What happens if you need to make a cargo insurance claim?
If an event occurs that is likely to result in a claim under the policy, please notify us as soon as possible.
Below is a checklist will help you to provide us with everything we need to assess your situation and assist in getting a claim lodged quickly.
First you should:
- do what you can to prevent any further loss, damage, cost or liability
- tell the police if the incident involves theft, attempted theft, fire or malicious damage and note the reference or event number
- take photos of the damage and retain all damaged parts
Never do this without the insurance company’s consent:
- admit guilt, fault or liability (except where required by law)
- offer or negotiate to pay a claim
- approve any repairs or arrange replacements (other than emergency repairs necessary to minimise or prevent further loss or damage)
- dispose of any damaged property
What happens next:
We will give you guidance on how to expedite your claim, and we will typically require the following (this may change depending on the incident):
- Completed claim form
- Repair quotes
- Replacement quotes – home removals insurance only
- Invoices showing the value of the goods damaged
- A copy of transport documents and invoices
- Colour photographs and other documentary evidence to show the extent of the loss or damage
- Correspondence exchanged with the carriers and other parties regarding their liability and the loss or damage
What happens after a claim is lodged:
The insurance company will decide the best way to handle the claim, which may be to:
- Appoint a Marine Surveyor to review or manage the claim, inspect any damages or theft, and assist with the claim process
- Repair the damage
- Pay you a sum of money
Export Claims:
In the event of complex Export Claims the insurance company will typically appoint a local Marine Surveyor to manage the claim on the ground at the overseas destination, such as one from the Lloyd’s Surveyor list – http://agency.lloyds.com
The overseas surveyor will likely inspect the damaged goods and manage the claim on behalf of the insurer.
Please contact our office prior to contacting an overseas surveyor unless our office is closed, you’re unable to contact the insurance company and it’s an emergency.
Claim FAQ:
How long will my claim take
We recommend that you lodge your claim as soon as possible. All claim types are varied, so while some claims may take a few days to settle some may take considerably longer depending on the complexity of the claim and claim value.
How will my claim be calculated
The insurance company typically calculates claims in one or more of the following ways;
- Invoice value + a portion of the original freight costs (if relevant)
- Invoice value + freight costs + duty/GST (if applicable)
- The cost of repairing or reinstating the goods to a condition equal to (not better than) its condition immediately prior to the loss or damage
- The cost of replacing the goods with similar goods of same age and condition
Excess
A policy excess may apply to each event that has caused loss or damage. Please check your insurance policy schedule for details.
Who needs to make a claim
Typically the insured party will be required to lodge a claim and will be the recipient of any claim payout. In the event of a claim for an Export shipment the oveseas recipient / new owner of the goods will be required to lodge a claim and will be the beneficiary of any claim payout.
Common things that aren’t covered by cargo insurance
- loss or damage caused by delay
- port charges
- fumigation charges
- container detention charges
- unexpected storage costs
- additional unexpected freight costs
- damages caused by unsuficiency of packaging
How will my claim be calculated
The insurance company typically calculates claims in one or more of the following ways;
- Invoice value + a portion of the original freight costs (if relevant)
- Invoice value + freight costs + duty/GST (if applicable)
- The cost of repairing or reinstating the goods to a condition equal to (not better than) its condition immediately prior to the loss or damage
- The cost of replacing the goods with similar goods of same age and condition
When are claims likely not to be paid
- where you can’t provide proof that the transit occurred
- where you can’t provide proof of purchase or sale (not relevant for home removals insurance)
- claims for any goods illegally procured
- if your goods are also covered by a third party insurance provider that you’ve already claimed with
Can I claim for replacement value
Typically no. If you have taken up a home removals insurance policy we would encourage you to claim for replacement value if any of your goods are lost or repairs are not an option.
Who do I contact in the case of an Emergency:
In the case of an emergency when our office is closed below are the contact details of the major insurance companies:
Agile Underwriting
Claims Department
1300 705 031
0447 668 777
website
Allianz Marine & Transit
Claims Department
(02) 8258 6070
website
Catlin Australia Pty Ltd T/as Brooklyn Underwriting
Claims Department
(02) 8258 6070
website
Chubb Insurance
Claims Department
(02) 9335 3200
website
Global Transport & Automotive Insurance Solutions
Claims Department
(03) 8623 2666
website
HDI Gerling
Claims Department
(02) 8274 4200
website
Liberty Insurance
Claims Department
(02) 8298 5800
website
National Transport Insurance (NTI)
Claims Department
1800 684 669
website
QBE Australia
Claims Department
133 723
website
XL Catlin
Claims Department
(03) 8611 4700
website
Zurich Australia
Claims Department
132 687
website