If it’s in your possession, it’s your responsibility. 

As an interior designer, you regularly handle valuable client property: furniture, lighting, art, custom pieces, fabrics, and décor. The moment those items are stored in your home, studio, garage, storage unit, or are moving between locations, you are responsible for them. 

Many designers assume their Business Owners Policy or Homeowners policy covers this automatically. In most cases, it does not fully protect client-owned property, especially when it is stored off-site or in transit. 

Here’s what can actually happen: a pipe bursts in your studio, a fire damages stored furniture, items are stolen from a garage, or something breaks during delivery or installation. One incident can impact multiple clients at once and quickly turn into a major financial problem. 

This is where Inland Marine coverage comes in. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with boats. It is insurance designed for property that moves, is temporarily stored, or belongs to someone else. 

Inland Marine coverage protects client-owned items in your care, custody, and control. It can cover property in transit, in storage, and during installation. It follows the property wherever your project takes it, not just the address listed on your policy. 

Depending on your business, this coverage can sometimes be added to your existing Business Owners Policy. For designers with higher values or regular storage exposure, a standalone Inland Marine policy is often the smarter solution. 

A single uncovered loss can cost far more than the premium for proper coverage. More importantly, it can damage a client relationship you worked years to build. 

Next Steps for ASID Members 

If you store, transport, or manage client-owned property, take a few minutes to confirm your coverage is structured correctly. 

ASID members can access program information and request a coverage review here

In design, details matter. Your insurance should keep up. 

This commentary reflects industry insights informed by the Design Business by ASID partnership with HUB International Mid-Atlantic, supporting design firms as they protect themselves and their businesses from allegations of errors or omissions that, even if frivolous, can threaten to destroy their reputation and have significant financial consequences. ASID members, learn more about the ASID Member Professional Liability Insurance Program which offers coverage for your business, including errors and omissions, including options for interior design services or architecture and engineering services.