Sea Freight / Marine Cargo Insurance

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Protect goods travelling by sea – from port-to-port or warehouse-to-warehouse – with tailored marine cargo insurance for importers, exporters and freight users.

CALL FOR EXPERT ADVICE
GET A QUOTE NOW

We compare quotes from leading cargo insurers

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

SPECIALIST INSURANCE FOR SEA FREIGHT & MARINE CARGO

  • Damage

    LOSS & DAMAGE IN TRANSIT

  • Theft

    THEFT & PILFERAGE

  • GA

    GENERAL AVERAGE CONTRIBUTIONS

  • Worldwide

    WORLDWIDE SEA ROUTES

Cover for Goods Travelling by Sea – Not Just “At the Port”

Marine cargo insurance can protect your goods from the moment they leave your warehouse, during loading, sea transit and discharge, right through to final delivery – depending on the cover selected. Whether you import, export or trade internationally, sea freight insurance helps safeguard your balance sheet.

What Sea Freight / Marine Cargo Insurance Can Cover

Flexible cover for cargo moving by sea – available on a single-shipment or annual “open cover” basis for regular importers and exporters.


  • Physical loss or damage to goods during sea transit
  • Cover based on Institute Cargo Clauses (A, B or C) – from basic to “all risks”
  • General Average and salvage contributions demanded by shipowners
  • Loading/unloading and transhipment risks (where selected)
  • Warehouse-to-warehouse cover – not just port-to-port
  • Single shipment policies or annual/open covers for regular movements

Who Needs Sea Freight / Marine Cargo Insurance?

Typical Policyholders


  • Importers and exporters shipping goods by sea
  • UK businesses buying on FOB, CFR, CIF, EXW or similar terms
  • Manufacturers sending finished goods to overseas customers
  • Wholesalers and traders with regular container or LCL consignments
  • E-commerce businesses using sea freight for bulk stock movements

Key Risks at Sea


  • Rough seas, heavy weather and water damage
  • Loss overboard, container stack collapses or jettison
  • Theft, pilferage or non-delivery
  • Fire or explosion on board vessel or at port
  • General Average – where all cargo interests share in a loss

Why Arrange Sea Freight Cover Through Insure24?


  • Access to specialist marine cargo insurers and wordings
  • Choice of single-shipment or annual/open cover policies
  • Advice on Incoterms and who should insure (buyer vs seller)
  • Support with valuations, limits and basis of cover for your goods
  • Claims support when incidents occur at sea or in port
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A container was lost overboard on a Europe–Far East service. Thanks to the marine cargo policy arranged by Insure24, the claim was settled quickly and our cash flow impact was minimised.

James T., International Importer

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What is Marine Cargo Insurance?

Marine Cargo Insurance covers physical loss or damage to goods while they are in transit – in this case, primarily by sea – and can include journeys from warehouse to warehouse, not just from port to port.

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Do I need cargo insurance if my freight forwarder has cover?

Freight forwarders’ liability policies are limited and usually based on carrier conventions, which may only pay a small amount per kilo. A cargo policy insures the full value of your goods, plus costs and expenses, subject to the policy terms.

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What are Institute Cargo Clauses (A, B and C)?

These are standard sets of clauses used in marine cargo insurance. Clause A typically offers the widest “all risks” cover, while B and C provide more restricted cover. We can help you choose the right level based on your goods and routes.

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Can I buy cover for a one-off shipment?

Yes – one-off or “single transit” policies are available for occasional shipments. If you ship regularly, an annual/open cover may be more cost-effective and easier to administer.

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