Report cargo claim

In case of cargo claim

Fire, theft, breakage, piracy, jettison, washing overboard and contribution to General Average are only a few of the major threats to your cargo.

We in If will provide with the best claims handling service available in the insurance market. Let our international team of claims adjusters and Maritime Lawyer handle your claims so that you can concentrate on your core business.

When there is a loss or damage under the policy, certain measures should be taken to ensure a proper handling and settlement of the claim.

To report a claim or to find information on what to do in case of an insured event choose a country according to your company's policy.

Average Agents

Notify the loss or damage to If P&C Insurance's average agent. The average agent makes a survey to establish the extent of the damage or loss, its cause, and other relevant facts bearing on the matter. The average agent may arrange a joint survey with carriers or other liable third party.
List of Average Agents

Incoterms®

The insurable interest or obligation to take out insurance is usually determined by a term of delivery, such as Incoterms®.

Instructions and practical information

How to proceed in case of Marine/Cargo claim

1. Act as follows on receipt of a shipment

Check the consignment before signing the receipt (waybill or similar freight document).
Count the number of the packages and check with the number stated in the Bill of Lading or Waybill.
Inspect the packages carefully. Note that a slight damage on the package can mean serious damage inside.
If there is damage or loss, investigate the aforementioned.
If possible, take photos to demonstrate the damaged condition of the goods whilst still in the truck or container, or to demonstrate bad stowage.

2. Safeguard the recovery

Make a remark in the freight documents of damage or loss.
The remark should be written on the carrier's copy of the freight document, and also be noted in receiver's own copy.

The remark should specify:

Number of missing and/or damaged packages
Type of damage (broken, wet, torn contents leaked out)
Cause of damage, if known (package overturned, wet due to torn/damaged tarpaulin etc.)
Date and signature

Send a written notice of damage or loss to the carrier/haulier within stipulated time. See more details under Notice of loss or damage.

3. Notify the average agent

Notify the loss or damage to If P&C Insurance's average agent. The average agent makes a survey to establish the extent of the damage or loss, its cause, and other relevant facts bearing on the matter. The average agent may arrange a joint survey with carriers or other liable third party. The average agents are shown in a separate lists under Average Agents.

4. Minimise the damage

Prevent further damage by taking protecting measures. Damaged goods should be handled with care. Separate damaged goods from sound goods. Do not destroy damaged goods without insurance company's acceptance. See under Check list on receipt of goods for printing out the checklists.

5. Claim for indemnity

Always make a detailed claim statement, preferably by using the claim form . The claim must be put forward for settlement under the insurance well before expiry of the time limit for presenting a recovery claim to the haulier, carrier or other third party.

Claim form in pdf (90 KB)

6. Claim documents

Following documents to be attached to the claim:

Commercial invoice
Weight or packing specification
Bill of Lading or Waybill
Copy of Notice of Loss to carrier or haulier
Landing, terminal, or discharge report/receipt
Survey Report with photos
Any other document stating the circumstances in the case

7. Claims settling

The damage will be settled in accordance with the conditions and terms of the insurance policy.

Notice of loss or damage

Notice of loss

Send a written notice of damage or loss to the carrier/haulier within stipulated time.

In the case of visible damage, a notice of loss must be given immediately upon taking delivery of the goods.

In practice this is done by making a remark on the consignment note. This remark must also be visible in the carrier's copy.

Always send a separate written notice of loss or damage (a provisional claim) to the last carrier even if a remark has been made in the transport document as stated in the paragraph above.

The notice should contain the following information:

heading "Notice of loss or damage"
voyage/transport route and B/L, WB No.
type of damage or loss noted
date and signature

The notice of loss or damage, i.e. the provisional claim should always contain the following paragraph: We reserve the right for ourselves and/or our insurance company to present a specified claim later.

Notice of loss form pdf (79 KB)