What Is International Shipping Insurance And How Much Does It Cost

November 16, 2023
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Content:

  1. What is international shipping insurance?
  2. What does international shipping insurance cover?
  3. How much international shipping insurance costs?
  4. The advantages of insuring your shipment with Easy China Warehouse

 

 

You’ve just sent your cargo on an international journey. It all went well, but something just does not feel right. What if something happens to your package?

 

Insurance is optional with international shipments. There’s no reason to be concerned when sending your goods internationally, you can always opt for extra insurance.

1. What is international shipping insurance?

 

International shipping insurance is a type of insurance coverage that provides financial protection for goods and merchandise during transit between countries. It is designed to safeguard against potential risks and losses that may occur during the shipping process, such as damage, theft, loss, or any other unforeseen events.

 

When goods are shipped internationally, they go through various stages, including handling, loading, unloading, transportation by land, sea, or air, customs clearance, and final delivery. International shipping insurance covers these different stages and provides coverage for the value of the goods being transported.

 

International shipping insurance can be obtained by the shipper, the consignee (the recipient of the goods), or any other party with a financial interest in the shipment. The insurance coverage typically includes the cost of the goods, freight charges, and other related expenses. The premium for the insurance is usually based on the declared value of the goods and the level of risk associated with the shipping route, mode of transport, and other factors.

 

In case of any damage, loss, or theft during transit, the insured party can file a claim with the insurance provider to recover the value of the goods or receive compensation for the incurred losses. The specific terms and conditions, as well as the coverage limits, will depend on the insurance policy and the insurance provider chosen.

 

International shipping insurance is particularly important for high-value or fragile goods, as it provides peace of mind and financial protection against potential risks involved in transporting goods across borders. It helps mitigate the potential financial impact of unfortunate events that may occur during the international shipping process.

2. What does international shipping insurance cover?

 

Here are some common aspects that international shipping insurance can cover:

 

Loss or Damage: Insurance coverage can protect against the total loss or partial damage of goods during transit. This includes damage caused by accidents, mishandling, fire, water, theft, or other unforeseen events.

 

Theft or Pilferage: International shipping insurance can provide coverage in case of theft or pilferage of goods during transportation or while in storage at ports, warehouses, or other transit points.

 

General Average: In the event of a general average situation, where sacrifices or expenditures are made to save the vessel and cargo, international shipping insurance can cover the proportional contribution that the insured party would be required to make.

 

Delayed or Incomplete Delivery: If there are delays or if the goods are not delivered in their entirety, the insurance coverage can compensate for the financial loss incurred due to the delay or incomplete delivery.

 

Freight Charges: International shipping insurance can cover the freight charges or shipping costs associated with the damaged or lost goods. This includes both the cost of transportation and related fees.

 

Packaging and Crating: In some cases, insurance coverage can extend to the cost of packaging and crating of goods, especially for fragile or high-value items. This ensures that any damage caused by inadequate packaging is also covered.

 

It’s important to note that insurance policies may have specific exclusions or limitations, so it’s crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions of the policy to understand the extent of coverage and any specific requirements or exclusions that may apply.

3. How much international shipping insurance costs?

 

The cost of international shipping insurance can vary significantly based on several factors:

 

Declared Value of Goods
The value of the goods being shipped is a major factor in determining the insurance premium. As the declared value increases, the premium will typically be higher to reflect the increased risk exposure.

 

Mode of Transport
The mode of transport chosen for international shipping (land, sea, air) can affect the insurance cost. Certain modes of transport may carry higher risks, such as air freight being more expensive to insure compared to sea freight.

 

Shipping Route
The shipping route, including the origin and destination countries, can impact the insurance cost. Some routes may be associated with higher risks due to factors such as political instability, security concerns, or natural disaster-prone areas.

 

Type of Goods
The nature of the goods being shipped can influence the insurance cost. Items that are fragile, high-value, or considered high-risk may result in higher premiums.

 

Deductibles
The deductible amount chosen by the insured party can affect the insurance cost. Higher deductibles generally result in lower premiums, but it also means the insured party will bear a higher share of the risk.

 

Coverage Limits
The coverage limits set by the insurance policy can impact the premium. Higher coverage limits will typically result in higher premiums.

 

Insurance Provider and Policy
Different insurance providers may offer varying rates and coverage options. It’s advisable to obtain quotes from multiple providers to compare prices and ensure you are getting a competitive rate.

 

Due to the variability of these factors, it is challenging to provide a specific cost range for international shipping insurance.

 

The premium can be calculated as a percentage of the declared value, typically ranging from 0.25% to 0.5%.

4. The advantages of insuring your shipment with Easy China Warehouse

ECW can provide insurance on all the shipments that it provides.  Although most customers don’t choose to purchase insurance, for those who do, it provides peace of mind that regardless of what happens they will be compensated for any lost or damaged cargo.

 

ECW also provides special FBA shipping insurance which can cover any loss or damage of the goods until Amazon inbounds/receives your products at one of their FBA warehouses.  Typically insurance rates vary from 0.25% to 0.5% of the value of the goods plus the cost of the freight charges.  The final insurance premium depends on the shipment type, value insured, and length of insurance coverage of the journey.

 

CONTACT US NOW” to request our prices on your cargo insurance.


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