You are here: Home » Support » Blog and Resource » What Is Cargo Insurance and How Does It Work?

What Is Cargo Insurance and How Does It Work?

Views: 0     Author: bill/Guo     Publish Time: 2025-01-02      Origin: Site

Inquire

facebook sharing button
twitter sharing button
line sharing button
wechat sharing button
linkedin sharing button
pinterest sharing button
whatsapp sharing button
kakao sharing button
snapchat sharing button
sharethis sharing button

Cargo insurance is essential for global traders. It safeguards against risks in shipping by sea, air, or land., or rail. It compensates owners for losses or damages.

The available cargo insurance types are as follows:


● All Risks Insurance: This covers nearly all loss or damage to the cargo. It excludes only those risks listed in the policy. It is the most inclusive option.


● Named Perils Insurance: This is more specific. It only insures against certain risks, like fire and theft, that could harm the cargo. It is cheaper than all risk coverage. But, it offers less protection.


● Open Cover Insurance: It covers multiple shipments for a set period, not just one. This suits businesses with regular shipping needs, ensuring ongoing protection for their shipments.


What is cargo insurance?


Cargo Insurance


Cargo insurance is a key protection in global trade. It serves as a financial shield, guarding against risks to goods in transit.


This insurance covers all travel. Whether by air, sea, rail, or road, you're protected. Fly across vast skies. Sail over tumultuous waters. Travel by rail through entire continents. Drive through varied terrains. 


No matter the journey, you’re covered.For shippers and freight forwarders, the stakes are high. Without cargo insurance, a single mishap could be disastrous. A container could fall off a ship, a truck could be hijacked, or goods could be damaged in transit. These setbacks could cripple their business.


Why is it important?


Relocating goods over long distances can be fraught with risks. With multiple handling points, the risk of damage during transit or accidents is high. This makes cargo insurance not just an option, but a necessity. It offers your business peace of mind and shields you from the hassle of replacing lost or damaged items.


It has key benefits. It keeps your cash flow steady. It ensures profitability through coverage. It enables quick claims handling with expert help. It simplifies loss reporting.


Who is responsible for Cargo Insurance during International Shipping?


We previously explored various Incoterms and their impact on buyers and sellers. Under EXW and FOB, the seller's duty ends at their factory or the port of export. So, any damage or loss after delivery is the buyer's responsibility. They must arrange and pay for cargo insurance.


Conversely, with DDP and CIF terms, the seller assumes liability for cargo damage. If goods are lost or damaged in shipping, the seller must replace them to prevent the buyer's loss. Both parties must know these distinctions. It is vital to manage risks and ensure smooth international trade.


Types of Cargo Insurance


What Is Cargo Insurance


The following are some common types of insurance. Each has its own traits and uses.


●Express cargo insurance is mainly used by express companies such as UPS/DHL/FEDEX. These services are popular for global shipments from China. Generally, it is most commonly used for small and medium-sized shipments.


●Air cargo insurance protects the interests of both the sender and the consignee It covers lost, stolen, or damaged goods. It also accounts for delivery delays in some cases. The coverage often extends from warehouse to warehouse. But, it is subject to varying international regulations.


●Marine cargo insurance provides protection for cargo when it is transported by sea. It covers losses or damages during loading and unloading. It also covers those from natural disasters, theft, and other risks. This is especially for international cross-border transports.


●Rail Freight Cargo Insurance covers rail shipments, like those from China to Europe. It is a green, efficient way to ship goods long distances in bulk. However, getting insurance for rail shipping can be hard. Railroad insurance is specific. Also, logistics can be tricky due to the distance from the warehouse to the destination.


What are the non-claims in insurance?


Many insurance policies seem to offer broad protection. But, they often leave some nuances uncovered. For instance, the insurance might not cover damage from poor packaging during shipment. If the items are poorly packaged and get damaged in transit, the insurer could deny the repair claim.


In addition, the insurance that is generally purchased does not cover products with defects in the goods. If defective goods in the consignment damage other cargo, the carrier may not be insured. Shippers must know of these coverage gaps. It will help protect their shipments and understand their insurance limits.


When do you need to buy cargo insurance?


Types of Cargo Insurance


Relocating goods is a complex and perilous journey. Your shipment will pass through many stages. It will be loaded and unloaded from trucks and containers. It will go through busy ports and strict inspection sites. Finally, it will be transferred among different warehouse clerks. With so many touchpoints, the risk of damage or loss is significant. 


Each additional handling step heightens the probability of items getting broken during transit. To ensure peace of mind, get cargo insurance. It will spare you the hassle of dealing with lost or damaged goods. It acts as a safeguard. It protects your finances. You can focus on other aspects of the move without worrying about losses.


How much does cargo insurance costs take?


After learning about the types of cargo insurance, you might wonder about the costs. To find the premium for a single shipment, multiply the insured value by the policy rate. This cost can vary by your chosen insurance provider and the goods insured.


If your invoice is $50,000 and the insurance rate is $.50 per $100, with a minimum of $10, your premium would be $250. If you hire jmdforwarder.com to buy insurance for shipments from China, you'll only pay $180. This saves frequent shippers a lot. It shows that the right partner can lead to cheaper insurance.


How to make a Claim if damaged or lost during international shipping


To hold a carrier responsible for loss, damage, or theft, a claim must be submitted within a set timeframe. For uninsured air or sea freight, the consignor has two years to file a damage claim. However, for road transit, this period is shortened to just one year.


If the shipment was insured, the consignor must first prove the carrier's fault before claiming with the insurer. Insurers, however, have different deadlines for claims.

If a claim is valid, the consignor expects a full refund of the amount on the commercial invoice. If no such invoice exists, the market value will be used instead. Subsequently, the insurance company will seek reimbursement from the carrier for the relevant expenses.


The process involves several steps. Firstly, the items need to be recognized. The claimant should obtain detailed info about the lost or damaged items. The carrier must verify it to confirm the products' identities. If the shipper was diligent during the shipping booking, they should possess paperwork like a commercial invoice. Next, the carrier or forwarder will evaluate and verify the claim. The shipper will assist in calculating the value and amount of any damage. Finally, a payment request will be made to the carrier.


Get Quotes

Get Information

For those searching for seamless sea freight from China or competitive shipping costs per kg, JMD is your go-to choice. Our international shipping services prioritize convenience and efficiency, simplifying your logistics.
Opt for JMD to experience smooth global logistics, secure deliveries, and cost-effective customs clearance. With our unparalleled expertise, your goods will traverse the globe seamlessly.
Get Information
Leave a Message
Get Information