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Marine insurance is a contract where the insurer agrees to cover financial losses a business may face while transporting goods across sea, air, road, rail or inland waterways. It broadly includes cargo insurance (for goods in transit) and hull insurance (for damage to vessels, machinery or equipment).
See More...Marine Insurance offers practical features that help businesses stay protected during goods movement. Whether you are shipping raw materials, finished goods, or machinery, this policy keeps your cargo secure throughout the journey.
Here are some key features of Marine Insurance:
The policy covers transport by sea, air, road, rail, and inland waterways. It applies to both domestic and international shipments.
Cover starts when the goods leave your premises and continues until they are delivered to the final destination.
The policy protects against risks like fire, theft, collision, overturning, water damage, impact, and pilferage during transit.
You can choose from different types of marine policies depending on your need—single transit, open policy, or annual turnover-based cover.
Whether you are an importer, exporter, wholesaler, or manufacturer, the terms of the policy can match how your goods move.
You can include add-ons like warehouse-to-warehouse cover, duty insurance, or strike and riot cover for wider protection.
Marine Insurance gives peace of mind by covering the common risks faced during transport. It helps reduce financial loss and keeps your operations moving without disruption.
Marine Insurance is useful for any business that sends, receives, or manages goods in transit. It protects your shipments from financial loss due to accidents, theft, or damage during transport. If your business depends on the smooth movement of goods, Marine Insurance helps reduce risk and gives peace of mind.
Here are the types of businesses that benefit from Marine Insurance:
Direct-to-consumer brands that ship products directly to customers need Marine Insurance to protect against losses during delivery.
Exporters face long-distance and cross-border risks. Marine Insurance covers international shipping and keeps export operations secure.
Manufacturers send raw materials and finished goods across locations. This policy covers both inward and outward cargo.
Transport companies and freight handlers who take responsibility for goods need insurance to manage any accidental damage or loss.
These businesses deal with bulk shipments across states or regions. Marine Insurance helps protect stock in transit.
Online sellers ship high volumes of goods daily. Insurance helps cover claims for damaged or lost parcels during delivery.
If your business moves goods, Marine Insurance is not optional—it is essential. It keeps your cash flow safe, supports customer trust, and helps your business grow without interruptions.
Marine Insurance is not one-size-fits-all. Depending on how often you move goods and how your business operates, there are different types of policies to choose from. Each one is built to meet different needs and levels of shipment frequency.
Here are the main types of Marine Insurance policies:
A Single Transit Policy protects your goods during one specific journey. The cover begins when the goods leave your premises and ends once they are delivered to the buyer. This policy is ideal for businesses or individuals who ship occasionally or have one-time consignments.
It covers risks such as fire, theft, collision, overturning, water damage, and natural disasters during transit. You can use it for transport by road, rail, air, or sea.
This policy is also called Marine Transit Insurance, Single Transit Insurance, Marine Single Transit Insurance, Inland Transit Insurance, or Marine Transit Insurance (Inland).
A trader in Bhopal sent industrial valves worth ₹4.2 lakh to a buyer in Jaipur. The lorry overturned mid-way, and many cartons were damaged. The insurer reimbursed the full value, including ₹15,000 in freight charges and surveyor costs. The trader resumed business without loss.
Single Transit Insurance is essential when your goods are no longer under your control. It ensures that one incident does not cause a big financial loss.
A Marine Open Policy provides automatic cover for all your shipments over a fixed period, usually one year. This policy is useful for businesses that move goods regularly and do not want to take separate policies for each trip.
It starts when the goods leave the warehouse and continues until delivery. It covers risks such as fire, theft, water damage, impact, and mishandling during transport.
This policy is also called Open Marine Insurance, Annual Open Policy, Marine Export-Import Insurance, Marine Declaration Policy, and Marine Open Declaration Policy.
A textile exporter in Solapur sends fabric shipments weekly. The company took an Open Marine Policy instead of buying multiple transit covers.
Open Marine Insurance saves time, reduces paperwork, and provides hassle-free protection for frequent shipments.
A Sales Turnover Policy covers your annual sales-based transit under one policy. Instead of insuring each shipment, you simply share your turnover figures at intervals. It is a smart option for businesses with high shipment volumes.
It covers imports, domestic movement, exports, and returns — all under one umbrella. The protection starts from dispatch and continues until delivery.
This policy is also known as Annual Sales Turnover Policy, Marine Sales Turnover Policy, Sales-Based Marine Policy, Annual Turnover Marine Policy, and Marine Sales Declaration Policy.
A ceramic tile manufacturer in Morbi sends goods across India. Based on projected sales, the company chose a Sales Turnover Policy.
A Sales Turnover Policy helps large businesses stay protected with less paperwork and full-year confidence.
Each policy has a specific role. Whether you ship once or send hundreds of consignments every month, Marine Insurance offers the right option to keep your goods safe in transit.
Marine Transit Insurance is based on globally accepted standards known as Institute Cargo Clauses (ICC). These clauses clearly outline what is covered and what is not under the policy. There are three main types — ICC (A), ICC (B), and ICC (C). Each clause provides a different level of protection and pricing.
Here is a simple explanation of the three:
ICC (A) offers the widest level of protection under a Single Transit Policy. It covers almost every unexpected loss or damage during the journey unless specifically excluded in the policy wording. Events covered include:
However, this clause does not cover losses from delay, wear and tear, poor packing, internal spoilage, or deliberate acts.
Businesses often choose ICC (A) when shipping expensive, delicate, or time-sensitive goods. Though it costs more, it removes confusion and provides the most complete protection.
ICC (B) provides mid-level protection. It only covers specific events mentioned in the clause but includes some water-related risks as well. Events covered include:
This type of cover works well for general cargo like steel, bulk goods, or equipment, especially if they are being shipped during the rainy season.
ICC (C) gives the most limited cover. It protects your shipment against only major accidents. Events covered include:
It does not cover theft, water damage, pilferage, or rough handling. ICC (C) is usually chosen for goods with low value or durable cargo that can absorb small losses without serious impact. It is also preferred when keeping premium costs low is the priority.
Your choice depends on the type of goods, their value, and how much risk you are willing to accept.
Understanding these clauses helps you get the right protection and avoid confusion at the time of claim.
One of the most common modes within India. Trucks, lorries, or commercial vans are used to move goods between factories, warehouses, and retail points.
Marine Insurance covers road transport risks both for short-distance and long-haul shipments.
Used for bulk cargo across long distances. Goods are packed in wagons or containers and moved via goods trains between states. Marine Insurance covers:
Rail is cost-effective, but risks remain.
Fastest mode for urgent or international deliveries. Goods are flown as cargo or with commercial airlines. Marine Insurance covers:
Important for high-value, fragile, or perishable goods.
Essential for import-export and bulk movement. Goods are shipped in containers across oceans and rivers. Marine Insurance protects against:
This is the core mode covered in traditional Marine Insurance.
Goods move via rivers, canals, and backwaters in states like Kerala, Assam, and West Bengal. Useful where roads or rails are limited. Marine Insurance also covers:
Cargo is carried on barges or small boats.
Most cargo journeys involve more than one mode of transport. For example, a shipment may travel from a factory by road, reach the port, move by sea, and finally reach the buyer by rail or truck. Marine Insurance provides continuous cover across all these modes — from dispatch to delivery — ensuring that your cargo is protected at every step.
Marine Insurance protects your goods while they are being transported, whether by road, rail, air, or sea. What is covered under the policy depends on the Institute Cargo Clause (ICC) you choose. There are three options — ICC (A), ICC (B), and ICC (C). Each clause lists specific risks that are covered under the policy.
Let us look at the coverage under each clause in detail:
ICC (A) offers the most complete protection for your cargo. It covers nearly every type of accidental damage or loss that may happen during transit unless something is clearly excluded in the policy.
Here is what it includes:
If cargo is deliberately thrown overboard to save the ship during an emergency, you are covered for that loss.
If the truck or train carrying your goods turns over or derails, the damage to your cargo is included.
If your goods are stolen or partly stolen during the journey, the policy pays for the loss.
Any damage caused by fire or explosions while the goods are in transit is covered.
Unexpected damage caused by sudden impact, mishandling, or shifting of goods is included.
If there is an emergency and the shipowner takes action to save the cargo — for example, flooding is controlled, or fire is put out — the shared cost is covered under your policy.
If natural disasters like an earthquake or lightning strike damage your goods, you are protected.
If the ship becomes stranded or stuck and your cargo is damaged as a result, the policy will pay for the loss.
If cargo is lost overboard or dropped during handling, it is covered.
Damage that happens during loading, unloading, or while moving cargo between locations is also included.
If the vessel meets with an accident and flips or hits another vessel, the resulting damage to your goods is covered.
If your goods are lost or damaged and cannot be delivered to the buyer, the policy will compensate for the loss.
ICC (A) is the best option if your goods are fragile, expensive, or time-sensitive. It provides maximum peace of mind during transport and is often preferred by exporters and businesses that cannot afford any delay or damage.
ICC (B) offers protection for specific listed events. It is more limited than ICC (A) but includes additional water-related incidents when compared to ICC (C). It is suitable for cargo that is packed securely but still faces certain risks during transport.
Coverage under ICC (B) includes:
If the vehicle or train carrying your goods meets with an accident, you are protected.
If your cargo needs to be offloaded at an emergency port due to a problem with the ship, the resulting damage or cost is covered.
Any loss due to fire or blasts during transit is included.
If natural disasters damage your goods while in transit, the policy will pay.
If the ship becomes stuck or grounded and the cargo gets damaged, the insurer will compensate.
If the ship or transport vehicle crashes or flips, any resulting damage to the goods is covered.
ICC (B) is commonly used for goods like machinery, metal parts, or packaged goods that are not too fragile but still need some level of protection, especially during monsoon or sea transit.
ICC (C) is the simplest form of marine cover. It only protects your cargo against very specific, serious events. It does not include many common causes of loss, but it is helpful when transporting goods that are not easily damaged or when you want to keep your insurance premium low.
Coverage under ICC (C) includes:
If your goods are damaged because the truck or train overturns or derails, the policy will cover the cost.
If cargo is removed at an alternate port due to a ship emergency, you are protected.
If goods are burnt or damaged due to fire or an explosion, it is included.
If the ship gets stuck and the cargo is damaged, that loss is covered.
If the vessel or vehicle carrying your goods hits another object or flips, any cargo loss is paid for.
ICC (C) is best for durable, low-value items where minor damage is not a major concern. It is often chosen when both the seller and buyer agree to accept higher risks in return for lower insurance costs.
Every Marine Insurance Policy has its own list of covered risks. By understanding these clauses, you can choose the right one based on what you are shipping, its value, and the risks involved. Choosing the correct coverage makes sure that your business stays protected even when things go wrong during transit.
Marine Insurance is designed to protect goods in transit. But like every insurance policy, there are certain situations where claims will not be accepted. These are known as policy exclusions. Each Institute Cargo Clause — ICC (A), ICC (B), and ICC (C) — has its own set of exclusions that define when the insurer is not responsible for paying.
Let us explore these exclusions clause by clause:
Even though ICC (A) offers the broadest protection, there are important situations where cover is not provided:
If the damage or loss is caused intentionally by you or someone acting on your behalf, the insurer will not pay. For example, if goods are damaged because of a deliberate act or fraud, the claim will be rejected.
Small losses due to evaporation, seepage, or product shrinkage over time are not covered. These are considered normal parts of transport and not accidental damage. Example: If oil reduces slightly during transit due to natural evaporation, that loss is not payable.
Some goods may spoil, melt, or corrode on their own even without any external accident. This is called inherent vice. Such losses are not covered because they are part of the product’s nature. Example: If butter melts in high temperature or metal rusts in humid conditions, the policy will not cover the loss.
The responsibility to pack goods properly lies with the shipper. If goods are damaged because they were packed loosely, not cushioned, or poorly sealed, the claim will be denied. Example: If glassware breaks because it was packed in a soft box without padding, the insurer will not pay.
If your cargo arrives late and that causes a financial loss — such as cancellation of an order — it is not covered. Marine Insurance protects against physical loss or damage, not against missed deadlines or delayed business.
If you knowingly use a ship, truck, or aircraft that is damaged or unsafe, and your goods get affected, the insurer is not responsible. The policy assumes that transport is fit and legally allowed to carry cargo. Example: If you use an old vessel that had prior mechanical issues and your cargo gets soaked, you cannot raise a claim if you were aware of the risk.
ICC (B) includes all the exclusions under ICC (A). In addition, it removes some important covers. These are also excluded:
If your goods are stolen in full (theft) or in part (pilferage), ICC (B) will not protect you. This is a major reason why many businesses choose ICC (A) instead, especially when goods are high in value or prone to theft. Example: If goods are tampered with during loading or stolen from a container, ICC (B) will not cover the loss.
If cargo is accidentally dropped into the sea, lost during unloading, or slips off a vehicle, ICC (B) does not cover it. This type of loss is only protected under ICC (A). Example: A carton falls off a forklift and is destroyed. You cannot claim under ICC (B).
Damage that happens during the physical handling of goods — such as loading, unloading, or moving between locations — is excluded. Rough handling is a common cause of damage, but ICC (B) does not protect against it.
ICC (C) carries the same exclusions as ICC (A) and ICC (B), but with additional limitations. It is best suited for cargo that is strong, inexpensive, or not sensitive to minor losses.
As with ICC (B), if any package is dropped, falls overboard, or is lost in handling, ICC (C) will not cover the loss.
Damage caused by these natural disasters is not included in ICC (C). So, if your cargo is at risk from extreme weather or natural hazards, ICC (C) may not be suitable.
Example: If lightning hits the transport vehicle and damages your cargo, you cannot raise a claim under ICC (C).
A Marine Insurance Policy is not limited to sea journeys alone. It is also classified based on where your goods are moving — within India, across international borders, or even between two foreign countries. These classifications help ensure the right protection is given based on geography and sale terms.
Let us break this down in simple terms:
This policy covers the movement of goods within India, using road, rail, domestic air, courier, or inland waterways.
Import Marine Cargo Insurance covers goods that are being imported from another country into India. It ensures your cargo is protected across the entire journey — from the foreign seller to your warehouse in India.
It covers risks such as:
This policy protects goods that are being exported from India to another country. Like import cover, this is also issued as warehouse-to-warehouse, unless the Incoterms specify otherwise.
It covers:
Exporters often buy this policy to meet buyer requirements, protect their interests, and ensure smooth trade.
Coastal Marine Cargo Insurance is for goods transported between Indian ports by sea using coastal vessels. It is commonly used for bulk or heavy cargo like cement, steel, or industrial equipment.
This policy:
Refers to Institute Cargo Clauses, but also includes Indian Coastal Vessel Warranties, such as:
It protects against:
This is not the same as import or export. Cross-trade (also called Third-Country Transit) refers to cargo movement between two countries outside India, where the Indian party is the buyer, seller, or trader — but the goods never enter India.
Example: An Indian trading firm arranges a shipment from Vietnam to Nigeria without any leg touching Indian soil.
It protects goods through the entire journey — road, air, or sea — even if it starts and ends outside India.
Marine Insurance Policy premiums are influenced by multiple practical factors. Understanding these helps you make informed decisions and manage your insurance costs better.
Here are the six most important factors:
The kind of goods you are moving directly affects the risk — and the premium.
The more sensitive or valuable the cargo, the higher the risk, and therefore the higher the cost of cover.
The longer and more complex the journey, the greater the risk of loss or damage.
Short, safe, and direct routes are cheaper to insure than long or risky ones.
Your choice of Institute Cargo Clause affects the level of cover — and the premium.
Choosing wider protection means paying more but getting better peace of mind.
Premium is calculated on the sum insured, which includes:
A higher declared value means a higher premium — but also ensures full compensation in case of loss.
The risk level changes based on how the goods are being moved:
The chosen mode affects the insurer’s risk assessment and pricing.
Your track record with insurance matters.
Insurers reward businesses that handle cargo responsibly and submit clean documentation.
As soon as the loss or damage happens, contact us within 2 days. Share all relevant details and documents, such as photos or reports. We will make sure the process starts without any delays.
Once notified, a surveyor will visit your site within 1-2 days to assess the damage. Please avoid moving any damaged items until the surveyor arrives. After that, we will take care of the next steps.
We will guide you through submitting the necessary documents, including the claim form, incident notes, and financial records. Our team will ensure everything is submitted correctly and on time.
Once the documents are submitted, the surveyor will evaluate the claim and provide a settlement amount based on your policy terms. After approval, the insurer will finalise the settlement.
Once the settlement is approved, payment will be processed and issued to you or your beneficiary. After payment, the claim will be closed. If any further issues arise, we will be here to support you until they are fully resolved.
In 2023, a garment exporter in Ludhiana was transporting a shipment of branded winter jackets to a wholesaler in Bengaluru. Midway through the journey, the truck was hijacked overnight near Nagpur. The police filed a theft report, and the business raised a claim under its open Marine Insurance Policy. The insurer approved a settlement of ₹9.3 lakhs for the stolen goods and ₹18,000 for emergency transport charges to resend the order. The payout helped the exporter fulfil the delivery without financial strain.
In 2022, a spices trader in Kochi was exporting containers of packed black pepper to a buyer in Dubai. While the vessel was docked at the port before departure, it partially sank due to structural failure, submerging the loaded containers. The goods were covered under an export Marine Insurance Policy with ICC (A) clause. The trader filed a claim and received ₹27 lakhs for the total loss, including freight and incidental costs. This helped the business recover quickly and maintain its export commitments.
In 2021, an industrial parts supplier in Pune sent a truckload of machinery components to a factory in Hyderabad. On the way, the vehicle collided with another lorry on a highway, causing multiple crates to shift and break. The goods were insured under a Single Transit Policy. A claim was filed with proper documentation, and the insurer paid ₹6.8 lakhs for cargo damage and ₹9,200 for unloading and salvage operations. The timely payment allowed the supplier to resend fresh components and maintain the project timeline.
Vishal Sharma
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Marine Insurance meaning - A type of insurance that protects your goods while they are in transit. It covers loss or damage caused by events like fire, theft, accident, overturning, water seepage, or mishandling — whether by road, rail, air, sea, or inland waterway.
Marine Cargo Insurance covers international shipments.
The policy protects against shipping, handling, and customs risks along the way.
Marine Insurance is not mandatory by law, but it is essential for businesses that move goods. It protects you from heavy financial losses during transit and is often required by buyers, sellers, or financiers in trade contracts.
Key conditions include:
Always read the policy wording to understand your coverage limits.
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