Marine insurance is the single most misunderstood item on a shipping invoice. Most shippers either skip it entirely or pay for a policy that excludes the very losses they care about. This post explains how it actually works.
Cover levels
Three named cover levels exist, defined by the Institute Cargo Clauses (ICC):
- ICC (C) — major casualty only: fire, sinking, collision, jettison
- ICC (B) — adds earthquake, lightning, water damage and washing overboard
- ICC (A) — all-risks, including partial damage during handling, subject to named exclusions
How the premium is calculated
Premium is a percentage of declared (agreed) value. Typical 2026 rates: 1.1–1.5% of value for ICC (A), 0.6–0.9% for ICC (C). Vehicles over £100,000 attract a 0.2% surcharge and a surveyor inspection at the UK port.
The claims process
If damage occurs, take photos at the destination port before signing the delivery note, raise a written protest with the carrier within 3 working days, and forward the surveyor report and your dated pre-shipping photos to our claims team. Most claims settle within 30 days.
Frequently asked questions
About the author
TheShipCars Editorial Team
Logistics specialists at TheShipCars Worldwide with hands-on experience moving vehicles from UK ports to over 60 destinations across Africa, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, the Americas and Europe.