Cargo insurance for China imports: cover and claims
Choose cargo cover against your goods, route and handling risks, then confirm exclusions, insured value, excess and who can claim. Keep loading records, delivery evidence and proof of loss, and ask for claims instructions before dispatch. Cambridge China Bridge can help coordinate shipment records with its staff in China.
Confirm whose goods the insurance protects
A forwarder’s liability insurance does not insure the goods themselves. Ask for the actual cargo policy wording, schedule and shipment certificate, rather than accepting an email saying “insured”. Confirm the insured party, who can submit a claim, the claims contact and whether any seller-arranged cover is usable by you.
For a CIF purchase, ask for the documents before deciding whether to arrange your own cover. Use our Incoterms guide to agree delivery responsibilities and our shipping guide to plan the journey. Check the insurance separately against every transport leg, consolidation stop and final delivery address.
Compare scope and exclusions against your cargo
Ask the broker to compare cover limited to listed events with broader physical loss or damage cover. Do not treat “all risks” as an answer to every scenario. Give the broker your product description, packaging, transport mode, route and storage arrangements, then request written answers for the losses that would matter to your business.
For fragile goods, ask about breakage and scratching. For metal, textiles or electrical goods, ask about water ingress, condensation and rust. Request the exclusions and any conditions covering inadequate packing, inherent defects, delay, temperature changes, theft, war and strikes. Keep manufacturing faults and transit damage separate; our faulty goods guide covers supplier problems.
| Cover feature | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Listed-event cover | Which events are listed, and would handling damage, theft or wetting qualify? |
| Broader physical loss or damage cover | Which exclusions and conditions could still prevent payment? |
| Journey and storage | Are collection, consolidation, transhipment, unloading and final delivery included? |
| Special risks | Does this cargo need a specific extension or packaging condition? |
Agree insured value and the amount you retain
Ask how the insured value is calculated: invoice value, freight and other agreed costs, or an agreed replacement basis. Confirm currency, shipment limits, any storage or conveyance limits and the excess you retain. Ask how a partial loss would be valued and whether repair, replacement freight, survey fees or disposal costs are included.
Send the broker the invoice and a breakdown of the costs you want protected. Ask for written confirmation that the declared value and limits suit the whole shipment, including mixed goods from different factories. Avoid choosing a standard uplift without checking what it represents and how the policy would settle a loss.
Create the evidence before dispatch
Keep the policy documents, commercial invoice, packing list and transport document together. Record carton marks, quantities, product condition and packaging before collection. Photograph protective materials, pallet wrapping, loading and the container seal where relevant. Our container loading guide explains the loading checks to coordinate with this evidence.
Agree who will inspect arrivals and record shortages or damage. Ask the insurer for notification deadlines, survey arrangements and the documents it expects for your cargo. For repeat shipments, confirm how each shipment is declared and how you obtain evidence that cover has been arranged before it leaves.
Act promptly when loss or damage is found
Photograph the goods and packaging before moving or unpacking them further, where safe. Record visible damage or shortages on the delivery receipt and keep a copy. Notify the insurer or broker and the carrier promptly in writing, describe what is known and request instructions. Do not guess a universal claims deadline; check the policy and transport terms.
Protect undamaged goods and retain damaged goods, packaging and seals where practicable. Ask before disposal or non-urgent repairs, and record any urgent action taken to prevent further loss. Build a claim file with the delivery record, dated photographs, quantity reconciliation, invoice, transport documents, correspondence and any survey or repair assessment. Explain the loss calculation and distinguish confirmed facts from assumptions.
Frequently asked questions
Is my shipment insured by the freight forwarder?
Do not assume it is. The forwarder’s liability insurance does not insure your goods. Ask for cargo cover documents naming the insured party and identifying the shipment.
Does all risks cargo insurance cover everything?
Check the wording and exclusions. Ask the broker to confirm specific scenarios such as breakage, theft, condensation and handling damage, rather than relying on the label.
How much should I insure imported goods for?
Agree the valuation basis with the broker using your invoice and costs to protect. Confirm currency, limits, excess and how repair or replacement would be valued.
What evidence do I need for a cargo insurance claim?
Prepare policy documents, invoice, packing list, transport and delivery records, dated photos and a loss calculation. Ask whether a survey is needed and retain goods and packaging for inspection.