Delay & Consequential Loss Insurance for Cargo

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Protect your business from financial losses caused by delayed shipments - including port congestion, vessel breakdown, missed connections, customs delays and disruption in global supply chains.

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We compare specialist delay & consequential loss insurers

  • Allianz
  • Aviva
  • QBE
  • RSA
  • Zurich
  • NIG

COVER FOR FINANCIAL LOSS CAUSED BY SHIPPING DELAYS

  • Port delay

    PORT DELAYS & CONGESTION

  • Missed connections

    MISSED TRANSHIPMENTS

  • Delay

    VESSEL & EQUIPMENT BREAKDOWN

  • Costs

    FINANCIAL LOSS & PENALTIES

Standard Marine Cargo Insurance Rarely Covers Delay - This Policy Fills the Gap

Traditional cargo policies focus on physical loss or damage. They do not cover delays, even when delays cause significant financial harm. Delay & Consequential Loss Insurance provides protection against these non-physical but very real exposures.

What Delay & Consequential Loss Insurance Covers

Protection against financial harm caused by delays to your cargo shipments.


  • Financial losses caused by port congestion or closure
  • Additional costs due to vessel breakdown or mechanical failure
  • Extra freight, re-routing or emergency shipping costs
  • Penalties for late delivery under sales contracts
  • Loss of market value due to delayed arrival
  • Delay-related costs for reefer/perishable cargo
  • Customs delays, inspections and documentation issues (optional)

Optional Extensions


  • Perishable cargo deterioration
  • Supply chain disruption cover
  • Contingent business interruption
  • Stock-throughput & warehousing extensions
  • Seller’s interest cover

Who Should Consider Delay & Consequential Loss Coverage?

Industries Affected Most by Delays


  • Importers & exporters with strict delivery deadlines
  • Food & perishable goods businesses
  • Pharmaceutical & chemical companies
  • Retailers with time-critical seasonal goods
  • Manufacturers reliant on just-in-time supply chains

Common Delay Triggers


  • Port congestion & labour shortages
  • Vessel or aircraft breakdowns
  • Container shortages or misrouting
  • Extreme weather or diversions
  • Customs stops or missing documentation

Why Arrange Delay Cover with Insure24?


  • Access to markets offering specialist delay cover (rare in standard cargo)
  • Tailored options for cold-chain, high-value or time-sensitive goods
  • Expert advice on your supply chain risk exposures
  • Worldwide coverage available
  • Dedicated claims support for delay-related losses
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When a key shipment was delayed for two weeks due to port congestion, the policy arranged by Insure24 covered our contractual penalties and prevented a major financial loss.

Sarah M., International Retail Buyer

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

+-

Does standard cargo insurance cover delay?

No - delay is almost always excluded. That is why Consequential Loss Insurance exists as a specialist extension.

+-

What losses can be claimed under Consequential Loss Insurance?

Penalties, loss of market, additional freight costs, re-routing charges, cold-chain deterioration and other financial losses caused by delay - depending on policy terms.

+-

Is delay cover suitable for perishable cargo?

Yes - perishable cargo is highly vulnerable to delays, especially in reefer shipments. Specialist cover is often essential.

+-

Can I buy delay cover for a single shipment?

Yes - cover is available for individual consignments or on an annual basis for regular shippers.

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