Logistics & Transportation
Insurance for freight forwarders, transport operators, warehouse owners, and traders whose goods move by sea, air, and road.
Matching cover to how goods move.
Who carries the risk of loss depends on your role and the trade terms in your contracts.
| Activity | Main exposure | Recommended cover |
|---|---|---|
| Importing and exporting | Loss or damage to goods in transit | Marine cargo insurance, single shipment or annual open cover |
| Freight forwarding | Liability to customers for goods in your care | Freight forwarder's liability |
| Road haulage | Goods damaged on your trucks, and the trucks themselves | Goods in transit, fleet motor insurance |
| Warehousing | Fire, theft, and damage to stored stock | Warehouse property, warehouse operator's liability |
| Last-mile delivery | High volumes of low-value parcels, vehicle accidents | Goods in transit, motor fleet, public liability |
If goods arrive damaged or short.
On delivery
- Note damage or shortage on the delivery receipt
- Photograph packaging and goods before unpacking further
- Keep the damaged goods and packaging
Within days
- Notify your insurer and request a survey
- Give written notice of claim to the carrier
- Collect the bill of lading or airway bill
For settlement
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Survey report
- Correspondence with the carrier
Covers that close the gaps.
Trade credit
Protects receivables if a buyer fails to pay.
Business interruption
Lost income if a warehouse or depot is damaged.
Workmen's compensation
Drivers, warehouse staff, and handlers injured at work.
Who should insure the cargo, the buyer or the seller?
It depends on the Incoterms in the sales contract. Under CIF, for example, the seller arranges cargo insurance for the buyer's benefit.
Is the carrier's liability enough?
Usually not. Carriers' liability is limited by law and contract and is often far below the value of the goods.
What is an open cover?
An annual cargo policy that automatically covers all your shipments within agreed limits, so you do not need to arrange cover for each one.
Need protection for your future?
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