Cargo liability insurance is an important safeguard for individuals or businesses involved in the world of logistics and global trade, which also means the transportation of goods using various means.
In other words, whether by air, land, or sea, the risks involved with transporting cargo are numerous and differ. This is why you need cargo liability coverage. But what type of insurance is it?
If you would like to find out how it works, what it covers and doesn’t, and more information on it, keep scrolling through this guide.
What is Cargo Liability Insurance?
Cargo liability insurance is a type of insurance quote created to offer protection to individuals and businesses against financial losses from theft of goods, damage, or loss during transit.
It offers coverage for goods and products being transported or taken through different modes of transportation like trains, trucks, airplanes, and ships.
How Does It Work?
Cargo liability insurance policies come to life when policyholders need financial protection in the event of stolen, lost, or damaged cargo during transit. When the cargo shipment of the insured party or policyholder goes a covered event or peril.
So, the insurance provider will compensate the policyholder for the value of the damaged or lost goods up to the policy’s limits.
What Does Cargo Liability Insurance Cover?
If you would like to get a cargo liability insurance policy, here are the areas in which you will be receiving coverage:
- Fire and explosion damage.
- Loss or damage to cargo.
- Theft or pilferage of cargo.
- Damage caused by accidents.
- Mishandling
- General average and salvage charges incurred during emergencies.
- Damage due to natural disasters.
What Are Its Exclusions?
Here is what cargo liability coverage does not cover:
- War, terrorism, or political unrest (unless added as additional coverage).
- Inherent vice of the cargo.
- Improper packing or inadequate packaging.
- Delay or loss of market.
- Illegal or unauthorized cargo.
- Consequential losses.
Who Needs a Quote?
If you are working in any of these industries and are involved in any of the following, you may want to get cargo liability insurance for adequate coverage:
- Manufacturers and suppliers
- Freight forwarders
- Importers
- Individuals shipping valuable or fragile goods and products.
- Exporters
- Logistics companies
- Retailers
- Distributors
Make sure that you review the insurance policy’s terms and conditions to ensure that all required areas are covered.
How Much Does Cargo Liability Insurance Cost?
The cost of cargo liability coverage differs depending on factors like the mode of transportation, the value of the cargo, the level of coverage required, the nature of the goods, and the distance traveled.
The insurance provider you choose also affects the premium cost of this type of insurance. On the other hand, premiums can range from a fraction of a percent to several percent of the declared value of the cargo.
How to Obtain a Cargo Liability Insurance Policy
Applying for or obtaining a cargo liability insurance quote involves different steps to make sure that you end up with a suitable amount of coverage for your transportation needs and your cargo as well. Here is what you need to do:
- Find out your needs.
- Research insurance companies.
- Ask for policies.
- Compare coverage options.
- Review and understand the policy terms and conditions.
- Consider additional coverage.
- Finalize the quote.
- Make payments.
After paying your first premium, you need coverage if something unexpected happens to your cargo. You can always file a claim with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cargo liability coverage required by law?
Cargo liability coverage is not usually mandatory by law. However, it is usually needed by transportation customers, companies, and contracts to reduce financial risks.
Does cargo liability insurance cover all types of cargo?
Cargo liability insurance usually offers coverage for most types of cargo, but some high-risk or hazardous goods may need extra coverage or may be excluded from standard cargo liability insurance.
Can I purchase cargo liability coverage for a single shipment?
Yes, a lot of insurance companies provide single-shipment quotes that offer coverage for individual cargo shipments.
What should I do if my cargo is damaged during transit?
If your cargo is damaged during transit, you should notify your insurance company immediately and file a claim. Do not forget to prepare and provide the necessary documentation, like proof of the damage, packing lists, and invoices, to carry out and validate your claim.
Are there deductibles with cargo liability coverage?
Yes, cargo liability insurance policies usually come with deductibles, which are the amount of money the policyholder needs to pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage begins.
Can I increase my coverage limits mid-policy term?
Policyholders may be able to make changes to their coverage limits mid-policy term, but this depends on the insurance company. If your insurance provider does approve, you can contact them and ask for a quote endorsement.
