INSURANCE Secure & Reliable

At Coastal Shipping Services, we protect your high-value cargo against unforeseen risks across ocean, air, and land transit. Standard carrier liability limits rarely cover full financial loss, leaving your cargo exposed to risks such as severe weather, vessel damage, piracy, theft, or jettison. Our marine cargo insurance policies bridge this gap, offering comprehensive coverage tailored specifically to your trade routes, vessel types, and commodity specifications.

Whether you require single-transit policies for spot shipments or open cover agreements for regular supply chains, we ensure continuous protection from port to port. Partnering with leading underwriters, we deliver flexible risk mitigation strategies and fast claims processing so you can ship globally with total confidence.

Protect your freight today. Get a fast cargo insurance quote.

Contact Us

Marine & Freight Insurance FAQ

Why do I need cargo insurance if carrier liability already exists?

Standard carrier liability is strictly limited by maritime conventions (such as Hague-Visby or COGSA) and usually pays out based on shipment weight or per package, not the actual commercial value of your goods. Cargo insurance guarantees full commercial value recovery regardless of carrier limitations.

What does an All-Risk Cargo Insurance policy cover?

An All-Risk policy provides the broadest level of coverage, protecting your shipment against external physical loss or damage from events like vessel collision, capsizing, severe weather, piracy, theft, non-delivery, and mishandling during loading or unloading.

What is General Average and how does insurance protect me?

General Average is a maritime law principle where all cargo owners share the cost of voluntary sacrifices made to save a vessel in emergency situations. Without insurance, your container can be impounded until you pay a cash deposit. Cargo insurance pays this deposit on your behalf and covers your liability contribution.

How is the insured value of my shipment calculated?

Cargo insurance value is typically calculated as the commercial invoice value of the goods + freight cost + duty fees, plus an additional 10% to cover anticipated profits and administrative overhead incurred during a claim.

What is the difference between Single-Transit and Open Cover policy?

A Single-Transit policy covers a single one-off shipment from origin to destination. An Open Cover policy is an annual contract that automatically covers all regular shipments sent by your business, providing reduced administrative overhead and lower per-shipment rates.

Does cargo insurance cover warehouse storage during transit?

Yes, under standard Institute Cargo Clauses (A), coverage includes warehouse-to-warehouse transit, protecting goods during temporary intermediate storage, transshipment points, and terminal holding while in the ordinary course of transit.

Are temperature-sensitive or refrigerated goods covered?

Refrigerated or perishable cargo requires special policy endorsements, such as Reefer Breakdown Coverage, which protects against loss resulting from mechanical breakdown or temperature variation lasting for a specified period (typically 24 hours).

What documentation is required to file a cargo insurance claim?

To expedite claims, you will need the original Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list, insurance certificate, survey report (or pictures of damaged cargo), and written notice of intent to claim submitted directly to the carrier.