They determine the point of change of responsibility between the buyer and seller. Incoterms inform sales contracts defining respective obligations, costs, and risks involved in the delivery of goods from the seller to the buyer.
Some commonly used Inco Terms:
Ex Works (EXW): Seller has to place the goods at the disposal of the buyer. Carriage and Insurance are arranged by buyer.
Free On Board (FOB): Seller delivers when the goods pass the ship’s rail at the named port of shipment. This means the buyer has to bear all costs &risks to the goods from that point.
Cost, Insurance, Freight (CIF): The seller delivers when the goods pass the ship’s rail in the port of shipment. The seller must pay the cost & freight necessary to bring goods to the named port of destination, but the risk is transferred from seller to buyer.
Other INCO Terms used in the market :
Rules for Any Mode (or modes) of Transport
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CIP - Carriage and Insurance Paid
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CPT - Carriage Paid To
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DAP - Delivered At Place
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DAT - Delivered At Terminal
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DDP - Delivered Duty Paid
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EXW - Ex Works
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FCA - Free Carrier
Note: New Incoterms 2020 has been published recently.
What are common warranties, conditions and exclusions*?
Below are some general conditions or warranties attached to a marine insurance policy:
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Rusting, oxidation, discoloration and corrosion are excluded unless caused by ICC(B) perils
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Institute Replacement clause
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Pair and set clause
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Second hand Replacement clause
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Excluding Mechanical, Electrical and Electronic derangement unless caused by ICC (B)/ITC (B) perils.
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Over Dimensional Cargo Survey Warranty.
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Warranted that losses due to adulteration, contamination and deterioration of quality is excluded.
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Warranted that goods are transported in closed wagons and/or trucks to be covered with tarpaulin or any other water proof material to avoid ingress of water.
What are the risks specifically excluded from marine insurance?
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Wilful Misconduct of the Assured
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Ordinary leakage, ordinary loss in weight or volume or ordinary wear and tear of the subject-matter insured
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Insufficiency or unsuitability of packing
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Inherent vice or nature of the subject-matter insured
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Delay
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Insolvency or financial default of owner, manager, charters or operators of the vessel
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Unfitness/ Unseaworthiness of carrying conveyance
What are the types of marine/ transit cargo policies?
Marine Single Transit Policy
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Covers single consignment from one location/port to another location/port.
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It is suitable for those firms who seldom require marine cargo policies in the course of their trade.
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Marine Open Declaration Policy (MOP)
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MOP is an annual arrangement between the insured and the insurer to provide coverage to all the shipments/transits on pre-arranged terms and conditions for a particular leg (Domestic/Import/Export).
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Open inland policy is a declaration based policy where insured has to make periodic declaration (Monthly) of sum insured utilization.
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Certificates are issued for individual transits and are treated as sum insured utilization for open import/export policy.
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Insurer’s maximum liability is restricted to a pre agreed limit per sending and limit per location.
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Insurer’s maximum liability Policy period of one year at an initial Sum Insured which can be enhanced during the duration of the policy.
Sales Turnover Policy:
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It’s a wider form of Marine Open Policy and is issued on the basis of annual sales turnover – both domestic and exports, all transits/voyages deemed to be held covered without specific declaration. (Import, Export or Inland)
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Sum Insured and premium is based on the estimated annual Sales Turnover of goods movement under various legs of transit.
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Certificates are issued for individual transits.
What information does the insurer need to provide quotation?
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Basic Client Information
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Type of Cover (All risk (A) or basic coverage (B))
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Policy Duration
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Nature of Commodity and its description
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Custom Duty (In case of Import)
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Packing Description
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Mode of Conveyance (Sea, Air, Rail, Road or Courier)
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Claim Experience
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Basis of Valuation
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Per Sending and Per Location Limit
What are the factors that you should consider while buying marine transit (cargo) insurance?
Some key factors you should consider while buying marine transit insurance are:
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Type of goods: High-value or fragile items may require exhaustive coverage.
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Mode of transportation: Different modes of transport pose varying risks, which may affect the type and extent of coverage needed.
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Insurance limits: Know the limits of coverage provided by marine insurance, including maximum liability amounts and any exclusions that may apply.
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Premium costs: Compare premium rates from different insurers to ensure you are getting competitive pricing. However, don't solely base your decision on price — consider the value and scope of coverage offered.