Marine and Inland Transit Insurance Claim Guide for Traders and Manufacturers
When goods arrive damaged or short, note the damage or shortage on the delivery receipt, give the transporter written notice, inform your insurer immediately, keep the damaged goods and packing for the surveyor, and collect the transport documents. Late intimation, a clean delivery receipt and no notice to the transporter are the most common reasons these claims run into trouble.
Three kinds of marine cover
- Inland transit: goods moving by truck, tempo, rail or other insured modes within India.
- Import and export marine cargo: goods moving by sea or air across borders.
- Open or annual turnover policy: one policy that covers all your shipments over a period.
Inland transit claim: what to do when goods arrive damaged
- Check the condition of the packages when you receive them.
- If there is damage or shortage, have remarks written on the lorry receipt (LR) or bilty and the delivery challan.
- Give the transporter a written notice immediately.
- Inform your insurer at once and note the claim number.
- Let the surveyor inspect the goods.
- Keep the damaged goods apart.
- Keep the packing material and photographs.
- Keep the transport documents and the delivery records.
- Prepare a detailed claim amount calculation.
- Submit all supporting documents to the insurer.
Inland transit claim documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Marine policy or certificate | Coverage |
| Purchase or sales invoice | Value of the goods |
| Packing list | Quantity and packing |
| Lorry receipt or bilty | Proof of transport |
| E-way bill | Proof of movement |
| Delivery challan and goods receipt note | Delivery record |
| Shortage or damage certificate | Evidence of loss |
| Notice to the transporter | Preserves recovery rights |
| Survey report | Loss assessment |
| Repair or replacement estimate | Cost of damage |
| Claim bill | Amount claimed |
Import and export cargo claims
International shipments need more documents. Keep these ready:
- Marine cargo insurance certificate
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading or airway bill
- Certificate of origin, where applicable
- Customs bill of entry or shipping bill
- Survey report and the port or terminal damage report
- Container condition report
- Notice to the carrier and a letter of claim
- Claim calculation and salvage documents
If a container arrives short or damaged
- Verify the container seal number.
- Photograph the container as it is opened.
- Record any seal mismatch.
- Write the shortage or damage on the delivery receipt.
- Give notice to the port and the transporter.
- Inform the insurer immediately.
- Coordinate any independent survey with the insurer.
Rules that protect your marine claim
- Duty to minimise loss. Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.
- Allow inspection. Give the insurer’s surveyor a chance to inspect before the goods are moved or disposed of.
- Protect recovery rights. Give timely notice to the carrier or transporter so the insurer can recover from them. Subrogation documents may be needed.
- Salvage. Keep a proper record of damaged goods and what happens to them.
- Time limits. Follow the notice periods and time limits in your policy.
Common mistakes
- Accepting delivery with a clean receipt and finding damage later
- Not giving written notice to the transporter
- Late intimation to the insurer
- Throwing away damaged goods or packing before the survey
- Claiming the wrong value because invoices are incomplete
See our commercial vehicle insurance page for the vehicle side of goods transport.
Frequently asked questions
What should I write on the delivery receipt if goods are damaged?
Write the exact damage or shortage on the lorry receipt, bilty or delivery challan before signing. A clean receipt can weaken the claim against both the transporter and the insurer.
Do I have to inform the transporter as well as the insurer?
Yes. Give the transporter a written notice immediately. It protects the right of recovery, which the insurer will need.
Is a surveyor always needed for a marine claim?
Usually yes for meaningful losses. Inform the insurer first and let the surveyor inspect before you move or dispose of the damaged goods.
What is an open or annual turnover marine policy?
A single policy that covers all your shipments over the policy period instead of buying cover for each shipment separately. Declarations of shipments are usually required.
Which documents matter most for inland transit?
The policy or certificate, invoice, packing list, lorry receipt, e-way bill, delivery records, damage or shortage certificate, notice to the transporter and the survey report.
What is the time limit to claim?
The notice and claim time limits are in your policy. Inform the insurer immediately, and do not wait to collect every document before giving intimation.
Need help with your claim?
Binod Kumar Shukla provides claim assistance: documents, coordination with the insurer, follow-up and escalation guidance. The insurer takes the final decision as per the policy terms.
Claim assistanceWhatsApp 9911581705Related guides
Sources: Your insurer’s marine cargo and inland transit policy wording; IRDAI Master Circular on Protection of Policyholders’ Interests, 2024 (Ref. IRDAI/PP&GR/CIR/MISC/117/9/2024, 5 September 2024).
This guide is general information for policyholders and is not legal advice. Claim approval, amount and timeline depend on your policy terms, the facts of the loss and the insurer’s assessment; we cannot guarantee any claim outcome. Rules and limits change, so please confirm the current position with your insurer or the regulator. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. Binod Kumar Shukla is an IRDAI-certified Insurance Advisor and an agent of LIC of India, National Insurance Company and Niva Bupa, a Chief Life Insurance Advisor (CLIA) and LIC Chairman’s Club member, and an AMFI-registered Mutual Fund Distributor (ARN-50844, EUIN E053991). Claim assistance is provided for documentation, coordination and process guidance; it is not a guarantee of any claim outcome. Reviewed 7 November 2026.