Inland marine might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of insurance—but for many of our clients, it’s essential. From contractors with fleets of equipment to businesses with goods constantly on the move, inland marine protects the assets that don’t sit still.
To break it all down, we sat down with Robin Effinger, a senior inland marine underwriter with over 20 years in the industry. Known on her team as “the Mom” for her experience and mentorship, Robin has seen it all—and underwritten everything imaginable from amusement parks to the largest of construction equipment. She’s passionate about the work, dedicated to helping the next generation succeed, and eager to spread the word about a career path that’s far more interesting than the name suggests.
Q: Robin, you’ve been in the inland marine insurance industry for an impressive 24 years. What originally drew you into insurance? And specifically inland marine?
Robin: I started as a marketing major at the Georgia State, actually. One of my friends was taking an insurance elective so I did too on a whim —and it just clicked. I switched majors.
I learned a bit about inland marine because I had a friend that had an internship in inland marine. Then, when I graduated, Atlantic Mutual, one of the oldest marine insurance companies at the time, was hiring for a trainee position. Turned out, Ken Mueller, AXA XL’s Head of Inland Marine and my current manager, was my manager in the training program.
Q: People on your team call you “the Mom” of the team. What’s that about?
I think it’s a mix of experience and how I show up for the team. I’ve been doing this a while, and I genuinely care. I’ve mentored a lot of younger underwriters, which I enjoy. Many people coming into the industry today aren’t getting formal training like I did. They’re figuring it out as they go, which isn’t ideal. Training is critical in underwriting. This job isn’t something you can fake your way through. You need to know how to assess exposures, evaluate contracts, interpret coverages, and ask the right questions. Without a solid foundation, people get overwhelmed or make risky decisions. Formal training gives new underwriters the tools to be confident and consistent—and that helps everyone: the team, the brokers, and the clients. The lack of solid training programs is a big issue.
Q: You mentioned mentorship. How are you trying to make a difference there?
When I started, there were people who invested in me. I want to pass that forward. Training helps reduce burnout and builds confidence early. We’re looking to develop a training program—something structured that new underwriters can plug into. The industry really needs to step up in that area.
The inland marine industry has gotten a lot more complicated over the years, so it's important to have a good grasp of all the different specialized risks. Without the right training, newer underwriters can find it hard to see the bigger picture and understand the details of inland marine coverage, which is crucial for doing their job well. Veteran inland marine underwriters like me need to transfer knowledge and judgment that technology alone can’t replicate. But I think when we pair our knowledge with some modern tools, we’ll be able to create a powerful environment for learning, efficiency, and innovation—ensuring the next generation is not only well-trained, but well-equipped to evolve with the industry.
Q: Inland marine isn’t exactly a household term. How do you explain what you do? What’s your elevator speech?
I usually say this: if it moves, or if it's unique, it's probably inland marine. We're not talking about boats—that's a common mix-up. Inland marine covers things like construction equipment, fine art, mobile medical units, even amusement parks. It’s for the stuff that doesn’t fit neatly into a standard property policy. Businesses need it to protect high-value, mobile, or specialized assets that are at higher risk in transit or at off-site locations.
Q: What’s kept you in this niche for so long?
Every day is different. I never know what’s going to land on my desk. One day I’m underwriting an amusement park, the next it’s a portable toilet provider. You learn fast that no two risks are the same, and that keeps things interesting. There’s real problem-solving involved—and I enjoy that challenge.
Q: What would you say to someone considering a career in inland marine underwriting?
Don’t write it off because the name sounds boring—it’s the opposite. It’s one of the most dynamic areas in insurance. There’s constant variety, and it rewards curiosity. If you like solving puzzles, talking to brokers, and digging into unique businesses, it’s a great fit.
Q: How is the inland marine market doing right now?
It’s evolving. Rates have stabilized a bit after some correction years, but inflation is still a concern, especially with equipment and materials. We're seeing more focus on risk quality and valuation accuracy. There’s also more interest in tech-driven risks—things like drones, mobile labs, modular construction. It's exciting to see the product line adapting to new industries.
Q: Any final thoughts on where the field is headed?
Inland marine is only going to get more relevant. As businesses become more mobile and more specialized, they’re going to need smarter coverage. Inland marine coverage is a must for businesses to avoid big financial hits from theft, damage, or delays during transport. It gives you the flexibility to protect your unique assets, which can vary widely from one industry to another. Underwriters have to really understand the ins and outs of these risks to create customized policies that fit your specific needs. And we need sharper, engaged people in the field—especially those who enjoy variety and are willing to keep learning. It’s a great time to get in.
To learn more about Inland Marine and other opportunities at 九色视频 visit our Careers page.
