Transpordikindlustus

Transpordikindlustus, or transport insurance, is a form of property insurance covering physical loss or damage to shipments while in transit. It applies to goods moving by road, rail, sea, air, or multimodal combinations, and can be arranged by exporters, importers, or carriers. The primary purpose is to provide financial protection against transportation-related risks and to help maintain supply chain continuity.

There are two main categories: cargo insurance, which covers the goods themselves during transit, and liability insurance, which covers the carrier's legal liability for loss or damage to cargo. Cargo policies may be issued as voyage policies for a specific shipment or as open (annual) policies covering multiple shipments. Coverage can be all-risk, covering most causes of loss unless excluded, or named-perils, covering only listed risks. Common exclusions include ordinary wear and tear, inherent defects, delay, contamination, and fraud by the insured, among others. Values can be declared per shipment, with limits, deductibles, and conditions.

Policy terms vary, but typically coverage attaches at a defined point such as loading or receipt by the carrier and ends at unloading or delivery, with terms that can differ by contract and mode of transport. Incoterms influence when risk passes from seller to buyer and how it interacts with insurance; contracts may designate which party arranges and pays for insurance. Claims require prompt notice, documentation of loss or damage, survey where needed, and cooperation with the insurer for assessment and settlement.

Transpordikindlustus is a key risk management tool in international trade, helping offset potentially large financial losses from events such as theft, container loss, weather damage, or accidents. It complements carrier liability and other risk controls, with premiums reflecting mode, route, cargo type, value, packaging, and claim history.