Insurance policy is a legally binding written document, which is issued by insurance company or underwriter to policy holder or insured/assured.
Just like bills of lading (Bill of lading states terms and condition of the carriage as a transport document), insurance policies define the terms and conditions of the insurance contract and serves as a legal evidence of the insurance agreement.
International marine cargo insurance policies are generally issued subject clauses such as Institute Cargo Clauses (A), Institute Cargo Clauses (B) and Institute Cargo Clauses (C).
An insurance cargo policy should specify the terms on which the indemnity cover has been provided by giving an express reference to one of above mentioned ICC cargo clauses.
Furthermore, an insurance cargo policy may mention additional risks covered such as war risks and strike risks.
In some occasions, insurance cargo policies indicate that the cover is subject to a franchise or excess (deductible).
Other information that could be mentioned on cargo insurance policies are:
Amount of insurance premium
Shipment details such as port of loading, port of discharge, vessel name and voyage number, description of goods etc.
Currency of the insurance cover
Insurance cover amount
Insurance company’s agent at the port of destination
Procedures for the claim and required documents