Summer operations stretch departments thin, often sending personnel and vital gear across counties or even state lines. When wildfires intensify or mutual aid calls arise, portable tools, trailers, and specialized mobile units are removed from secure stations and exposed to greater risks. Insurance agents must evaluate whether their clients’ fire department insurance includes appropriate mobile asset endorsements to help protect critical equipment during these high-demand months.
Mobile Equipment Risks During Summer Deployments
With gear constantly on the move, fire departments face multiple vulnerabilities that can strain budgets and disrupt operations. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, summer often triggers peak deployment activity, sometimes requiring departments to respond across regional or state lines.
Theft and Vandalism During Offsite Operations
Staging areas and temporary bases are frequent targets for theft. Trailers left overnight or parked at remote wildfire camps face greater exposure. Power tools, generators, and rescue gear may also be stolen or vandalized during disaster response efforts. If the right coverage is not in place, these incidents can delay response times and lead to costly replacements.
Damage During Transport or On-Scene Use
When moving through rugged terrain or extreme heat, equipment is more prone to overheating, breakage, or accidental damage. Loose items in trailers or rigs may shift in transit, damaging sensitive components or injuring personnel. Even well-maintained gear can fail under the intense pace of summer deployments, making clear coverage terms essential.
Unclear Ownership and Documentation
Mutual aid operations often involve multiple agencies sharing resources. Without proper agreements and asset tracking, departments can face disputes over ownership or liability after a loss. Insurance may respond in many cases, but documented use and inter-agency agreements remain critical to avoid coverage conflicts.
Fire Department Insurance Solutions for Mobile Assets
Standard property policies typically provide limited or no coverage for equipment once it leaves the insured premises. That’s why fire departments often need additional endorsements to extend protection off-site.
Portable and Mobile Equipment Coverage
This endorsement can insure mission-critical tools like rescue gear, lighting systems, and hazmat equipment. Coverage terms vary by carrier, but should specify that protection applies while in transit, at temporary locations, and during mutual aid deployments.
In-Use and Offsite Protection
Gear in active use — especially at wildfire camps or community events — can be covered for accidental damage, theft, and environmental exposure. Off-premises protection must be clearly defined to avoid gaps, including territorial or time limits.
Replacement Cost and Specialty Equipment Coverage
Policies should clarify whether they reimburse losses based on replacement cost or actual cash value. Replacement cost endorsements are essential for high-value assets like drones, thermal cameras, and communications systems, ensuring departments can replace vital tools without depreciation deductions. Custom-fitted or specialized gear should be scheduled or specifically included to avoid valuation disputes.
What Insurance Agents Should Do Now
Agents are vital in helping departments reduce risk and avoid misunderstandings about mobile equipment coverage.
Review Equipment Schedules and Policy Terms
Help departments update inventories so every piece of mobile gear is listed and valued correctly. Confirm whether off-site coverage is included and verify limits reflect the actual replacement cost of assets.
Recommend Clear Documentation Procedures
Encourage departments to log equipment usage, locations, and conditions before and after deployments. Simple forms or digital checklists can reduce disputes and streamline claim resolution.
Educate Clients About Coverage Gaps
Many assume gear is automatically covered at all times, but policies often have limitations or sublimits. Clarify what is and isn’t protected and recommend endorsements tailored to deployment scenarios.
Keeping Departments Operational (and Covered) All Summer
Summer brings more deployments, miles, and risk to the equipment that keeps fire departments operational. Fire department insurance must be reviewed carefully to confirm mobile gear remains protected beyond the station. By proactively updating schedules, verifying off-premises terms, and explaining policy limits, agents can help their clients minimize loss potential before the next out-of-district call.
Contact us today to learn how Provident FirePlus can help protect vital equipment during every summer deployment.
About Provident FirePlus
Founded in 1902, our rich history involves the creation of custom firefighter insurance benefits in 1928. Today, Provident FirePlus continues to be a pioneer in developing insurance programs for firefighters, EMS providers, municipal entities, and law enforcement. In addition, we provide Special Risks insurance for various volunteer and nonprofit groups. Give us a call today at (412) 963-1200 to speak with one of our representatives.