Protect your business against legal liability for loss of or damage to goods while they are in your care, custody or control during transit.
Carriers Liability Insurance protects transport operators against legal liability for loss of or damage to goods owned by others while in transit. When you transport cargo under contract, consignment note or common law obligations, you may be held financially responsible for damage, theft or loss — even where the incident was accidental.
Unlike marine cargo insurance, which protects the owner of the goods, carriers liability insurance protects the carrier’s legal exposure when claims are made against them. This cover is essential for businesses transporting goods for hire or reward.
Carriers Liability Insurance is commonly arranged by:
Covers legal liability for accidental loss of or damage to goods while in transit.
Covers liability where goods are stolen or deliberately damaged while in your custody.
Covers damage to goods caused by vehicle accidents, fire or rollovers.
Extends cover to incidents occurring during loading or unloading of cargo.
Covers spoilage of temperature-controlled goods caused by insured events, subject to terms.
Arranged annually to cover declared vehicles, drivers, and business operations during the policy period. Limits, excesses, and endorsements are structured around fleet size, vehicle types, and operational exposure.
Levels of cover can be arranged around Accidental Damage, Insured Perils and Legal Liability. Designed to cover the transport operator and covering physical damage or loss.
Carriers liability insurance responds only where the carrier is legally liable. Limits typically apply per vehicle, per load and in the aggregate, with excesses per claim. Cover is subject to declared goods, values and security conditions.
Carriers can be liable under common law or contract
Cargo values can be significant
Clients often require proof of insurance
Protects cash flow and contractual relationships
Essential for owner-drivers and subcontractors
Speak with a broker who understands transport and cargo risk.
Get My Carriers Liability Insurance QuoteImportant: Carriers Liability Insurance does not cover damage to your own vehicles, which requires commercial motor insurance. High-value cargo, certain goods and contractual liability may be excluded unless specifically endorsed. Coverage varies significantly between insurers. Advice from an insurance broker is recommended to ensure the policy reflects your actual transport activities and contractual obligations.