Delay & Consequential Loss Insurance

Specialist insurance for freight forwarders facing delay exposures, financial penalties, contractual liabilities and knock-on losses caused by late delivery, missed connections or operational disruption.

We work with leading UK freight & logistics insurers

DELAY & CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS INSURANCE FOR FREIGHT FORWARDERS

Protect your freight business from financial losses caused by delays

Even minor delays can trigger major financial losses for customers - especially with perishable goods, manufacturing supply chains or “just-in-time” operations. Specialist delay & consequential loss cover can protect freight forwarders against these exposures.

Why freight forwarders need delay & consequential loss insurance

Contractual performance requirements are becoming stricter across logistics, and customers increasingly expect compensation for delays - even when not caused directly by the forwarder.


  • Delays can lead to major customer financial losses
  • Penalties may apply even when delay is outside your control
  • Supply chain disruption can trigger knock-on costs
  • Customers often pass their losses onto the forwarder
  • Standard freight liability rarely covers delay-only claims
  • Manufacturing & e-commerce customers expect guaranteed timelines

What Delay & Consequential Loss Insurance Can Cover

Cover varies depending on your trading conditions, role in the supply chain and types of goods handled.

Core cover includes:


  • Financial losses caused solely by delay
  • Consequential loss and knock-on financial impact
  • Penalties for missed delivery windows
  • Liability for customer production downtime
  • E-commerce delivery timing requirements
  • Liability for contractual service failures

Additional options & extensions


  • Delay in transit (DIT) cover
  • Cover for time-sensitive cargo
  • Supply chain disruption insurance
  • Cover for consequential financial penalties
  • Errors & omissions (freight forwarders liability)
  • Business interruption for key customers

Common Delay & Consequential Loss Scenarios

Just some of the situations that can lead to delay-related claims.

Typical exposures include:


  • Port congestion delaying onward transport
  • Weather disruption affecting shipping schedules
  • Missed trans-shipment due to handling delays
  • Documentation errors causing customs delays
  • Manufacturing shutdown due to late components
  • E-commerce goods missing SLA delivery windows

Ideal for:


  • Freight forwarders of all modes
  • E-commerce logistics providers
  • Manufacturing supply chain specialists
  • Time-critical logistics operators
  • Groupage & consolidation operators
  • Forwarders handling perishable or critical goods

“Delay cover has become essential for our customers - Insure24 helped us secure a solution that fits our contractual obligations perfectly.”

Managing Director – International Freight Forwarder

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

+- Does standard freight liability cover delay?

No. Most standard freight liability policies exclude delay-only claims. Specialist delay cover is required for meaningful protection.

+- Can consequential financial losses be insured?

Yes, depending on the underwriter and your trading conditions. Covers may include loss of production, penalties, and additional costs faced by customers.

+- Are manufacturing clients more demanding about delays?

Yes. Just-in-time manufacturing often relies on precise delivery times, making delay and consequential loss cover increasingly important.

+- Can you include delay cover within freight forwarders’ liability?

Yes, where underwriters are willing. Insure24 can combine liability, delay and consequential loss cover under one programme.

Related Freight Forwarding Guides

Delay and consequential-loss exposure links closely to cold-chain risk, project cargo timing, business interruption and contract wording.