Shipping goods internationally or domestically carries inherent risks — damage, theft, loss, and delays can all impact your bottom line. V & S Freight arranges comprehensive cargo insurance to protect your shipments from origin to destination, across all freight modes.
Why Cargo Insurance Matters
Standard carrier liability is limited. Shipping lines, airlines, and transport operators cap their liability at a fraction of your cargo's actual value. If your goods are damaged or lost, you could recover only a fraction of the cost without proper insurance.
| Carrier Type | Typical Liability Limit |
|---|---|
| Ocean carrier | ~R7,000 per package (based on SDR) |
| Airline | ~R300 per kilogram |
| Road carrier | Variable, often limited |
For a container of electronics worth R500,000, the shipping line's liability might cover less than R15,000. Cargo insurance covers the full value.
Read our complete cargo insurance guide →
Types of Coverage
All-Risk Marine Cargo Insurance
The most comprehensive protection, covering damage or loss from virtually any cause during transit, including:
- Physical damage from rough handling
- Water damage and container leaks
- Theft and pilferage
- Fire and explosion
- Overturning or collision
- Natural disasters
Named Perils Coverage
More affordable coverage protecting against specified risks only — typically fire, collision, sinking, and natural disasters. Does not cover general handling damage.
Warehouse-to-Warehouse
Full coverage from the moment goods leave the supplier's warehouse until they arrive at your premises. This includes transit by road, sea, air, and any warehousing in between.
How It Works
- Declare — Tell us the cargo value, type, route, and mode of transport when requesting your freight quote.
- Quote — We provide a competitive insurance premium (typically 0.3%-1.5% of cargo value).
- Certificate — We issue a marine insurance certificate for each shipment.
- Transit — Your goods are covered from origin to destination.
- Claim — If damage or loss occurs, we assist with the claims process.
When to Insure
We strongly recommend cargo insurance for:
- All imports and exports regardless of value
- High-value goods — electronics, pharmaceuticals, machinery
- Perishable goods — agricultural products, temperature-sensitive items
- Fragile cargo — glass, ceramics, precision equipment
- Vehicle shipments — cars, trucks, heavy equipment
- Cross-border freight — additional transit risks at borders
Insurance FAQ
How much does cargo insurance cost?
Premiums typically range from 0.3% to 1.5% of the declared cargo value. A R500,000 shipment might cost R1,500-R7,500 to insure — a small price for full protection.
Do I need insurance if the supplier insured the goods?
Check your Incoterms. Under CIF terms, the seller provides minimum insurance. Under FOB or EXW terms, insurance is your responsibility. We recommend confirming coverage regardless.
What if my goods are damaged?
Notify us immediately. We help document the damage, file the claim with the insurer, and follow through until settlement.