Ask what events are covered, where cover begins and ends, and what evidence a claims handler will expect. Declared cargo value, deductibles and packing conditions should be agreed before a loss occurs.
Carrier liability is not cargo insurance
Carrier liability may be limited by conventions, contract terms or circumstances of loss. It may be lower than the value of the goods. A separate cargo policy can address risks that carrier liability does not.
Insurable value and covered events
Confirm the insured value, deductible, covered transit stages, named exclusions, theft conditions, delay limitations and whether warehouse stops are included. Packaging and commodity exclusions can be decisive.
Read the route and commodity declarations
Some policies require specific safeguards for high-value goods, storage, war or strike exposures, or particular routes. Do not assume an annual policy automatically covers every shipment.
Claims begin before dispatch
Keep purchase documentation, packing records, photographs, carrier details and prompt incident notices. Preserve damaged packaging and follow the policy’s reporting process.
Match cover to the actual cargo exposure
Expensive machinery packed in wooden crates has different risk points at factory loading, terminal handling and inland delivery. Obtain written confirmation of insured value, covered legs, exclusions, claim evidence and deductibles; no generic freight quote proves that loss is covered.
This is an illustrative planning example, not a current quotation, legal instruction or promise of transport capacity. Confirm shipment-specific requirements with the responsible carrier, broker or regulator.