What is Ocean Cargo as a primary conveyance?
Ocean cargo means that the shipment will be traveling by ship during the main part of the voyage.

What conveyance do I list if my cargo is going by a combination of transportation modes, e.g., truck to the rail yard, rail to the port, by ship overseas and then truck again to the final destination?
You should pick the primary conveyance used to move the cargo over the ocean. On international shipments, this is usually air or ocean (by ship) cargo. The primary conveyance is the main mode of transportation to get the cargo from point of origin to point of destination.

What if my shipment does not originate or terminate in the U.S.?
At this time, we are only providing insurance quotes on shipments either (1) to or from the U.S. or (2) from the U.S. to the U.S.

What is a "barge" and what if my shipment travels by barge?
A barge is a flat-bottomed vessel mainly used on rivers and canals. Most do not operate under their own power and require a tugboat to propel it. At this time, shipments by barge as a primary conveyance (the main method of travel for your cargo) are not permitted.

What if I am unsure if my cargo is one of the items you list as merchandise that cannot be insured?
You may contact us with your question. Telephone us toll-free in the U.S. at: 1-888-286-5647 or via e-mail.

What if I am unsure at this point the exact number of shipping units that will eventually be shipped?
You may leave this blank for now to get a quote, but in order to actually bind coverage and issue an insurance policy, you will need this information.

What is a "Full" or "Less-than-Full" container load?
A Full Container Load (FCL) means that your goods are the only cargo being shipped inside that shipping container. A Less-Than-Full Container Load (LCL) means that your cargo is being shipped along with other shipper's goods inside the same shipping container. On the quote screen, consider LTL truckloads as "Less than Full" and any shipment by aircraft as "Full" for the purposes of this insurance.

What is "professionally packed?"
This is cargo that has been packed by either the manufacturer or a professional packing and shipping firm in accordance with industry standards for that particular merchandise.

What are "bulk shipments?"
A bulk shipment is merchandise that is shipped as loose cargo that is loaded directly into a ship's or aircraft's hold or on a flatbed truck/railcar. It is not inside of a metal shipping container. Example: Bulk grains, liquids or oversized heavy equipment.

What is the "valuation" or "sum insured?"
This is the amount of insurance for which the shipment is to be insured. Example: $56,455.25.
1. For International Shipments, this should be equal to the value of the commodity being shipped at: Invoice Cost plus Freight Charges to Destination plus 10%.
2. For Domestic Shipments (from US/Canada to US/Canada), this should be equal to the actual invoice cost to the insured party together with any additional costs and charges (including the commission of the Insured as a selling agent) that have been incurred. Pre-sold goods are valued at the amount of the Insured's selling invoice, including prepaid freight.

How do I value my automobiles and motorcycles?
Used autos and motorcycles are valued at Kelley Blue Book Retail Value, plus freight charges. The Kelley Blue Book Retail Value can be obtained from their website at www.kbb.com. New autos and motorcycles are valued at invoice cost plus freight charges.

What if I need to cancel the policy or make a change to the description, vessel name, etc. on the policy after I have already printed it?
You need to contact us and we will cancel or revise your policy as needed. All we will need is your policy certificate number. Please note that the policy may not be cancelled after 6:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on the date of departure. You may reach us toll-free in the U.S. at 1-888-286-5647 or via e-mail.

What is the "Refrigeration Insurance Clause?"
It is special insurance coverage that applies to shipments that require temperature control and are shipped in refrigerated containers You may view the actual coverage terms by clicking here on refrigeration.

Can I still pay by check if my bank is outside of the U.S.?
No, we currently only accept checks drawn on U.S. checking accounts.

If I pay by check, do I mail the check somewhere?
No, the debit transaction takes place electronically; no actual paper check is required.

Is it safe to use my credit card?
Yes, purchasing through InsureCargo.com is safe. Every credit card purchase you make is made over a VeriSign secure server utilizing Secure Sockets Layer ( SSL), which is the industry standard and among the best software available today for secure commerce transactions. It encrypts all of your personal information including credit card number, name, and address so that it cannot be read as the information travels over the internet.