Marine Insurance

Highlights

• This policy covers goods,freight and other interests against loss or damage to goods whilst being transported by road,sea and/or air.
• Different policies are available depending on the type of coverage required ranging from an ALL RISK cover to a restricted FIRE RISK ONLY cover.
• This policy is freely assignable and is basically an agreed value policy.

Scope

Transportation of goods can be broadly classified into three categories:

1. Inland Transport
2. Import
3. Export

The types of policies issued to cover these transits are:

For Inland Transit

1. Specific Policy – For covering a specific single transit
2. Open Policy -For covering transit of regular consignments over the same route .The policy can be taken for an amount equivalent to three months despatches and premium paid in advance.As each consignment is despatched, a declaration giving details of the despatch is to be sent to the insurer and the sum insured gets reduced by the amount of the declared despatch.The sum insured can be increased any number of times during the policy period of one year;but care should be taken to ensure that adequate sum insured is available to cover the consignment to be despatched.

For Import/Export

1. Specific Policy – For covering a specific import/export consignment.
2. Open cover – This policy which is issued for a policy period of one year indicates the rates, terms and conditions agreed upon by the insured and insurer to cover the consignments to be imported or exported. A declaration is to be made to the insurance company as and when a consignment is to be sent along with the premium at the agreed rate. The insurance co. will then issue a certificate covering the declared consignment.

Add on covers

Inland  transit policies can be extended to cover the following perils on payment of additional premium :

1. SRCC – Strike, riot and civil commotion

Export /Import policies can be extended to cover War and /or SRCC perils on payment of an additional premium.

Who can take the policy?

The contract of sale would determine who buys the policy. The most common contracts are :

• FOB (Free on Board)
• C & F (Cost & Freight)
• CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight)

In FOB AND C&F contracts, the buyer is responsible for insurance. Whereas in CIF contracts the seller is responsible for insurance from his own premises to that of the purchaser.

How to select the sum insured?

The sum insured or value of the policy would depend upon the type of contract. Usually, in addition to the contract value 10/15% is added to take care of incidental cost.

How to claim?

The following steps should be taken in event of a loss or damage to goods insured :

1. Take immediate steps to minimise loss.
2. Inform nearest office of the insurance company or claim settling agent mentioned on the policy.
3. In case of damage to goods whilst on ship or port , arrange for joint ship survey or port survey.
4. Lodge monetary claim with carrier within stipulated time period.
5. Submit duly assigned insurance policy/certificate along with the original invoice and other documents required to substantiate the claim such as :
   1. Bill of Lading / AWB/GR
   2. Packing list
   3. Copies of correspondence exchanged with carriers.
   4. Copy of notice served on carriers along with acknowledgment/receipt.
   5. Shortage/Damage Certificate issued by carriers.
6. Survey fees is to be paid to the surveyor appointed by the insurance company. This fees will be reimbursed along with the claim if the claim is otherwise admissible.