Is general liability insurance the same as cargo insurance?

Asked by: Ernie Collier  |  Last update: August 3, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (7 votes)

Cargo insurance is insurance that covers the goods that you are transporting. This is different from general liability insurance, which covers your trucking company in the event that someone is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your business.

What is the difference between cargo and liability insurance?

Cargo Insurance: protects the cargo owner – depending on the Incoterms – meaning the shipper (seller, manufacturers, wholesalers, sourcing agent) or the consignee (buyer, importer). Freight Forwarders Liability Insurance: protects the freight forwarder who has legal liability for the goods they are transporting.

What is another name for cargo insurance?

Ocean cargo insurance, also known as ocean freight insurance or maritime cargo insurance, covers your cargo as it is shipped across waters, generally over international borders. In some instances, it may even cover air shipments.

What are the two kinds of cargo insurance policies?

All-Risk and Named Perils are the two main types of cargo insurance an importer can purchase to protect their goods during their supply chain.

What is the difference between BOP and GL insurance?

The main difference is what is covered under each policy. BOPs combine commercial general liability with property damage coverage, while CGL policies typically only cover third party liability claims (and do not cover property damage for a business's own property).

General Liability Insurance Explained in 10 Minutes

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What does GL insurance cover?

General liability insurance policies typically cover you and your company for claims involving bodily injuries and property damage resulting from your products, services or operations. It may also cover you if you are held liable for damages to your landlord's property.

What liability coverage is provided in a BOP?

General liability insurance is included in a business owner's policy (BOP), a cost-saving bundle designed for low-risk businesses. General liability covers bodily injuries, damage to a customer's property, and advertising injuries. A BOP provides the same coverage, along with commercial property insurance.

What is an example of cargo liability coverage?

For example, shipping a load worth $1 million with only $100,000 in liability coverage exposes the shipper to substantial financial risk. If part of the cargo sustains $500,000 in damage, the carrier's obligation is limited to the coverage amount, resulting in potential losses of $400,000 for the shipper.

What is not covered in cargo insurance?

Most cargo insurance excludes the following: Intentional misconduct by the insured cargo owner. Losses caused by delay or loss of market. Losses caused by wear and tear, ordinary leakage, or ordinary loss in weight or volume.

Who buys cargo insurance?

Cargo insurance is a type of insurance coverage that a cargo owner purchases to protect against loss or damage to goods being transported by land, air, or sea. It is a specialized kind of insurance that is tailored to the risks involved in transportation.

What is general cargo insurance?

Cargo insurance is an important tool for businesses that rely on the global transportation industry to move their goods. It covers the many of the risks associated with transporting goods by sea, air, road, or rail, and it pays the cargo owner for its losses due to cargo loss or damage.

Who takes out cargo insurance?

Maersk takes out Cargo Insurance and by choosing this product you may also benefit from our sought-after comprehensive 'all-risk' insurance coverage for loss or damage to your cargo.

Can you get just cargo insurance?

FreightGuard provides single trip cargo insurance to fully cover the value of the load, whether it's a few thousand or a few million dollars. You can purchase the coverage per load for as little as $99.00* online in less than 1 minute and receive the certificate in an email or fax in a few minutes.

Who is responsible for cargo insurance?

As the shipper, you are responsible for arranging insurance as necessary. In some cases, the option of insuring cargo is something the carrier or freight forwarder will specifically highlight to you. The level of the insurance premium depends on several factors, including: the value and nature of the goods.

How much is cargo insurance usually?

The cost of cargo insurance can vary wildly, as insurance providers use many ranking factors to determine your rate. So, how much is cargo insurance? The average cost of cargo insurance usually ranges between $400 – $1,800 a year.

Is commercial insurance the same as cargo insurance?

Cargo insurance specifically covers the loss of, or damage to, goods being transported, while commercial insurance may not. While commercial insurance may provide some coverage for goods in transit, it may not be specifically designed to cover the risks associated with transporting goods.

Should I get cargo insurance?

Cargo insurance is essential for businesses to safeguard against transportation risks, theft, natural disasters, regulatory compliance, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical situations. Cargo insurance enhances financial protection, ensures compliance with trade regulations, and boosts a company's credibility.

Is carrier liability the same as cargo insurance?

In short, cargo insurance is a risk transfer method that enables the cargo owner to shift the accidental financial loss of cargo in transit to the insurance company, while carrier liability refers to the legal liabilities of the appointed transportation company for goods in their care, custody, and control.

What is deductible in cargo insurance?

The deductible is the amount for which the insurer will not respond and is always applicable, in all losses and / or claims. It's usually a percentage of the total value of the shipment.

What is the cargo liability limit?

Cargo liability limits refer to the maximum amount of insurance coverage (i.e. the amount of money) that an insurer will provide for the loss or damage of goods being transported.

Does car insurance cover cargo?

Whether you pull your cargo trailer with your truck or car, your auto insurance policy will NOT cover your cargo trailer if it's stolen, vandalized, or damaged in an accident.

What is cargo insurance in simple terms?

Cargo insurance is the method used in protecting shipments from physical damage or theft. In fact, insuring cargo ensures that the value of goods are protected against potential losses which may occur during air, sea or land transportation. The movement of goods across the world comes with certain risks.

What is the difference between general liability and BOP?

General liability coverage includes bodily injury, damage to a customer's property, and advertising claims only. BOP includes general liability—plus property insurance for your business and equipment and business interruption coverage.

What is the difference between commercial liability and general liability insurance?

General liability insurance helps protect you from claims that your business caused bodily injury or property damage. It can also protect you if someone sues you for advertising injury. Commercial property insurance covers your business' physical location and equipment, whether you own or lease it.

What is not covered under a BOP policy?

A BOP doesn't include coverages like workers' compensation, professional liability insurance, commercial auto insurance and data breach insurance. You can add these coverages on to your BOP as additional protection.