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International shipping involves inherent risks—from rough seas and handling damages to theft and piracy. Carrier liability is often limited (e.g., $500 per package), which is rarely enough to cover the actual value of your goods.
General Average is a maritime principle where all parties in a sea venture proportionally share any losses resulting from a voluntary sacrifice of part of the ship or cargo to save the whole in an emergency. Without insurance, you could be liable for huge costs even if your cargo is safe.
Protection against breakage, denting, or crushing during loading/unloading.
Coverage for damage caused by sea water ingress or rain during transit.
Covers non-delivery of entire package or theft of contents.
“All Risk” Policy
Provides the widest coverage. Covers all risks of loss or damage except those specifically excluded (e.g., wilful misconduct, war).
“Basic Plus” Policy
Covers specific named perils. More comprehensive than C but less than A. Good for goods not prone to theft but susceptible to water damage.
“Minimum” Policy
Restricted coverage against major casualties only. Commonly used for bulk cargo (scrap, coal, ore) where minor damage is acceptable.
Report the damage immediately. Capture photos and videos as evidence.
A licensed surveyor inspects the cargo and assesses the loss.
Submit Claim Form, Invoice, BL, and monetary claim letter lodged with carrier.
Claim approved and compensation transferred to your bank quickly.
Insurance is a promise; CloudDesk ensures the promise is kept.
Most cheap policies only cover "Total Loss" (the ship sinking). CloudDesk defaults to Institute Cargo Clauses (A)—the highest level of "All-Risk" coverage. Whether it’s water damage, theft, or rough handling during customs examination, your capital is protected.
Waiting 24 hours for an insurance cover note can delay your Letter of Credit (LC) negotiation.CloudDesk’s Instant-Policy Engine generates your Certificate of Insurance (COI) the moment you upload your invoice, ensuring your documents are ready for the bank in seconds.
Few exporters understand "General Average"—where you must pay for other people's lost cargo if the ship is saved during an emergency.CloudDesk’s policies include General Average Protection, ensuring you aren't hit with a massive bill for an accident you didn't cause.
The real test of insurance is the claim. If your cargo arrives damaged,CloudDesk’s Claims Assistant helps you file the "Notice of Loss," appoints a surveyor at the destination port, and tracks the payout process, so you aren't stuck fighting an insurance company alone.
Yes, it is standard practice to insure for 110% of the CIF value(Cost + Insurance + Freight). The additional 10% covers incidental expenses and anticipated profit.
Standard ICC clauses exclude War and Strikes. You can add Institute War Clauses and Institute Strikes Clauses as optional riders for complete protection.
If you ship frequently, an Open Policy covers all your shipments automatically for a year (up to a limit). You only need to declare shipments periodically instead of obtaining individual certificates each time.
"• ICC (C): The most basic. Covers only major ""Accidents"" (sinking, fire, collision). • ICC (B): Mid-level. Covers (C) plus ""Natural Calamities"" (earthquakes, lightning, water entry). • ICC (A): The ""All-Risk"" policy. Covers everything except specific exclusions (like war or inherent vice). CloudDesk recommends ICC (A) for 99% of shipments."
Standard policies do not. However, CloudDesk allows you to add "War & SRCC" (Strikes, Riots, and Civil Commotions) covers as an add-on, which is essential in 2026 for routes through volatile regions.
For importers, if the goods are damaged after you paid the Customs duty, you lose the duty amount too. CloudDesk offers Duty Insurance to ensure you are reimbursed for the tax paid on damaged goods.
The premium is usually a tiny fraction of the cargo value (typically 0.05% to 0.20%). The cost is influenced by the commodity, the destination, and the mode of transport.
The standard is CIF + 10% (Cost, Insurance, Freight + 10%). The extra 10% is to cover the "Imaginary Profit" and administrative costs incurred due to the loss.
"• Single Voyage: For one-off shipments. • Open Cover: A one-year ""blanket"" policy for regular exporters. You just ""declare"" each shipment as it happens. CloudDesk manages your Open Cover Balance automatically."
Do not give a "Clean Receipt" to the transporter. Mark the delivery note as "Received in Damaged Condition" and contact CloudDesk immediately to appoint a surveyor.
It refers to damage caused by the nature of the product itself (e.g., fruit rotting naturally or iron rusting). This is never covered by insurance. CloudDesk helps you document "External Damage" to prove the loss wasn't an inherent vice.