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Marine Cargo Insurance

Marine Cargo Insurance

Whether you are a business owner, importer, exporter or logistics partner, the movement of goods across cities or borders comes with its own set of risks. These can include handling errors, transit accidents, theft and even natural disasters. Even a single damaged or lost shipment can lead to serious financial setbacks and disrupt your supply chain. 

This is where IndusInd Marine Cargo Insurance comes into play. It offers protection against loss or damage to goods during transit by road, rail, air, sea or even registered post. With our policy, you can focus solely on business operations and not what-ifs. 

We offer customisable marine cargo insurance plans for a wide range of goods, ensuring your cargo is protected right from loading to delivery. Our plans are designed to align with your business needs and provide you with coverage you can truly rely on.

Why Choose Us?

Why 8 Crore+ Policyholders Choose Us?

IndusInd Marine Cargo Insurance (previously known as Reliance Marine Cargo Insurance) ensures your supply chains operate smoothly without disruptions. Our plans enable you to handle cargo loss and delays efficiently without having to pause operations. 

SME - Marine Cargo Insurance

Instant policy issuance

Instant Policy Issuance

All-digital process with minimal paperwork

Multiple risks covered

10+ Risks Are Covered

Wide range of coverage options

Multiple plan options

Multiple Plan Options Available

Choose a cover that suits you

24x7 customer support

24/7 Customer Support Available

Get help anytime you need it!

Key Benefits of Marine Cargo Insurance

Extended Protection

Freight forwarders and carriers provide only limited coverage for delays, theft or damage to your cargo. For example, if a cargo with ₹50 lakh of electronics is partially damaged during sea transit, the carrier may only compensate a portion of the loss. Having marine and cargo insurance ensures you are fully covered for any losses during transit.

Add-ons for More Coverage

Depending on your shipment route and cargo type, the risk of exposure varies. For example, if your goods are temporarily stored at a port warehouse due to customs delays, an incidental storage add-on ensures this period is also covered. Other add-ons, such as Riot, Strike, and FOB extensions, can also help enhance coverage when you know your cargo will be transiting through difficult ports.

Risk Mitigation

The policy can be customised to cover risks like geopolitical tensions. For instance, ships passing the Suez Canal decreased by 42% to avoid conflict, causing them to take other routes and exposing them to more risk and longer voyages. A tailored marine policy can cover such rerouting and reduce the risk of uninsured delays or losses during transiting through alternate routes.

Trade Compliance

International buyers often operate under Incoterms such as CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) and CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid) that require proof of insurance. Without this, your contract may be considered non-compliant. Having marine insurance in place not only protects your goods but also helps you meet global trade documentation standards and retain international business relationships.

Business Credibility

Securing marine insurance signals preparedness and professionalism. It assures your stakeholders, clients, vendors and international partners that your operations are protected against potential risks. This enhances your credibility, especially during negotiations with larger organisations or export councils.

Competitive Advantage

As your export business enters competitive global markets, absorbing losses from damaged or delayed cargo is no longer sustainable. With marine insurance, such losses are covered, helping keep unit costs stable and preventing price hikes. Over time, this creates a pricing advantage and makes your offering more appealing to overseas buyers.

Features of IndusInd Marine Cargo Insurance

Our marine insurance coverage for goods in transit is broadly categorised based on the mode of transport. For domestic movement, policies follow Inland Transit Clauses (ITC A, B, or C); International shipments (via sea transport) follow Institute Cargo Clauses (ICC A, B, or C); and air freight follows Institute Cargo Clause (Air).

Coverage

Institute Cargo Clause A 
(All-Risk Cover)

Institute Cargo Clause B 
(Specific Cover)

Institute Cargo Clause C 
(Basic Cover)

Fire or explosion


 

Ship sinking, flipping over or getting stuck

Vehicle overturning or going off-track

Collision with any external objects

Unloading cargo at a different location due to an emergency

Earthquake, volcanic eruption or lightning


 

Damage due to entry of sea or river water (excludes rainwater)

Damages caused by rainwater

Total loss of cargo dropped when loading and unloading or lost at sea

Theft

Breakage and non-delivery of cargo

Intentional damage caused by others

Disclaimer: Please refer to the official policy documents for detailed information linked here.

Who Should Get Marine Cargo Insurance?

Product-Based Businesses

Retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers who need to protect their goods from losses or damages during transit.

Importers and Exporters

Importers and exporters need marine cargo insurance coverage to protect their cargo during international trade operations.

Logistics Companies

Logistics companies that regularly manage the import or export of goods for businesses.

Ship Owners

Ship owners and those who rent ships require marine transit insurance to cover costs associated with accidental collisions, natural disasters, or piracy.

Port Authorities

Cargo is more likely to be damaged during loading and unloading, which can affect port or terminal operations.

Contractors

They handle construction and repairs along coastlines or offshore oil rigs and need coverage for equipment damage, personnel injury and more.

Types of Marine Cargo Insurance Policies

IndusInd General Insurance (previously known as Reliance General Insurance) provides coverage tailored for two primary shipment types: Domestic shipments, which involve cargo movement within India. And International shipments, covering imports and exports via land, sea, or air - where payments are made in foreign currency.

Specific policy

Specific Policy (Single Transit)

What Does It Cover? - A single shipment or a specific voyage. Coverage starts when goods leave the warehouse and ends when the cargo reaches its destination.  

 

Premium - The premium rate is based on the agreed value of goods in that particular shipment. It can be purchased as needed and paid for before the journey begins.

 

Who Should Buy It? - Businesses that occasionally ship goods, have irregular shipments or need to ship high-value cargo.

Open policy

Open Policy

What Does It Cover? - Covers all shipments made during the specific policy period. It applies to multiple shipments, typically for all shipments made within a single year. 

 

Premium - The full premium is collected in advance and adjusted based on the total value of shipments declared for each voyage. It can be bought annually. 

 

Who Should Buy It? - Businesses such as global shipping conglomerates that export goods all year round.

Sales turnover policy

Sales Turnover Policy

What Does It Cover? - Covers all transits based on the company’s yearly sales. Unlike the agreed-upon value of goods in an open policy, all transit costs needed to meet sales targets are insured. 

 

Premium - The premium is charged based on the company’s overall annual sales.


Who Should Buy It? - Businesses that need to meet specific sales targets every year, like those in textiles, FMCG or e-commerce, can benefit from this policy.

Want to know more about marine cargo insurance?

Talk to the Experts!

What is Covered and Not Covered in Marine Insurance?

What’s Covered?

included

Accidental collisions: Covers damage to your goods caused by the ship or vehicle hitting another object or vessel by accident.

included

Breakage and Non-Delivery: If goods are broken during transit or don’t reach the destination, the cost of loss or damage will be covered

included

Water Damage: If water enters the cargo hold and damages your goods, the insurance will take care of the loss.

included

Emergency Costs: If the ship faces an emergency and action is taken to save it, like hiring help or offloading some cargo, the costs will be covered.

included

Fire or Explosion: If your cargo is damaged due to a fire or explosion during transit, the loss will be covered.

included

Natural Calamities: Covers damage caused by natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or other major natural events.

included

Ship Flipping/Sinking: If the ship carrying your goods sinks, flips or gets stuck, you’ll be compensated for the loss of cargo.

included

Derailment: If the vessel accidentally goes off track or turns over and your goods are damaged as a result, the insurance will cover it.

included

Theft: If your cargo is stolen during transit, the loss, this policy will cover the loss.

included

Total Loss During Transit, Loading or Unloading: If all of your cargo is lost during transport or while it’s being loaded or unloaded, you’ll receive compensation.

What’s Not Covered?

excluded

Ordinary Wear and Tear: Loss due to regular handling, like minor breakage, leakage, or loss in weight or volume, is excluded.

excluded

Natural Defects: Damage from natural defects in the goods themselves (like spoilage or rot) is not covered.

excluded

Poor Packaging: If goods are damaged because they were not packed properly, the insurance won’t cover it.

excluded

Delivery Delays: Insurance does not cover financial losses just because the shipment was delayed.

excluded

Non-Transit Storage:  Losses that happen while goods are stored and not actually being transported anywhere aren’t covered.

excluded

Using an Unsafe Vessel: If the cargo is being transported using an unsafe ship or vehicle, the resulting loss won’t be covered.

excluded

Bankruptcy: If you or someone working for you damages the cargo on purpose, the policy won’t cover it.

excluded

Intentional Damages: If you or someone working for you damages the cargo on purpose, the policy won’t cover it.

excluded

Nuclear risks: Damage caused by nuclear reactions, radiation, or radioactive contamination is not covered.

excluded

Riots, wars or strikes: Losses due to war, civil unrest, or strikes aren’t covered unless the policy specifically includes them.

Disclaimer: Marine insurance exclusions and inclusions will differ based on the specific type of marine cargo insurance policy chosen. Kindly refer to the respective policy wording for detailed information. 

Add-ons for Marine Cargo Insurance

  • War-related risks (other than land)

  • Losses due to strikes and riots

  • Damages caused by civil commotion or unrest

  • Multi-transit for cargo that needs multiple shipments

  • Storage extension for storage beyond the usual transit period

How to Buy Marine Insurance Online?

Buying IndusInd marine cargo insurance is quick and easy through our website. All you need to do is enter a few details and complete the payment online.

1
Enter Your Details
Enter Details

Enter commodity, policy requirements & transport. Click "Check Prices”.

2
Provide Details
Provide Details

Enter the start & end date of voyage, the consignor and carrier details.

3
Review and Pay
Review and Pay

Review the given premium quote and proceed as directed.

4
Get Your Policy
Get Your Policy

A copy of your policy will be emailed to you instantly.

From dock to doorstep, your cargo stays covered

Secure Your Global Cargo Journeys

From land, sky, and sea transit, IndusInd Marine Cargo Insurance offers tailored coverage for a wide range of goods and routes. Quick claims and instant purchase ensure that we have you covered!
Marine Cargo Insurance

Marine Cargo Insurance Claim Procedure

Claim process

Claim Process

Inform Us

Inform Us

Travellers are no longer required to present a Covide- 19 vaccination certificate for e-visa for Vietnam from India.
Surveyor

Appointment of Surveyor

Our surveyor will investigate the incident. Cooperate with the surveyor and provide the completed claim form and supporting documents.
Report Submission

Report Submission

Based on the details you provide, the surveyor will prepare a report stating the damage caused and the estimated costs to submit to us.
Claim Process

Claim Process

We will review your claim and the survey report and process it according to your specific policy terms and conditions.
Claim Settlement

Claim Settlement

If your claim is approved, we will settle it and transfer the payout to your account

Note: Take immediate action after a loss. Ensure that all recovery rights against carriers, bailees or other third parties are maintained and carried out within prescribed time limits.

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IndusInd General Insurance

IndusInd General Insurance

Aapke Protection ka All-rounder

IndusInd General Insurance is one of the leading general insurance companies in India. The Company offers a well-rounded and comprehensive bouquet of products including Motor Insurance, Health Insurance, and Travel Insurance, and offers customised solutions to meet the protection needs of each customer.

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Marine Cargo Insurance - Disclaimer

Disclaimer: Marine Cargo Insurance coverage is subject to policy terms, conditions, exclusions, transit clauses, packing standards and underwriting guidelines. Coverage scope varies based on cargo type, mode of transit, voyage route and insured value declared.

Applicable UINs:

Marine Cargo Insurance – IRDAN103RP0022V02200910 (Retail) / IRDAN103CP0029V01201920 (Commercial)

For complete details on coverage, exclusions and transit conditions, please refer to the policy wording and Customer Information Sheet (CIS) before purchase.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are INCOTERMS?

INCOTERMS, or International Commercial Terms, are internationally recognised rules published by the International Chamber of Commerce. They list the responsibilities and risks of both parties (seller/consignor and buyer/consignee) concerning the transportation of goods.For example:In CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) - The seller pays for the cost, insurance and freight. The risk is transferred to the buyer when the cargo is loaded on the ship.In FOB (Free on Board), the seller delivers the cargo to the ship. The risk is transferred to the buyer at the port of shipment, and the buyer pays for the freight and insurance.

What does “perils of the sea” mean?

Perils of the sea refer to unexpected and unavoidable events at sea that can damage the ship or its cargo. These are not caused by normal sea conditions like regular waves but by unusual incidents, such as heavy storms, high tides or rough weather.

What is a floating policy in marine cargo insurance?

A floating policy, also known as an open policy, covers multiple shipments made during the policy year. It is suitable for businesses that frequently import and export goods, so they do not have to buy a new policy for each shipment.

When should I buy marine insurance?

You can purchase cargo and marine insurance after finalising the shipping agreement and before the actual shipment. This helps ensure end-to-end protection from loading at the origin, through transit and unloading at the destination.

What is the basis of valuation and sum insured in marine insurance?

The sum insured is the maximum amount you can claim if your cargo is completely lost during transit. It includes the cost of goods, transportation expenses, taxes and other port handling charges.It is determined based on the following calculation:Sum insured = Cost of cargo + insurance + freight (CIF) + 10% of CIF to cover incidental expensesFor customs duty, the sum insured is the actual duty payable.

What is a deductible in a marine insurance policy?

The deductible in a marine cargo insurance policy is the amount you have to pay out of your pocket for every claim before we cover the remaining expenses.At IndusInd General Insurance, a voluntary deductible, also known as a voluntary excess, is optional. If you opt for it, you can decide the percentage of loss that you want to cover.

For how long is the open policy for marine insurance offered?

An open policy in marine insurance is generally offered for 12 months.

What is the difference between inland marine insurance coverage and ocean marine insurance coverage?

Inland marine insurance covers goods in transit over land (road or rail), air or inland waterways (rivers, canals or lakes). Ocean marine insurance covers goods shipped across the sea by ships or boats.

What are the types of cargo covered in marine insurance?

Some of the common types of commodities covered in cargo and marine insurance policies are:Electronic appliancesAuto spares and auto partsCrude oilFinished leather goodsMetal bars, tubes, sheetsPharmaceutical productsSteel itemsWooden and metal furnitureYou can refer to the complete list of commodities that can be covered on the marine insurance premium calculator available at the top of this page.

What is the difference between specific cover and open cover in marine cargo insurance?

Specific cover in marine insurance covers a single shipment or voyage. An open policy covers multiple shipments during the policy duration.

What should I do if my marine cargo insurance claim gets rejected?

If your marine cargo insurance claim is rejected, you will be informed of the reason. For further clarification, please contact us on our helpline at 022-4890 3009. Refer to grievance redressal for more information.

Is purchasing marine cargo insurance mandatory?

Purchasing marine cargo insurance is not legally mandatory for all cargo movements in India. However, under certain international contracts, such as CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) and CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid), the parties involved must provide proof of insurance coverage. Therefore, it is important to purchase marine cargo insurance to comply with trade regulations.

What are the principles of marine insurance?

Marine cargo insurance operates under these core principles:Principle of Good Faith - The insurer and the insured must share all relevant information regarding the goods that need to be insured.Principle of Insurable Interest - The policyholder will suffer a financial loss directly due to the loss or damage to the cargo that needs to be insured.Principle of Indemnity - The marine cargo insurance covers your actual loss and not the profit involved.Principle of Contribution - If you have purchased marine insurance plans from multiple insurers, they will share the claim payout amongst them.Principle of Proximate Cause - The cause of the loss or damage should be covered under the policy.Principle of Subrogation - After settling the claim, the insurer can recover the amount from third parties involved.

What do you mean by a bill of lading?

A bill of lading is the shipment receipt issued by the carrier to the shipper. It is a legal document that contains important details, such as the type of cargo or commodity, quantity, and destination.

Who has insurable interest under a marine insurance policy?

Insurable interest is the financial stake a person or company has in their cargo. Companies have an insurable interest in their cargo because they would stand to lose money if it were damaged or lost during shipment.

What are the documents required to purchase a marine cargo transit insurance policy?

These are the documents you’ll need to present –Company name and registration detailsNature of tradeType of goodsMode of transportShipping routeValue of goodsTrade contractsBill of ladingKYC documents

What are the factors to consider when purchasing a marine cargo insurance policy?

You will need to consider –Type of commodityMode of transitRisks involved in the shipping routeType of coverage requiredPolicy durationPremium

What can be the policy duration of a specific marine insurance policy?

You can purchase a specific marine insurance policy for a period of

How can I determine the marine cargo insurance premium?

You can share details of your shipment with us at the top of this page, such as the type of commodity, mode of transport and type of coverage required to determine the premium quote online.

Does marine insurance cover damages or losses to cargo due to war?

No, we do not cover damages or losses to cargo due to war. However, IndusInd General Insurance offers an optional add-on to cover war-related risks.

What are Institute Cargo Clauses in marine cargo insurance?

Institute Cargo Clauses (ICC) refer to marine insurance terms that define the different types of coverage and the scope of risks covered. ICC A offers all-risk coverage, ICC B covers specific risks, and ICC C offers basic coverage.

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