Image Marine Insurance Policy -Meaning, Types, Features, Benefits & Coverage

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  • > Quick Guide to Marine Insurance Policy
  • > Frequently Asked Questions
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The Benefits of Marine Insurance Policy

Export & Import Insurance

Insure shipments that are exported and imported. Cover several risks and choose from a wide variety of coverage options. Cover notes are universally accepted as proof of insurance.

Inland Transit

Well-defined and standardized covers for protecting goods traveling within India by any mode. The domestic transit cover includes warehouse storage for limited periods.

Marine Hull

Covers and insures ships, boats or even large vessels for all risks. Complex risk covers where options for piracy, sea worthiness need to be carefully assessed.


Specific Transits

Cover for goods in transit for a specific transit or voyage. Source and destination have to be pre-defined. Cover note for such journeys issued within hours. Pricing is extremely cost-effective.

Quick Guide to Marine Insurance Policy

What is Marine Insurance Policy?

Marine insurance, also known as a marine insurance policy, is a type of insurance coverage that protects manufacturers, transporters, and companies who are transporting goods from one place to another. The marine insurance definition refers to this coverage as an indemnity for losses of goods during transit, which can be through rail, land, sea, or air transport. The marine insurance meaning encompasses protection against unforeseen incidents such as vehicle collisions or overturns that may occur during the transition of goods. A marine policy is crucial for companies in India and globally, as it provides a safety net for their valuable cargo. In simple terms, marine insurance is a way to explain and secure the protection of goods during transit.


Marine insurance is an essential coverage for businesses involved in international trade, as well as for those who transport goods domestically. It helps protect against financial loss in the event of damage or loss of goods during transit.


In India, marine insurance is regulated by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA), which ensures that policies are in compliance with Indian laws and regulations. A marine insurance policy can also be extended to cover additional risks such as war and strikes, piracy, and natural disasters.


When choosing a marine insurance policy, it is important to consider the type of goods being transported, the mode of transportation, and the destination. A comprehensive policy can help mitigate the financial impact of unforeseen events and provide peace of mind for businesses. It's also important to work with an experienced insurance provider who can help tailor a policy to meet the specific needs of your business.


In conclusion, Marine Insurance in India has grown exponentially and it is now considered a critical cover for businesses involved in the transportation of goods. It offers protection against financial loss in the event of damage or loss of goods during transit and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each business. You can contact an insurance broker who will explain marine insurance in detail to you. They will help recommend available options and ensure that your valuable goods are properly protected.


Benefits & Advantages of Marine Insurance

Marine insurance is a crucial aspect for those who are engaged in marine trade and transportation. It offers protection for ships, cargo, and other maritime interests. There are numerous benefits and advantages of marine insurance that make it an important consideration for those who rely on the ocean for their livelihood. One of the significant marine benefits of marine insurance is financial protection. In case of any damage or loss to a ship, cargo, or other maritime interests, the insurance policy can provide compensation for the financial losses incurred. This helps in minimizing the financial impact of such incidents and ensures that businesses can continue operating, even in tough times.


Another advantage of marine insurance is the peace of mind it offers. Knowing that your maritime interests are protected by an insurance policy provides a sense of security and reduces stress and uncertainty related to ocean-based trade and transportation.


Online marine insurance benefits have also made the process of obtaining marine insurance more convenient and accessible for customers. Customers can now compare and purchase marine insurance policies online, reducing the time and effort required to secure coverage.

Functions of Marine Insurance

Marine insurance serves several key functions, including:

  • Transfer of Risk - Marine insurance allows shipping companies, merchants, and other parties involved in international trade to transfer the risk of loss or damage to their goods during transportation from one party to another.
  • Protection against Unforeseeable Losses - Marine insurance also provides protection against losses that are beyond the control of the policyholder, including losses due to perils such as storms, fires, pirates, theft or other criminal acts.
  • Financial Stability - By transferring risk to insurance companies, marine insurance helps to ensure the financial stability of the parties involved in international trade. This helps to maintain confidence in the global economy and supports the growth of international trade.
  • Facilitation of International Trade - Marine insurance also helps to facilitate international trade and build trust by providing a mechanism for resolving disputes and ensuring that parties receive compensation in the event of a loss.
  • Compliance with International Trade Regulations - Marine insurance is often a requirement by regulatory bodies to participating in international trade. This helps to ensure the safety and security of goods and vessels, as well as promoting transparency and accountability in the global economy.

In summary, the functions of marine insurance together help shipping companies manage risk, protect themselves against losses, and promote stability and bring about growth in international trade.

Marine Liability Insurance

Marine liability insurance definition can be summarised as the financial cover that protects ship owners, operators, and charterers from third-party claims for injury, death, or property damage during maritime operations. Marine liability insurance coverage include below:

  • Collision liability in marine insurance - It is a type of coverage that provides protection for ship owners and operators in the event of damage caused by collision with other vessels or objects. This type of coverage may also provide protection for third-party claims arising from collision-related incidents, such as injury or death to other passengers or crew members.
  • Marine general liability insurance - It is a broader type of coverage that provides protection against a range of third-party claims, including those arising from collision incidents, but also including claims related to pollution, injury, death, or property damage caused by the insured's operations.
  • Marine public liability insurance - It is a type of coverage that protects ship owners, charterers, and operators against claims made by the general public for injury, death, or property damage arising from maritime operations. This type of coverage may also provide protection for claims related to pollution or other environmental damage.

Ocean Marine Insurance

Ocean marine insurance is a type of insurance coverage that provides protection for ships, vessels, and cargo that are transported over water. This type of insurance is designed to protect against the many risks associated with maritime transportation, including loss or damage to the ship or cargo due to accidents, piracy, storms, and other perils. Ocean marine insurance policies typically include coverage for hull insurance, which protects the physical structure of the ship, and cargo insurance, which covers the goods being transported by the ship. Some policies may also include protection against liability claims arising from damage caused to other vessels or property, as well as protection against war and strikes.


Ocean marine insurance policies can be purchased by ship owners, cargo owners, or any other party with an insurable interest in the ship or cargo. These policies can be customized to meet the specific needs and requirements of the policyholder, and can be structured as either annual policies or as single voyage policies.Overall, ocean marine insurance policy is an essential form of coverage for anyone involved in the maritime transportation industry, as it provides protection against the many risks and uncertainties associated with shipping goods over water.

Commercial Marine Insurance

Commercial marine insurance is a type of insurance coverage designed for businesses involved in the maritime industry, such as shipping companies, port operators, and marine-related businesses. It provides protection for ships, vessels, cargo, and other property involved in maritime transportation, as well as protection against liability claims arising from damage caused to other vessels or property.


Commercial marine insurance policies can be customized to meet the specific needs and requirements of businesses in the maritime industry. Coverage can include hull insurance, which protects the physical structure of the ship, cargo insurance, which covers the goods being transported by the ship, and liability insurance, which covers damages caused to other vessels or property.


In addition to traditional coverage, commercial marine insurance policies may also offer protection against war and strikes, as well as other perils such as piracy, theft, and environmental damage. Policies can be structured as annual policies or as single voyage policies, depending on the needs of the policyholder.


Commercial marine insurance policy is an essential form of coverage for businesses involved in the maritime industry, as it provides protection against the many risks and uncertainties associated with shipping goods over water. Policyholders should work with a knowledgeable insurance professional to ensure that they have the right coverage in place for their specific needs and circumstances.

Mixed Policy in Marine Insurance

Mixed policy in marine insurance refers to a type of policy that combines both "Hull insurance" and "Cargo insurance" into a single policy. This type of policy is meant to simplify the process of buying marine insurance and reduce the cost for the policyholder.


Hull insurance covers the physical damage to the ship or vessel, while cargo insurance covers the loss or damage of the goods being transported by the ship. A mixed policy offers both coverages in one single policy, making it more convenient for ship owners and cargo owners.


A mixed policy is ideal for small ships that transport both their own goods as well as other people's cargo, as well as for ship owners who are looking to simplify their insurance coverage. With a mixed policy, the policyholder can enjoy the benefits of both hull insurance and cargo insurance without having to purchase separate policies.


It's important to note that while a mixed policy can be more cost-effective and convenient, it may not offer the same level of coverage as separate hull and cargo insurance policies. It's important to carefully review the policy terms and conditions to ensure that all the necessary coverage is in place.

Express Warranty in Marine Insurance

An express warranty in marine insurance is a type of warranty or promise made by the insured to the insurer that certain conditions or circumstances exist at the time the policy is issued. An express warranty is usually written into the policy and acts as a binding agreement between the insured and the insurer.


Express warranties are important in marine insurance because they help to define the coverage provided by the policy and ensure that both the insured and the insurer are aware of the conditions that exist at the time the policy is issued. They help to eliminate misunderstandings and ensure that both parties are aware of their obligations under the policy.


It's important for policyholder to be truthful and accurate when buying the warranty in marine insurance, as any false or misleading statements could result in the policy being declared void and any claims being denied. Policyholder should take the time to carefully review the terms and conditions of their policy and understand the express warranties made as part of their coverage.

Valued and Unvalued Policies in Marine Insurance

Marine insurance policies can be either valued or unvalued. A valued policy in marine insurance is where the value of the insured property is agreed upon in advance and specified in the policy. The insurer will pay the agreed-upon value in the event of a loss, up to the policy limit.


On the other hand, unvalued policy in marine insurance does not specify the value of the insured property in advance. The value of the property is determined at the time of loss, and the insurer will pay the actual value of the property, up to the policy limit.


In India, marine insurance policies are regulated by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), which provides guidelines and regulations for the industry. Prospective buyers should consider their specific needs and the type of property being insured when deciding between valued and unvalued policies in marine insurance. It's also important to work with a trusted and experienced insurance broker like SecureNow (securenow.in), who can help you understand the regulations and provide the right coverage for their specific needs.

Documents required for Marine Insurance Policy

Following is the list of documents Required for Marine Insurance Policy in India:

  • Proposal form - A detailed form filled out by the policy applicant, which includes information about the insured property, its value, and the coverage being sought.
  • Bill of lading - A document that provides proof of ownership of the goods being shipped, as well as their description and destination.
  • Marine survey report - A report that provides a detailed examination of the vessel and its condition, which is used to assess the risks involved in shipping.
  • Ship's register - A document that provides information about the vessel, including its ownership, type, size, and history.
  • Cargo and packing list - A document that provides a detailed description of the goods being shipped, including their type, quantity, and value.
  • Insurance certificate - A document that provides proof of insurance coverage and the terms and conditions of the policy.
  • Evidence of financial responsibility - A document that provides proof of the policyholder's financial ability to pay for any claims that may arise under the policy.

Settlement of Claims in Marine Insurance

Procedure for settlement of claims in marine insurance typically involves following steps:

  • Notification of loss - The policyholder must notify the insurer of the loss or damage as soon as possible after it occurs.
  • Documents for claim - Documents required for marine insurance claim include, Policy documents, bill of lading, survey report, invoices, repair estimates, and other relevant evidence to support the claim.
  • Investigation - The insurer will investigate the circumstances surrounding the loss and gather evidence to determine the cause and extent of the damage.
  • Assessment of damages - The insurer will assess the damage to the insured property and determine the amount of the claim.
  • Negotiation - If the policyholder and the insurer disagree on the amount of the claim, they may negotiate to reach a mutually acceptable settlement.
  • Payment of claim - If the claim is accepted, the insurer will pay the policyholder the amount of the claim.
  • Litigation - If the policyholder and the insurer are unable to reach a settlement, the policyholder may file a lawsuit.

It is important to note that marine insurance claim settlement process can be a complex and time-consuming process, and it is advisable to seek the assistance of a maritime attorney if necessary. It is also important to thoroughly understand the terms and conditions of the policy before a loss occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Marine insurance covers for the loss or damage of ships, cargo, terminals, and any transport by which the property is transferred, acquired, or held between the points of origin and the final destination.
Marine insurance provides protection against risks associated with marine transport and shipping, such as damage or loss to the vessel, damage or loss to the cargo being transported, liability for damage or injury caused to third parties, and additional risks like piracy and natural disasters.
Marine insurance is not legally required in most countries, but it is highly recommended for anyone involved in marine transport and shipping. Without insurance, the financial impact of unexpected events and accidents can be significant, making it difficult to recover and continue operations.
Below are the types of marine insurances:
  • Export and import marine insurance
  • Cargo insurance
  • Marine hull insurance
  • Multimodal transport operator insurance
  • Transit insurance Online
  • The fundamental 5 principles of marine insurance policy are
  • Indemnity
  • Insurable Interest
  • Utmost Good Faith
  • Proximate Cause
  • Subrogation and Contribution.
  • Usually, people assume that marine insurance covers only transit by sea, but in reality, a marine insurance policy covers transit by all mediums: air, water and land (posts, rails or trucks). Further, a marine insurance policy covers transportation of goods, and this can be divided into the following categories-
  • Inland Transport
  • Import
  • Export
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    Why SecureNow?

    Deep Product Knowledge

    We have specialized marine underwriters and tie-ups with international experts.

    Cost-effective Insurance

    We work with all insurers to get you the best options- both in terms of price and features.

    Quick Turnaround Time

    Cover notes are issued within hours of request. This ensures that your goods don’t sit idle at any stage.

    Strong Claims Support

    We manage all aspects of your claim - from survey appointment to documentation to insurer follow-up.

    Value-Added Services

    We will advice you on risk management best practices.

    Policy Administration System (PAM)

    See all your contracts renewal information in one place. Place service requests on PAM.