Marine Cargo/Transit Insurance

Protects goods in transit across sea, air, and land, covering risks like theft, weather, and accidents

Secure Your Shipments, Protect Your Assets
Marine Cargo/Transit Insurance is a specialized form of coverage designed to protect the value of goods in transit across various modes of transportation, including sea, air, and land. This dynamic insurance addresses the unique risks associated with moving goods from one location to another, often crossing international borders, providing peace of mind against unpredictable events during transportation.
Protection Against Financial Loss
Risk Management
Flexibility in Coverage
Importance of Marine Cargo/Transit Insurance

Protection Against Financial Loss

Safeguards businesses from financial impact of cargo loss or damage during transit from accidents, natural disasters, theft, or other unforeseen events.

Risk Management

Transfers risk to insurer, allowing businesses to focus on core operations without worrying about potential losses from shipping goods, especially for high-value shipments.

Compliance with Trade Requirements

Many international trade agreements and contracts require Marine Cargo/Transit Insurance as standard practice, ensuring all parties are protected.

Ensures Business Continuity

Provides compensation in case of major loss, helping businesses recover quickly, minimizing disruptions and maintaining cash flow.

Enhances Credibility and Trust

Demonstrates commitment to protecting transported goods value, enhancing company credibility with clients and partners.

Flexibility in Coverage

Policies can be tailored to meet specific business needs, offering coverage for different goods types, routes, and transportation modes.

Advantages of Marine Cargo/Transit Insurance
Comprehensive Coverage - Protects against wide range of risks including damage, theft, loss, and delays
Financial Security - Protects from significant losses due to unforeseen events, safeguarding profitability
Global Reach - Applicable to domestic and international shipments with coverage across borders
Customized Policies - Tailored to specific needs including coverage levels, routes, and transportation modes
Peace of Mind - Provides confidence allowing focus on core activities without transportation worries
Legal Compliance - Meets shipping contract and international trade agreement requirements
Claims Assistance - Support in event of loss or damage for quick and efficient recovery
Business Continuity - Maintains operations by providing compensation that mitigates disruptions
Who Needs Marine Cargo/Transit Insurance
Importers and Exporters - Businesses involved in international trade requiring goods protection during transit
Manufacturers - Companies shipping raw materials or finished products to customers or distribution centers
Logistics Providers - Freight forwarders, shipping companies, and logistics firms handling client goods
Retailers - Businesses importing goods for sale requiring protection against transit risks
Wholesalers and Distributors - Companies moving large quantities of goods between locations
E-commerce Businesses - Online retailers shipping products internationally requiring comprehensive coverage
Construction Companies - Firms transporting equipment, materials, and machinery to project sites
Trading Companies - Businesses engaged in commodity trading requiring protection for valuable shipments
Types of Marine Cargo/Transit Insurance

Marine Specific Voyage Insurance

Also known as single shipment or voyage policy, covers specific consignment during particular journey. Ideal for businesses with one-time or irregular shipments.

Key Features:

Single voyage coverage
Origin to destination protection
One-time premium payment
Specific shipment focus

Marine Open Declaration Policy

Provides continuous coverage for all shipments within specified period, usually a year. Perfect for businesses with regular shipments.

Key Features:

Continuous coverage
Multiple shipments
Annual policy period
Automatic protection

Marine Annual Sales Turnover Policy

Offers coverage based on total value of goods shipped over a year. Simplifies insurance process for frequent shippers.

Key Features:

Annual turnover basis
All shipments covered
Simplified process
Comprehensive protection
Types of Coverage under Marine Cargo/Transit Insurance
ClauseCoverage TypeJurisdictionIdeal ForTypical Perils Covered
ICC-AAll RisksInternationalHigh-value goods requiring broad protectionAll perils except those specifically excluded
ICC-BNamed PerilsInternationalGoods exposed to moderate risksFire, explosion, theft, earthquake, etc.
ICC-CBasic Named PerilsInternationalBasic goods with minimal riskFire, explosion, vessel sinking, collision, etc.
ITC-AAll RisksInland TransitHigh-value goods during inland transitAll perils except those specifically excluded
ITC-BNamed PerilsInland TransitGoods with moderate risks during inland transitFire, explosion, theft, earthquake, etc.
ITC-CBasic Named PerilsInland TransitBasic goods with minimal risks during inland transitFire, explosion, overturning, collision, etc.
Common Exclusions under Marine Cargo/Transit Insurance
Willful Misconduct - No coverage for losses due to intentional acts or negligence by the insured
Inherent Vice - Excludes damage due to natural characteristics of goods like spoilage or corrosion
Ordinary Leakage - Normal shrinkage, evaporation, or loss in weight during transit not covered
Insufficient Packing - Damages due to inadequate or improper packing are excluded
Delay - Losses solely caused by delays in transit are not covered
War and Strikes - Losses from war, strikes, riots, and civil commotions typically excluded
Nuclear Risks - Damage from nuclear reaction, radiation, or contamination excluded
Mysterious Disappearance - Unexplained loss without evidence of external cause excluded
Incoterms and Responsibilities
IncotermSeller's ResponsibilityBuyer's ResponsibilitySeller's Insurable InterestBuyer's Insurable Interest
EXW (Ex Works)MinimalFull ResponsibilityNoneFrom Pickup
FCA (Free Carrier)Delivery to CarrierTransport after DeliveryUntil Delivery to CarrierAfter Delivery to Carrier
CPT (Carriage Paid To)Transport to DestinationRisk After Delivery to CarrierUntil Delivery to CarrierAfter Delivery to Carrier
CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To)Transport and InsuranceRisk After Delivery to CarrierUntil Delivery to CarrierAfter Delivery to Carrier
DAP (Delivered at Place)Delivery to PlaceRisk After Delivery at PlaceUntil Delivery at PlaceAfter Delivery at Place
Notice Timeline to Carrier by Mode of Transit

Railway Transport

Legal Section: Section 106 (Indian Railways Act)

Notice Period: Within 6 months from booking date. Non-delivery claims within 90 days from dispatch

Addressing: General Manager or Chief Commercial Superintendent via Registered Post A/D

Road Transport

Legal Section: Section 16 (Carriage by Road Act 2007)

Notice Period: Within 180 days from booking. Overseas claims within 7 days if damage not apparent

Addressing: Same person giving notice must file suit to avoid technical defenses

Sea Transport

Legal Section: Hague/Hague Visby Rules, Rotterdam Rules

Notice Period: Immediately upon discovery. Latent damage within 3 days of removal from port

Addressing: Steamer Survey/Joint Survey should be arranged immediately

Multi-modal Transport

Legal Section: Multi-modal Transportation of Goods Act

Notice Period: At time of handing over goods. If not apparent, within 6 days after handover

Addressing: Proof of service of notice must be furnished

Air (International) Transport

Legal Section: Rule 27(2), Chapter 3 (Carriage of Air Act 1972)

Notice Period: Within 7 days for baggage, 14 days for cargo from receipt date

Addressing: No notice required for non-delivery if there's admission of loss

Key Suggestions to Make the Best Marine Cargo/Transit Insurance Plan
Accurate Valuation - Ensure goods are insured for their full value including freight and other costs
Proper Packing - Use appropriate packing methods and materials suitable for the mode of transport
Documentation - Maintain complete and accurate shipping documents including invoices and packing lists
Choose Right Coverage - Select appropriate ICC/ITC clauses based on cargo type and risk exposure
Route Assessment - Consider route risks including weather, political stability, and infrastructure
Timely Reporting - Report claims immediately and follow proper notice procedures for carriers
Carrier Selection - Choose reputable carriers with good track records and proper handling procedures
Policy Review - Regularly review and update coverage based on changing business needs and routes
Key Benefits of Marine Cargo/Transit Insurance

Protection Against Financial Loss

Comprehensive coverage against cargo loss or damage during transit from various unforeseen events and risks.

Risk Management

Effective transfer of transportation risks to insurers, allowing businesses to focus on core operations.

Flexibility in Coverage

Customizable policies tailored to specific business needs, routes, and transportation modes.
FAQs on Marine Cargo/Transit Insurance
Common queries about Marine Cargo/Transit Insurance

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