Cargo Insurance

What Is Cargo Insurance?

Does Cargo Insurance Have Limitations?

When shipping via truck in the United States, cargo insurance does not provide protection against all losses a motor carrier may be liable for under the Carmack Amendment or common law. There is not a single, standard form of cargo insurance that a carrier can buy and be fully protected. Similarly, a certificate of insurance stating that a motor carrier has a specific amount of cargo insurance does not mean that the shipper’s or broker’s valid claim will be covered by that insurance.

There are different types of cargo insurance policies, some going by names such as “all risks,” “broad form,” “legal liability,” and “motor truck freight.” Regardless of what the name might imply, none of these policies provide complete protection against Carmack Amendment and common law liability. Policies exclude coverage in many different ways. For example, certain types of cargo are excluded, only specific equipment and terminals are covered, losses caused by certain events are not covered, or coverage applies only if a service is performed in a certain way.

Overall, it’s crucial for shippers to document their cargo’s value in case of disputes, losses or damages.

Types of Cargo Insurance

Cargo insurance can be taken for international as well as domestic transportation. At the same time, this is really difficult to standardize and control without the proper cooperation from countries and states due to the varying nature of this insurance. Under these variations, this insurance can be categorized into following classifications:-

Land Cargo Insurance : This insurance provides coverage for all the land transportations covering trucks and other small utility vehicles. The coverage aspects are theft, collusion damages and other related risks. This insurance is domestic in nature and normally, operates within the boundaries of the nation.

Marine Cargo Insurance : This insurance covers transportation carried our either in sea or by air. Here, means of transportation and goods are covered from damage due to cargo loading/unloading, weather contingencies, piracies and other relevant issues. Mostly, this insurance covers international transportation.   Under these insurances, there are some policies which can help you in understanding the concept of cargo insurance in a profound manner. These policies are:-

• Open Cover Cargo Policies : When insurance holder opts for coverage against various consignments, then open cover cargo policies get activated. These policies are segmented in two categories namely renewable policy and permanent policy. Renewable policy is required for a particular value requiring renewal after policy expiration. Most of the single trip or voyages fall under this category. Permanent policy can be drawn up for a decided time period permitting countless shipments in that period.
• Specific Cargo Policies : When a company approaches an insurance company or broker for insuring a particular consignment, then it can fall under the category of specific cargo policies. These policies are also termed as voyage policies because only shipments are covered under them.
• Contingency Insurance Policy : There are certain cases where customer, not the seller is responsible for insuring the goods against loss or damage. There are perils associated with it if goods get damaged during transit and customer refuses to accept them. In few cases, some customers do not insure the goods and tend to avoid the liability. Under such circumstances, affected sellers can seek rectification with the help of the legal system. This can be very costly for them and sometimes, they may lose the case. Therefore, sellers are advised to go for contingency insurance which have a very less premium rate. For testing and verification, sellers need not tell about it to their customers.

Benefits of Cargo Insurance

Cargo insurance covers transits carried out in water, air, road, rail, registered post parcel and courier.  Following aspects are covered under the benefits of this insurance:

All Risk Coverage

This coverage provides extensive protection against damage or loss due to external factors. Though, this is called all risk coverage but still, people should know the aspects included and excluded in the policy. Under all risk coverage, included aspects are:

• Damages due to inappropriate packing
• Infestation
• Cargo abandonment
• Customs rejection
• Employee’s dishonesty