Cargo transport insurance

Carrier liability

Carrier is liable from acceptance to delivery — but within limits (CMR ~8.33 SDR/kg internationally). For valuable cargo the limits won't suffice.

Cargo insurance

Insures the cargo owner, not the carrier. Coverage: all risks, with average (WA), free of particular average (FPA) — marine ICC A/B/C clauses.

Covered / not covered

Covered: accident, theft, fire, natural disaster, breakage (all risks). Not covered: natural shrinkage, inherent defects, delay, poor packing, war risks (separate).

Policy cost

Rate ~0.05–0.3% of cargo value per trip depending on route, cargo type and coverage. Annual open-cover policies for regular shipments — cheaper.

Claims

On damage: photograph at unloading, don't clear the scene, notify insurer within policy term, keep packaging. Skipping the act is a common mistake.

Practical notes

Sum insured = goods value + freight + duty + ~10% expenses. A deductible lowers the premium. Check exclusions for your cargo type (glass, liquids, perishables).