How to Arrange Shipping Insurance and Prepare for a Claim

To arrange shipping insurance, provide accurate cargo details, select the available coverage and review the policy or certificate before transportation begins. Confirm the insured journey, value, deductible, exclusions and claims procedure.

Do not assume that booking transportation automatically insures the goods for their full value. Carrier liability and cargo insurance operate under different conditions.

For a detailed explanation of coverage types, read the cargo insurance guide.

Information Needed to Arrange Shipping Insurance

Prepare the following information:

Incomplete or inaccurate information may affect acceptance, coverage or a later claim.

Before You Select Coverage

Check:

• Whether your goods are eligible.
• Which policy wording applies.
• Whether the protection is based on Institute Cargo Clauses A, B or C.
• Whether theft, water damage and handling damage are included.
• Whether war and strikes require extensions.
• Whether temperature variation or mechanical failure is covered.
• Whether the policy covers the full journey you need.
• Whether a deductible applies.
• Which packing standards must be met.

Choose coverage according to the goods and journey. The cheapest premium may provide a narrower range of insured events.

Determine the Correct Insured Value

Use the valuation method required by the policy.

The sum insured may include the goods, specified transportation costs and an agreed uplift. It is different from the premium you pay.

Keep evidence supporting the amount, such as:

• Commercial invoice.
• Purchase order or sales contract.
• Freight costs.
• Valuation records.
• Replacement-cost evidence where accepted.
• Inventory for used or personal goods.

Ask how underinsurance, partial loss and currency conversion would be handled.

Review the Policy or Certificate

Before the journey begins, check that the document shows:

• Correct insured name.
• Correct goods and quantity.
• Origin and destination.
• Conveyance or shipment reference when required.
• Insured value and currency.
• Coverage wording.
• Deductible.
• Start and end of cover.
• Special conditions and exclusions.
• Insurer or claims contact.

Request corrections promptly if anything differs from the shipment.

Record Cargo Condition Before Dispatch

Create evidence before handing the goods over:

1. Photograph the goods from several angles.
2. Record serial numbers for relevant equipment.
3. Photograph the internal protection and closed packaging.
4. Record crate, pallet, carton and container identifiers.
5. Retain packing invoices and specifications.
6. Record container seals when applicable.
7. Keep copies outside the shipment.

This evidence can help establish condition, packing and value if you later report damage.

What to Do at Pickup and Delivery

At pickup, make sure shipment records match the number and type of packages handed over.

At delivery:

• Inspect the exterior before signing.
• Record visible damage or missing packages on the receipt.
• Photograph the condition before moving or opening affected packages.
• Avoid giving a clean receipt when damage is visible.
• Retain damaged packing.
• Report concealed damage as soon as it is discovered.
• Follow the notification periods in the policy and transport contract.

Signing a delivery receipt without exceptions may make it harder to establish when visible damage occurred.

What to Do After Loss or Damage

Take the following steps:

1. Notify the insurer or appointed claims representative.
2. Notify the carrier or other responsible party.
3. Take reasonable action to prevent additional damage.
4. Protect the goods and retain the packaging.
5. Arrange a survey when instructed.
6. Preserve recovery rights against third parties.
7. Submit the claim without waiting unnecessarily for the carrier’s final response.

Do not authorize repairs, dispose of damaged goods or accept a settlement from another party without checking the insurer’s instructions.

Documents Commonly Required for a Claim

The exact list depends on the insurer and type of loss. It may include:

• Completed claim form.
• Policy or insurance certificate.
• Bill of lading, air waybill or consignment note.
• Commercial invoice.
• Packing list.
• Delivery receipt or outturn report.
• Written notice sent to the carrier.
• Photographs.
• Survey or inspection report.
• Repair or replacement estimates.
• Police report for theft.
• Temperature or tracking records where relevant.

Submit the initial notification even when the final amount of the loss is not yet known.

Shipping Insurance Checklist

Before dispatch:

• Confirm the goods are eligible.
• Declare the cargo accurately.
• Establish the insured value.
• Review the coverage and exclusions.
• Check the insured route and dates.
• Confirm the deductible.
• Follow packing requirements.
• Save the policy and claims contacts.
• Photograph the goods and packaging.

At delivery:

• Inspect before signing.
• Record visible exceptions.
• Take photographs.
• Retain packaging.
• Notify the relevant parties promptly.
• Follow the policy’s claim instructions.

Add Insurance During Online Booking

You can get your shipping quote online with iContainers and review any available insurance option during the booking process.

Coverage is governed by the issued policy or certificate. Read it before shipment and keep a copy accessible throughout the journey.