No, a standard commercial auto insurance policy in Pennsylvania does not cover the specialized tools and equipment stored inside your work trucks if they are stolen or damaged. To protect your gear while it is in transit or at a job site, you need to add Inland Marine insurance, often referred to as Contractor’s Equipment coverage.
How to Properly Insure Your Business Tools in Pennsylvania
The Commercial Auto Limitation: Commercial auto insurance is designed to cover the vehicle itself (if you have comprehensive/collision) and your liability in an accident. It explicitly excludes personal or business property stored inside the vehicle.
Inland Marine Insurance: Despite the confusing name, this is the exact policy you need. It covers your tools, materials, and heavy equipment while they are being transported, stored in your truck, or sitting at a PA job site.
Scheduled vs. Unscheduled Property: When setting up this coverage, you can “schedule” high-value items (like a $5,000 specialized generator) individually so they are fully covered, while grouping smaller hand tools under a blanket “unscheduled” limit.
What should you do next?
If you are reviewing your policy, make sure you aren’t overpaying or leaving yourself exposed. Check out the complete list of common questions at our Pennsylvania Business Insurance FAQs, or request a quick, no-pressure policy review to see if we can improve your coverage.