer

Estimated inland marine premiums for Pennsylvania security guards:

Coverage Type	Estimated Annual Premium
Basic security equipment floater ($5K to $15K value)	$170 to $440 per year
Mid-range security gear package ($15K to $40K value)	$340 to $900 per year
Full security company equipment schedule ($40K to $100K value)	$640 to $1,800 per year

Pennsylvania premiums are near the national average.

What Inland Marine Covers for Pennsylvania Security Guards

Business Equipment Floater

Covers professional equipment at any location:

• Portable cameras, body cameras, and surveillance equipment at client sites
• Two-way radios, communication systems, and specialty security tools in transit
• Metal detectors, thermal imaging devices, and specialty detection equipment

Off-Premises Coverage

Inland marine covers equipment at client locations, job sites, and in transit, not just at your listed business address.

What Inland Marine Does Not Cover

• Equipment permanently installed at the security company's office: commercial property
• Business vehicles: commercial auto
• Injuries at client sites: general liability
• Employee theft: commercial crime

Pennsylvania Considerations

Pennsylvania security guards who work at client locations or move equipment between sites face a coverage gap every day. Commercial property policies are not designed to follow equipment off-premises. Inland marine is.

The most common discovery point is after a theft or damage claim gets declined because the equipment was not at the listed business address when the loss occurred.

Equipment Inventory and Limits

Review your equipment inventory and inland marine limits annually. Include all professional tools and equipment that routinely leaves your primary business premises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does commercial property cover security equipment deployed at a client's location?

No. Commercial property covers items at your listed business address. Equipment at client sites needs inland marine.

Does commercial auto cover equipment stored in a business vehicle?

Commercial auto covers the vehicle. Equipment in the vehicle needs a separate inland marine policy.

Does inland marine cover body cameras and communication equipment for security guards?

Yes. Portable security equipment used at client sites is covered by a business equipment floater.

How much inland marine does a Pennsylvania security guards need?

Your limit should match the replacement cost of all professional equipment routinely used away from your primary business address.

Is inland marine required for security guards in Pennsylvania?

Requirements vary. Commercial clients and facilities often require it through contract. State licensing for most industries does not require it.

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
• Pennsylvania Insurance Department
• Inland Marine Underwriters Association