
When shipping goods by air, it's essential to consider air cargo insurance options to ensure safe and secure shipments. Air cargo insurance can be tailored to fit specific business needs.
There are various types of air cargo insurance, including all-risk insurance, which covers damage or loss to cargo due to external factors such as weather or terrorism. All-risk insurance policies can be further customized with additional coverage options.
All-risk insurance policies typically have a deductible, which is the amount the policyholder must pay out-of-pocket before the insurance kicks in. For example, a policy with a $10,000 deductible means the policyholder must pay the first $10,000 of any losses before the insurance pays out.
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What Is Air Cargo Insurance?
Air cargo insurance is a type of insurance that protects against financial losses due to damage or loss of goods during transportation by air.
The primary goal of air cargo insurance is to cover the value of goods against risks such as theft, damage, or loss during transit.

Air cargo insurance policies can be tailored to meet the specific needs of shippers, including coverage for high-value or fragile items.
The cost of air cargo insurance varies depending on factors such as the value of the goods, the route of transportation, and the level of coverage desired.
Insurance premiums can be a significant expense for shippers, but they can also provide peace of mind and financial protection against unexpected losses.
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Types of Insurance
Air cargo insurance is essential for protecting your shipments, but did you know there are different types of coverage to choose from? You can opt for all-risk insurance, which covers almost everything that can happen during transportation, excluding war-related damages, natural disasters, or poor packaging-related issues.
Some common types of air cargo insurance include named perils insurance, which only covers specific risks listed in the policy, and free of particular average (FPA) insurance, which covers damages and losses only when they are severe.

Here are the three basic levels of cargo insurance:
Different Types of
All-risk insurance is the most comprehensive type of cargo coverage, protecting against almost everything that can happen during transportation, including theft, damage caused by mishandling, and accidents.
Named perils insurance only covers specific risks listed in the policy, such as theft, fire, and aircraft crashes.
Free of particular average (FPA) insurance covers damages and losses only when they are severe, not providing partial damage coverage.
Warehouse-to-warehouse coverage ensures your shipment is protected throughout the entire journey, including during temporary storage or road transport.
General average coverage helps when there is a shared risk for all shippers on aircraft, such as when a part of the cargo needs to be thrown to save the plane during an emergency.
There are three basic levels of cargo insurance: Type A (All-Risk Insurance), Type B (Average Clauses), and Type C (Free of Particular Average).

Here are the three basic levels of cargo insurance in more detail:
Freight Safeguards Sky-High
You can estimate the insured value of a shipment by adding the invoice value to the cost of freight and an additional 10% for any extra costs. This is a simple way to calculate the insured value, but it's essential to check your insurance policy for the exact method of determining valuation.
Air freight insurance is highly recommended, but not mandatory, for all air shipments. It provides protection against potential damages or losses during transit, offering peace of mind and financial security.
To calculate the insured value, you can use the following formula: Actual Value + Air Freight Costs + 10% of Total Cost. For example, if the Actual Value is $125,000 and the Air Freight Costs are $3,000, the Total Cost would be $128,000, and the 10% would be $12,800. This results in an Insured Value of $140,800.
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There are three basic levels of cargo insurance: All-Risk Insurance, Average Clauses (WA), and Free of Particular Average (FPA) insurance. Each type has its own exclusions and applications, but they all provide some level of coverage for cargo losses or damages.
Here are the three types of cargo insurance:
Air cargo insurance can be obtained from air freight carriers or marine cargo providers, and it's essential to understand the different types of coverage available to ensure you have the right protection for your shipments.
Important Considerations
Air cargo insurance prices vary greatly depending on several factors, including the extent of coverage, provider, value of insured items, and destination. Some insurers offer contingent liability policies, which can be beneficial when a sales contract requires a buyer to accept goods on delivery.
The type of coverage you need depends on the value and type of goods you're shipping. All-risk coverage is the most comprehensive, while named perils coverage is more limited. It's essential to understand the Institute Cargo Clauses, which standardize coverage terms and conditions across the industry.

International air shipping involves multiple parties and stages, increasing the risk of mishaps. Air cargo insurance protects against unforeseen issues that can occur during transportation, handling, or storage. This peace of mind allows you to focus on growing your business.
Air cargo insurance is not meant to physically protect cargo, but rather to protect your business financially in the event of loss or damage. The more valuable the cargo, the more important it is to protect your business' financial interests.
You may need air cargo insurance for various reasons, including shipping valuable items, fragile goods, or internationally. Consider the following scenarios:
- Valuable shipments: When shipping high-value items, air cargo insurance is a must.
- Fragile items: If you're shipping products that are easily breakable during transit, insurance is crucial.
- Unpredictable conditions: Weather delays, handling issues, and other unexpected events can impact the shipment and increase the risk of potential losses.
- International shipping: When shipping internationally, the risk of multiple issues increases, including complex customs processes, political instability, and chances of delay, theft, or loss.
What Is Insured Value Calculation?
Calculating insured value is a crucial step in air cargo insurance, and it's not as complicated as you might think. To estimate the insured value of a shipment, you can add the invoice value of the shipment to the cost of freight, with an additional ten percent for any additional costs.

The exact way of determining valuation should be stated in your insurance policy, but a simple way to do it is to use a formula like the one shown in Example 3, which adds the actual value of the goods, air freight costs, and an additional ten percent for any additional costs.
Here's a breakdown of the insured value calculation:
Keep in mind that having an insured value of $140,800 doesn't mean that's the amount you'll receive in the event of a claim. It represents the starting point of an insurance claim, and depending on the policy, you may get a percentage of the total insured cost or just a percentage of the air freight costs by weight.
To determine your coverage amount, it's essential to evaluate the value of your goods, including the purchase price, cost of manufacturing or producing, packaging, handling, and shipping costs.
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Coverage
Air cargo insurance provides security by covering the financial risk of damage or loss during air transportation. There are three different levels of cargo insurance, called Institute Cargo Clauses: Type A provides all-risk insurance, Type B provides average insurance, and Type C coverage is also called free of particular average insurance.

Type A, the most comprehensive option, covers all risks, including physical damage, theft, and loss of goods during transit. This type of insurance is more expensive due to the higher level of coverage.
A standard air cargo insurance policy typically includes several key elements, such as coverage for loss or damage, general average protection, war and strikes coverage, and delay coverage.
Here are some common things that are covered by air cargo insurance:
- Loss or damage of goods: If your cargo is lost or damaged during transportation because of any incidents like mishandling or accidents, the insurance company will cover you for the value of the goods.
- Accidents during loading and unloading: The insurance will cover the loss if the shipment gets damaged while loading or unloading from the aircraft.
- Theft or partial theft: In case of theft or partial theft, air cargo insurance will compensate you for the value of stolen goods.
- Collision or plane crash: If your cargo is damaged or lost because of an aeroplane collision, crash, or other transport-related accidents, then they are covered in the insurance policy.
- Hijacking: Loss or damage to the goods caused by hijacking is covered by air cargo insurance.
- Weather-related damages: Some air cargo insurance covers goods in shipment that are exposed to or can be damaged by severe weather like floods, storms, or hurricanes.
- Storage issues: If the cargo is damaged or lost during its temporary storage during transportation, it is usually covered by the insurance policy.
To determine the right coverage amount for your air cargo insurance, consider the value of your goods, shipping costs, and potential risks associated with your shipment.
Responsibility and Claims
Air carriers are required to provide a minimum level of liability insurance. This means they have some responsibility for your cargo's safety, but it's not always enough to cover all losses.
The responsibility of insuring air cargo falls on the shipper if the air carrier doesn't provide adequate liability insurance. This is a crucial aspect to consider when shipping goods by air.
Broaden your view: Carrier Liability vs Cargo Insurance

To make a claim on your air cargo insurance, you'll need to identify the issue, record everything, and contact your insurance company. Be prepared to provide shipment details, like the shipment date, policy number, and nature of the damage or loss.
Here's a simple step-by-step guide to help you navigate the claim process:
- Identify the issue: Check your shipment carefully to determine the extent of damage or if any items are missing.
- Record everything: Take photos and videos of the damaged packaging, goods, and shipping labels.
- Contact your insurance company: Be ready with the shipment details and supporting documents.
Who Is Responsible?
Air carriers are required to provide a minimum level of liability insurance.
In some cases, air carriers may not have sufficient insurance coverage, which is why shippers are ultimately responsible for insuring their cargo. Air carriers are required to provide a minimum level of liability insurance.
The responsibility of insuring air cargo falls on the shipper if the air carrier does not meet the minimum liability insurance requirements.
Filing a Claim
Filing a claim can be a straightforward process, but it's essential to follow the right steps to ensure a smooth and successful outcome. Reporting damage within the allowed time frame is crucial, as you typically have between 15 to 120 days to submit a claim.

To start, you'll need to report the damage or delay in writing to the carrier, providing evidence of the damage and documentation of the value. Certain policies allow for the value of the items, as well as the value of any potential profit that was lost as a result, to also be recouped.
You'll also need to allow a claims adjuster to complete a survey of the damage, which may result in a value higher or lower than what was initially submitted. The faster you submit your claim, the more likely it is to be taken seriously.
Here's a quick rundown of the key steps to filing an air cargo insurance claim:
Remember, speed is essential when filing a claim, as most insurance companies have a time limit for filing claims. If you're preparing to file a claim because of damage that was done by the carrier, the rules governing the Montreal Convention will apply.
Choosing the Right Policy

Choosing the right policy is crucial to protect your business from unexpected losses.
A standard air cargo insurance policy typically includes several key elements, such as coverage for loss or damage, general average protection, war and strikes coverage, and delay coverage. These elements are designed to protect against various risks, including physical damage, theft, and loss of goods during transit.
To choose the right policy, you should consider factors such as cargo value, risks involved, type of goods, frequency of shipments, and policy exclusions and limits. You should also compare insurance policies and providers to find the best coverage for your shipment needs.
Here are some things to consider when choosing a policy:
Remember to review policy exclusions and limits carefully, as some policies may not cover damages due to improper packaging or natural disasters.
Importance of Choosing
Choosing the right air cargo insurance policy is crucial for protecting the value of your insured items. It's essential to understand the different types of freight insurance policies available, each tailored to specific risks and types of cargo.

Air cargo insurance policies can be all-risk coverage, which covers a wide range of risks, or named perils coverage, which only covers specified risks. The type of policy you choose will depend on the value and type of goods you're shipping.
Exporters must carefully assess their needs and the value of their goods to determine the appropriate level of coverage. This process involves understanding the Institute Cargo Clauses, which standardize coverage terms and conditions across the industry.
The Institute Cargo Clauses outline the terms and conditions of air cargo insurance policies. They're used to determine the level of coverage and the responsibilities of both the buyer and seller.
Here are the different Institute Cargo Clauses:
By understanding the Institute Cargo Clauses and choosing the right policy, you can ensure that your goods are protected against various risks and that you're fully compliant with industry standards.
Choosing the Right Packaging for Shipments
Choosing the right packaging for your shipments is crucial to ensure the safe arrival of your goods. Proper packaging can prevent damage and reduce the risk of losses.
Assess the cargo value to determine the level of protection needed. This includes the cost of goods, shipping cost, duties, and customs applicable. The higher the cargo value, the more robust the packaging should be.
High-value goods, fragile goods, and perishable goods require special packaging to prevent damage. Consider the type of goods you're shipping and choose the right packaging materials accordingly.
Proper packaging can also reduce the risk of theft and hijacking. Consider the risks involved during transportation, such as weather conditions, handling of goods, and storage. Some routes and regions have higher risks, so evaluate them beforehand.
Here are some packaging options to consider:
* MaterialDescriptionCardboard boxesSturdy and affordable, suitable for most types of goods.Plastic containersWaterproof and airtight, ideal for fragile or perishable goods.Foam insertsCustomizable and shock-absorbing, suitable for high-value or fragile goods.
Ultimately, the right packaging will depend on the specific needs of your shipment. Consider consulting with experts or insurance agents who can provide guidance on the best packaging options for your goods.
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High-Risk Shipments

High-value and high-risk cargo, such as electronics and luxury goods, require specialized insurance solutions to mitigate the severe financial implications of loss.
Exporters dealing with valuable cargo must consider additional protections, such as increased coverage limits or specific endorsements that address particular risks.
Sub-limits for inland transit or extended coverage for high-risk regions may be necessary to ensure comprehensive protection.
Real-time tracking and monitoring through CUBEforall's technology enable exporters to respond quickly to any issues that arise during transit.
Understanding Premiums and Exclusions
Reading over an insurance policy is not most people's idea of a good time. The legal language and insurance jargon used to define the premiums and limits of coverage are often misunderstood by all but the most experienced shippers.
Air cargo insurance rates can be complex, but it's essential to understand how they're calculated. Shippers using air freight services for the first time might be surprised at some of the differences in rate calculations.
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Here are some common exclusions to be aware of:
- Customs rejection: If your cargo is rejected, delayed, or confiscated by customs authorities due to restrictions or missing documents.
- Improper packaging: If your goods are damaged due to poor or improper packaging.
- Delay in shipment: If the insurance company doesn't cover losses caused by shipment delays, such as missed deadlines or financial setbacks.
- Natural wear and tear, such as fading, rusting, or spoilage, unless caused by a covered event.
- Damage caused by faulty items or negligence or misconduct in the shipping process.
Understanding
Air cargo insurance premiums can be complex, but understanding the basics can help you navigate the process. The amount of coverage and deductible required for air cargo insurance varies based on the goods and provider.
Insurance companies charge premiums based on the value of the insured items, whether they are hazardous, where they are being transported, and the route they'll take to their destination. Payments, known as premiums, differ and are typically calculated based on the value of the insured items.
Some commodities are more prone to damage or theft, which affects the insurance rate. For example, jewelry, refrigerated meat and produce, household goods, fragile goods, and fine art are commonly assigned a higher rate per unit by insurance companies.
A shipment of Alaskan king crab worth $500,000 is seen as 5,000 units, with a starting insurance premium of $10,000 at a rate of two dollars per unit. The route also affects pricing, with flights to less secure airfields commanding higher premiums.
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Here are some examples of commodities with high insurance rates per unit:
- Jewelry
- Refrigerated meat and produce
- Household goods
- Fragile goods
- Fine art
The insured value of the cargo is calculated using the shipping cost, actual value, and 10% of the total. For example, if the shipping cost is $3,000 and the actual value is $125,000, the total cost would be $128,000, and the insured value would be $139,200.
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Exclusions: Not Covered
Air cargo insurance has its limitations, and it's essential to understand what's not covered to avoid any surprises. Customs rejection is a common exclusion, where the insurance doesn't cover losses if your cargo is rejected, delayed, or confiscated by customs authorities due to restrictions or missing documents.
Improper packaging can also lead to denied claims, as the insurance company won't cover losses if your goods are damaged because of poor or inadequate packaging. Proper packaging and sealing of shipments are crucial to avoiding damages.
Some insurance policies may not cover losses caused by shipment delays, such as missed deadlines or financial setbacks. This means you'll need to carefully review your policy to understand what's included and what's not.
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Natural wear and tear, like fading, rusting, or spoilage, is not protected by insurance unless caused by a covered event. This is something to keep in mind when shipping perishable or sensitive goods.
The insurance doesn't cover damage caused by faulty items in the shipment, unless the carrier can prove that the damage was not caused by the faulty items. This highlights the importance of ensuring your goods are in good condition before shipping.
Finally, the insurance company won't cover losses caused by misconduct, negligence, or fraud in the shipping process. This means you'll need to carefully select a reputable shipping carrier to minimize this risk.
Here's a summary of the exclusions we've discussed:
Conclusion and Next Steps
Securing the right air cargo insurance is crucial for managing risk and protecting valuable shipments.
In the global landscape of air freight, exporters must navigate a complex array of considerations to ensure their goods are fully protected.

CUBEforall’s air freight insurance offers a modern, technology-driven solution that simplifies this process, providing comprehensive, tailored insurance coverage that addresses the unique challenges of international air cargo.
Exporters must understand the basics of air cargo insurance to make informed decisions about their coverage needs.
Singaporean exporters, in particular, need to consider the unique challenges of international air cargo when selecting their insurance coverage.
Additional reading: Air Transport International
Sources
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