Austria
Belgium
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Liechtenstein
Netherland
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
United Kingdom
Australia
Hong Kong
New Zealand
India
Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
Philippines
Singapore
Thailand
Brazil
Chile
Colombia
Mexico
Peru
USA
Bahrain
Israel
Morocco
Oman
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Tanzania
Marine Cargo Insurance
Protecting your business is our priority. Securing your cargo risk is just the first step.
Global cargo movement has never been more complex.
From geopolitical instability and climate volatility to cyber threats and supply chain disruption, the risks facing marine and cargo operations are evolving fast and hitting harder.
For any business that moves goods across borders, marine cargo insurance is a vital layer of protection.
Whether you're shipping high-value goods across continents or managing intricate logistics networks, marine and cargo insurance is not only a vital layer of protection, it has to be tailored to reflect the realities of your business and the risks you face.
Why work with us
We don't just provide marine cargo insurance; we fortify supply chain resilience.
Our entire approach is built on four core pillars that ensure your business is not just covered, but fortified.
Proactive strategic advice
The greatest threats to your global supply chain are rarely the most obvious ones. That's why we go beyond the standard policy to architect solutions for the complex and interconnected "what ifs" that can truly disrupt your operations from port to final destination.
Relentless claims advocacy
When things go wrong, you need a champion. Our in-house Singapore claims team of legal and technical experts thrive on navigating the complexities of major and difficult claims to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients. With us, your claim is not just a file; it's a mission.
Unrivaled broker stability
Stop re-educating a new broker every 18 months. The expert you partner with on day one is the same expert who will be by your side as your business grows and evolves, building a deep, institutional knowledge that turns your insurance program into a competitive advantage.
Global intelligence, local partnership
You get the best of both worlds: a dedicated team in Singapore with the insights of our global specialist network at their fingertips. You will have a dedicated senior partner right here in Singapore, backed by Howden's global network. We bring the world's resources to your doorstep.
What’s included in marine cargo insurance
We architect comprehensive insurance programs designed for the complexities of modern supply chains. Our deep expertise allows us to precisely tailor your coverage, ensuring you are never overpaying for insurance you don't need, or dangerously underinsured for the risks that can halt your business in its tracks. Foundational marine cargo coverage includes:
Marine Cargo & Transit Insurance
All-risk coverage for your goods on any journey - sea, air, or land.
Stock Throughput Policies
A seamless, end-to-end policy that covers your inventory from the moment it leaves your supplier until the final sale, eliminating dangerous coverage gaps.
War, Strikes, Riots & Civil Commotion
Specialized coverage to protect your assets in an increasingly volatile world.
Project Cargo & Heavy Lift
Bespoke solutions for high-value, complex, and oversized shipments.
The Howden difference: A holistic understanding of your commercial risks
Our strategic value lies in seeing the complete picture. We understand that your cargo risk does not exist in a vacuum. We are experts in the interconnected liabilities and commercial risks that surround your core business:
Trade Credit Insurance: Protecting your single most important asset - your accounts receivable. From the risk of customer insolvency or non-payment, a critical shield for any wholesale trader.
Freight Forwarder's & Carrier's Liability: Protecting your business from legal liability when you are responsible for the goods of others.
Port & Terminal Liability: Shielding you from the complex risks that arise when your operations interact with third-party port and terminal infrastructure.
Political Risk Insurance: Providing the ultimate protection against confiscation, expropriation, and contract frustration for supply chains operating in unpredictable regions.
Dedicated Claims Advantage
We don’t just process claims, we champion them. When a crisis strikes, this is our commitment to you.
In-House Champions, Not a Call Center.
Your claim is driven by our dedicated Singaporean team of legal and technical experts. You get a specialist and an advocate, not just a processor.
Mastery of Complexity
We have a proven track record of navigating the major, complex claims that others won't. When the stakes are highest, our expertise is your greatest asset.
A Global Expertise on Demand
A major loss requires a multi-disciplinary response. We deploy our global network of top-tier loss adjusters, forensic accountants, and engineering specialists to fortify your position.
FAQs
It is a specialized policy that safeguards your financial interest in your goods during transit by sea, air, or land. A robust policy is designed to shield your business from a wide range of perils, including:
Loading and unloading accidents
Adverse weather conditions
Theft (including piracy)
Vessel sinking or collision
Other transportation-related incidents
Because a carrier's liability is designed to protect the carrier, not you. Their liability is typically capped at a fraction of your cargo's true value, leaving your business dangerously exposed. A dedicated marine cargo policy provides the comprehensive financial protection needed to shield your balance sheet from significant loss and ensure your operational resilience.
Incoterms® define the precise moment in a shipment that risk transfers from the seller to you. A mismatch between these trade terms and your insurance policy can create a catastrophic, uninsured gap in your supply chain, but we ensure your coverage is perfectly aligned to eliminate this hidden and significant risk.
You should immediately contact your insurance provider or broker (if you used one) to report the incident and initiate the claims process. They will guide you through the necessary steps and help you gather the required documentation for a smooth and timely resolution.
Carrier liability is the limited cover provided by the carrier for cargo damage or loss, often with restrictions and exclusions. Marine cargo insurance offers broader and more comprehensive cover against various risks, providing superior financial protection.
Yes, marine cargo insurance can be customised to suit the specific needs of industries or types of goods being transported. This ensures that the cover is comprehensive and relevant to the risks associated with the cargo, offering peace of mind and tailored protection.
Marine cargo insurance protects against financial losses due to damage, loss of goods, customs-related issues, and delays in delivery during international shipping. This allows businesses to recover quickly from setbacks and avoid significant financial strain.
Yes, you can enhance your marine cargo insurance with additional cover for warehouse-to-warehouse protection, delays in shipment, and even cover for perishable goods, depending on your specific requirements and the insurer's offerings.
Premiums are calculated based on various factors, including the type and value of the cargo, mode of transportation, shipping routes, packaging quality, and any additional cover options chosen. Working with an insurance broker can help you find the most competitive rates and comprehensive cover for your needs.
While not always legally mandatory, marine cargo insurance is highly recommended for all international shipments. It mitigates risks and protects against unforeseen events that could lead to financial loss during transit, providing you with invaluable peace of mind.
In the event of cargo damage or loss, notify your insurance provider or broker (if you used one) immediately and provide detailed documentation of the incident. They will guide you through the claims process, aiming for a prompt resolution and fair compensation.
Yes, marine cargo insurance can be extended to cover goods during temporary storage before, during, or after transit, as well as during exhibitions or trade shows. This offers comprehensive protection throughout the entire journey of your goods.