మెరైన్ ఇన్సూరెన్స్

How Marine Insurance Protects Vessel Owners

Marine insurance offers protection to goods, vessels, and other assets against risks encountered during transit, including damage or loss due to accidents, weather conditions, or piracy. It ensures financial coverage for both cargo and ship owners, providing peace of mind when transporting goods internationally or domestically.

మెరైన్ ఇన్సూరెన్స్ అంటే ఏమిటి?  

Marine insurance is a policy that protects businesses, cargo owners, and ship owners from financial loss due to damage or loss of goods in transit. It covers risks like accidents, theft, and natural disasters. Marine insurance applies to both inland and ocean shipments, ensuring the safe transit of goods and providing valuable financial protection against unforeseen events during transportation. This type of insurance helps mitigate risks and ensures the continuity of trade and business operations, offering peace of mind for those involved in shipping goods.

మెరైన్ ఇన్సూరెన్స్ ఎలా పనిచేస్తుంది?  

Marine insurance is a contract between the insured and the insurer, where the insured party pays a premium in exchange for protection against potential financial loss during the transit of goods. It covers various risks, including theft, weather-related damages, and accidents that may occur during transportation.

For inland transit, coverage typically includes risks associated with truck or train transport, while for maritime transport, policies protect against risks during ocean or sea travel. To ensure the correct coverage, the insured must declare cargo details, including type, value, and route. In the event of damage or loss, the claimant must provide proof, and compensation is offered according to the policy terms. Policies like inland marine coverage safeguard businesses by protecting their valuable goods during transit, reducing the financial burden caused by unforeseen incidents.

Marine insurance plays a crucial role in mitigating risks in the shipping and transport industry, offering financial security and peace of mind for businesses and individuals involved in moving goods over long distances. Whether by land or sea, this insurance ensures that losses are minimized, helping businesses recover quickly from disruptions.

మెరైన్ ఇన్సూరెన్స్ ఎందుకు ముఖ్యమైనది?  

Marine insurance provides essential financial protection to businesses, cargo owners, and ship owners against the risks associated with transporting goods. It helps mitigate the potential losses that may arise due to accidents, theft, or natural disasters during transit. By offering coverage for both inland and maritime shipments, marine insurance ensures that goods are protected regardless of the mode of transport. Below are the key benefits of marine insurance:

● Protection Against Financial Loss: Covers losses caused by accidents, theft, and natural disasters during transit.

● Safe Transit: Provides coverage for both inland and maritime shipments, ensuring goods are protected no matter the mode of transport.

● Risk Management: Helps businesses manage the risks of transporting high-value goods over long distances.

● Peace of Mind: With insurance, cargo owners and transporters can focus on business operations without worrying about the safety of their goods.

● Legal Compliance: Often a requirement for international trade, protecting goods during transit ensures compliance with import/export regulations.

Features of Marine Cargo Insurance Policy  

● Comprehensive Coverage: Covers a wide range of risks such as theft, damage, accidents, and natural disasters.

● Agreed Value Policy: The sum insured can include not just the cargo value, but also taxes, profit margins, and other associated costs.

● Global Protection: Marine insurance policies are internationally recognized, ensuring protection for shipments globally.

● Inland Marine Insurance: In addition to covering oceanic voyages, inland marine policies protect goods during land transport.

● Assignment Option: Marine policies can be assigned to third parties, ensuring flexibility in case of asset transfer.

● Loss Mitigation: Covers both total and partial losses, reducing the financial impact on businesses.

Who Needs Marine Insurance?  

● Cargo Owners: Those who own goods being transported across borders need to protect their investments during transit.

● Ship Owners: To safeguard their vessels and related liabilities from risks during travel.

● Freight Forwarders: Businesses involved in logistics and transportation need coverage for goods handled during shipment.

● Exporters/Importers: Businesses dealing with international trade require insurance to cover risks associated with transnational shipping.

● Online Sellers/Manufacturers: E-commerce companies or manufacturers shipping goods globally need protection for both inventory and assets.

Why Should You Buy Marine Insurance?  

● Risk Mitigation: Protects your business from financial losses due to accidents, theft, or other transit-related risks.

● Smooth Operations: Ensures uninterrupted shipping and trade activities by mitigating potential financial losses.

● Comprehensive Coverage: Provides both inland and maritime coverage for a wide range of perils during transport.

● Legal Requirement: Often necessary for international shipping to meet trade regulations and customs requirements.

● Protection for High-Value Goods: Secures expensive or sensitive goods against unpredictable risks during transit.

Eligibility Criteria of Marine Insurance 

● Type of Cargo: Eligibility depends on the type of cargo being shipped (e.g., perishable goods, hazardous materials, etc.).

● Mode of Transport: The type of transit (e.g., ocean freight, inland transit insurance) can impact eligibility and coverage options.

● Insurable Interest: The insured must prove a legitimate financial interest in the cargo, as required under the policy.

● Destination and Route: Policies are designed according to the destination, route, and potential risks involved during transit.

● Valuation of Goods: The declared value of the goods will influence eligibility, ensuring coverage reflects the actual value of goods.

Inclusions Under Marine Insurance 

Let us now understand what remains covered in case of loss/damage to the insured reasonably attributable to:

● Fire, explosion

● Vessel or craft being stranded, grounded, sunk, or capsized

● Overturning or derailment of land conveyances

● Collision or contact of vessel craft or conveyance with any external object other than water

● Discharge of cargo at a port of distress

● General average sacrifice

గమనిక: This is not an exhaustive list. For complete information, please refer to the policy wordings carefully.

Exclusions Under Marine Insurance 

Here’s a quick rundown of what remains uncovered in marine insurance:

● Loss, damage or expenses attributable to willful misconduct of the assured

● Ordinary or inevitable losses

● Loss, damage or expense caused by inherent vice or nature of the subject matter insured

● Loss/damage due to insufficient, unsuitable or defective packing (including stowage)

● Loss/damage or expenses proximately caused by delay even if the delay is caused by a peril insured against

● Loss damage or expenses arising from insolvency .

● Loss damage due to un seaworthiness of the vessel or craft, container, lift van employed for carrying the insured matter.

● Wars, strikes and civil commotions unless covered under separate endorsements.

గమనిక: This is not an exhaustive list. For complete information, please refer to the policy wordings carefully.

Why Should You Buy Marine Insurance from Bajaj Allianz?  

Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company offers comprehensive Marine Insurance solutions designed to meet the needs of cargo owners, ship operators, and transporters. With tailored options, such as inland marine insurance and marine cargo insurance coverage, the policy ensures businesses can safeguard goods during transit, whether by sea or land.
The company provides flexible policies like inland transit insurance and marine open policies, allowing continuous coverage for all shipments within a policy period. With a strong customer support team, fast claims process, and expert guidance, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company helps businesses stay protected, reducing the financial risks of transport operations and ensuring smooth, secure transit.

Benefits you get with Bajaj Allianz Marine Cargo Insurance  

● Comprehensive Risk Coverage: Protection against multiple risks like theft, damage, and natural disasters.

● Global Coverage: Safeguard your goods in transit globally, with consistent international coverage.

● Fast and Efficient Claims: Bajaj Allianz offers a streamlined claims process, ensuring a quick and easy settlement.

● Tailored Plans: Choose from different policies such as inland marine policy or sales turnover policy based on your business needs.

● Expert Guidance: Receive advice from experts to help you select the right coverage for your goods and transit type.

Type of Plans Under Marine Insurance Policy  

Types of Coverage Under Marine Insurance  

Marine Insurance Act, 1963  

The Marine Insurance Act, 1963, governs marine insurance contracts in India. It defines the terms of coverage, rights of the insured, and the responsibilities of insurers. The act establishes the conditions under which claims can be made and provides guidelines for resolving disputes between insurers and policyholders. It ensures that the insured receives fair compensation for losses incurred during transit, as long as the conditions of the policy are met.

What Does the Institute Cargo Clauses (ICC) Cover?  

● Institute Cargo Clauses A: Covers all risks, excluding those specifically excluded in the policy.

● Institute Cargo Clauses B: Covers specific named risks, such as fire, explosion, and sinking.

● Institute Cargo Clauses C: Covers a limited set of perils like fire, collision, and theft, and is usually less expensive.

● Add-ons: Includes provisions for additional coverage such as theft by non-delivery, riots, or war-related damage.

Finding the Best Marine Insurance Policy Online  

● Compare Quotes: Use online tools to compare quotes and select the best coverage for your needs.

● Understand Coverage Options: Ensure you understand what each policy covers, from inland marine coverage to marine cargo insurance.

● Consult Experts: Reach out to insurance advisors for expert guidance on the right policy for your shipments.

● Check Reviews: Look for reviews and feedback from other customers to assess the reliability of the insurer.

● Choose Flexible Policies: Opt for policies with customization options that can grow with your business needs.

How is the Premium Calculated for Marine Cargo Insurance?  

● Value of Goods: The declared value of the goods being transported impacts the premium calculation.

● Risk Factors: The type of goods, transport mode, and route influence risk assessments and premiums.

● Transit Duration: The longer the journey, the higher the premium.

● Add-on Coverage: Additional coverage like inland transit insurance or marine open policies increases the premium.

● Claims History: Businesses with frequent claims may face higher premiums.

Claim Process for Marine Insurance Policy  

● Notify the Insurer: Report the incident promptly to Bajaj Allianz via their helpline or online portal.

● Submit Documents: Provide necessary documents like shipment details, invoices, and proof of loss.

● Inspection: An adjuster may be sent to inspect the damage or loss.

● Claim Approval: The insurer processes the claim and issues compensation as per the policy terms.

Documents Required to Raise Claim Under Marine Insurance  

● Bill of Lading: Proof of shipment and delivery.

● Invoice: The commercial invoice indicating the value of the goods.

● Insurance Certificate: The marine insurance policy document.

● Surveyor's Report: If required, a report detailing the extent of damage or loss.

● Proof of Loss: Photographs or documents proving the loss or damage to goods.