Inside were your TENS unit, your iPad Pro with all your client notes, and your rebozos—about $2,000 worth of essential tools.
You call your auto insurance: “Not covered.”
You call your homeowners insurance: “Business property exclusion.”
You call your doula liability insurer: “We cover lawsuits, not theft.”
Just like that, you’re out $2,000.
Key Takeaways
- The “Property Off-Premises” Gap: Most business policies cover property at your office. Once it leaves the office (in your car), coverage drops or disappears unless you have “Inland Marine.”
- Business Personal Property (BPP): You must specifically list your “Mobile Equipment.”
- Auto Insurance Denial: Personal auto policies rarely cover business items stolen from the car.
- Data Breach Risk: The stolen iPad is a bigger issue than the TENS unit. It’s a HIPAA breach.
The “Why” (The Trap): Inland Marine
“Inland Marine” is an archaic insurance term that basically means “Coverage for stuff that moves around on land.”
Standard General Liability covers liability (you hurting someone). It does not cover your own stuff. To cover your camera, TENS, iPad, and tools, you need a “Business Owners Policy” (BOP) with an “Inland Marine” or “Floater” rider.
The Investigation: Insuring Your Bag
I priced out adding equipment coverage to standard policies.
1. CM&F / HPSO Add-ons
- My Analysis: They often allow you to add “Business Personal Property” for about
20−20−50/year. - The Limit: Usually $2,500 to $10,000.
- The Deductible: Watch out. If the deductible is $1,000 and your bag was worth $800, they pay nothing.
2. Dedicated Gear Insurance (e.g., Athos)
- My Analysis: Good for photographers or doulas with high-end tech.
- Pros: Lower deductibles ($250).
3. Renters/Homeowners Riders
- My Analysis: You can sometimes add a “Business Pursuits” endorsement to your home insurance.
- The Catch: It might not cover theft from a vehicle unless there is “visible sign of forced entry.”
Comparison Table: Where is my Bag Covered?
| Scenario | Auto Insurance | Homeowners | Inland Marine (Business) |
| Stolen from Car | No | Maybe (with rider) | Yes |
| Dropped in Puddle | No | No | Yes |
| Left at Hospital | No | No | Yes |
[IMAGE: Graphic illustrating ‘What’s in a Doula Bag’ with approximate replacement values]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Inventory Your Bag: Do it right now. List every item and its replacement cost. You will be shocked; it’s likely over $1,500.
- Add “Inland Marine”: Call your agent. Say: “I need coverage for my business property while in transit.”
- Encrypt the iPad: If that iPad is stolen and not encrypted, you have to report a HIPAA breach to the government. That is a nightmare. Use strong passcodes and “Find My” remote wipe features.
- Hide the Bag: In 2026, thieves scan for Bluetooth signals (laptops/iPads) from outside the car. Turn devices completely OFF before putting them in the trunk.
FAQ Section
Is the TENS unit considered medical equipment?
Yes. Ensure your policy doesn’t exclude “Medical Equipment.”
What if I borrow a TENS unit to a client and they lose it?
Inland Marine usually covers “Property in the care, custody, or control of others,” but check the “Bailee” coverage.
Does this cover cash stolen from the bag?
Almost never. Cash is excluded.