Marine Cargo and Transit Insurance
What is marine transit insurance?
Marine Cargo and Transit insurance is ideal for importers and exporters as well as cargo owners shipping domestically looking to protect cargoes in transit. Whether it’s by sea, air, rail, or road, customers can rest assured their insured goods are protected.
In FY2017, the value of Australian exports of goods and services was A$373.2 billion. That represented an increase of A$53.7 billion on the previous year’s outcome.
Australian Trade Commission, Australia’s Export Performance in FY2017
Did you know?
1,597m
1,597 million tonnes of cargo is moved across Australian wharves in 2015–16.
(Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities, Statistical report, Australian sea freight 2015-2016, 2018)
$218.9b
The value of Australia’s exports by sea was $218.9 billion in 2015–16.
(Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities, Statistical report, Australian sea freight 2015-2016, 2018)
99%
99% of Australian exports use sea transport.
(Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities, Maritime, 2018)
What does a Marine Cargo and Transit Insurance cover?
Marine cargo and transit insurance cover almost any type of goods whilst in transit within Australia or around the world, for a single shipment or all shipments over a 12-month period. Cover can be tailored to suit the specific needs of different cargoes and additional options are available to allow customisation to suit an individual customer needs.
| Type of cover | Potential benefits |
| Accidental damage | Accidental damage during transit, including loading/unloading, theft/non-delivery, fire, explosion, collision, overturning, and sinking/stranding. |
| Insured events | Only the events nominated by the insurer. These are commonly known as fire, collision and/or overturning covers, although there are normally more events offered than these. |
| Collision | Damage caused due to the collision of the carrying vehicle, vessel, train, airplane. It may be a collision between two conveyances or it might involve the conveyance hitting another object such as a bridge, wall, tree etc. |
| Dropping during loading and unloading | Dropping during loading or unloading if this is not an excluded event specified under a specified risks policy. |
| Fire, explosion, lightning | While fire is a common event covered by all transit policies, cover for explosion and lightning may or may not be granted. |
| Impact of goods with external objects other than the conveying vehicle or road | Full impact cover can be provided, including goods falling from and within the vehicle. |
| Malicious damage | Malicious acts, vandalism and sabotage by third parties. |
What usually isn’t covered?
Exclusions, the excess you need to pay and limits of liability can vary greatly depending on your insurer. Policies generally won’t include cover for:
- Consequential loss/loss of market.
- War
- Delay
CASE STUDY
Kerri runs a small business that exports organic cheeses from Australia to Asia. It’s a new business, so she works very hard to provide quality products and build her client base.
Recently, a shipment of her cheeses that were going to a new client was left on the dock unrefrigerated – and the cheeses were spoilt. Not only did Kerri lose valuable product, but she also missed out on the repeat business of the new client.
Thankfully, Kerri had marine transit insurance, which covered her products from the time they left her business until they were in her client’s possession. While her insurance didn’t help her keep the new client, at least the insurance reimbursed Kerri for the cost of the cheeses that were spoilt.
What are the main types of Marine Transit cover?
Marine Transit policies – can be provided on an Annual basis or Single shipment basis.
Marine Annual policy – when all your shipments are covered for a pre-agreed amount based on the type of goods that are being moved.
Single Transit policy – for unique or major shipments, or once-off movement.
Household Removals policy – offers covers home contents and personal belongings whilst they are being moved to between old and new home property, whether it’s within Australia or to an overseas destination.
Cover usually includes:
- Cover for loss or damage caused by accidents in transit or mishandling by removalists
- Packing and unpacking of your possessions
- Cover for incidental storage with optional cover for longer term self-nominated storage (up to a max. of 6 months)
- Cover for alternative accommodation expenses
- Additional goods stored temporarily between houses/ properties
- New-for-old replacement for damaged or lost goods
Carriers Goodwill insurance – is designed to protect the transport operator or carrier with the ability to have commercial settlements made to their customers for loss or damage to their goods or livestock from an insured event at the carrier’s request, regardless of their legal liability.
There is no requirement for the carrier to issue consignment notes or operate under other contracts of carriage.
Carriers Liability
Carriers Liability covers your legal liability regarding compensation for loss or damage to goods, merchandise, and/or livestock. With the transportation of goods key to many businesses within our industry, it is important to know that you are covered for both your vehicle and its cargo.
Cover commonly includes:
- Fire, explosion, lightning or flood
- Collision, crashing or forced landing
- Impact
- Hijacking or armed hold-up
- Overturning or jack-knifing or derailment
- Additional optional benefits are also available:
- Additional Expenses & Collapse of Decks
- Rainwater damage & Shedding of Load
- Theft and non-delivery & Loading/ Unloading
- Refrigerated Goods
Important note
This information is provided to assist you in understanding the terms, implications, and common considerations in marine transit insurance. It does not constitute advice, and is not complete, so please discuss the full details with All Star brokers.
