The term ‘Marine Transit’ is used for many different types of shipping / transport methods, for example by ‘Air, Sea, Road and Post’. Goods sent by any of the described methods can be insured against accidental loss or damage.

There are many other types of cover available other than just insured damage. For example, a cargo ship on the high seas might experience severe weather conditions, and the captain might choose to offload a few containers at random in order to keep the ship stable.

Generally all freight companies will exclude all responsibility of goods in their possession whilst being transported. A removalist may offer cover for your personal effects, however the cover is generally limited to ‘Fire, Collision & Overturning’ but excludes a number of things such as ‘Accidental Loss or Damage, Theft etc.’

Insurers offer both Single and Annual Transit policies. The premium is calculated based on the description of goods being transported, the estimated turnover of all sendings, and the limit of any one conveyance.

While most countries and territories worldwide are covered for Imports & Exports, each insurer does have listed within their policy, specific Excluded Countries and Territories. It is important that you discuss these with your broker and refer to your policy wordings if there are any countries that you think might be of concern.