Hit enter to search or ESC to close
Carriers' liability insurance
Cover items in transit with carriers’ liability insurance
Carriers can be liable for any type of damage that occurs to goods in transit, including during loading or unloading. This applies to goods carried by road, rail, sea, or air within New Zealand. Carriers’ liability cover can help mitigate the costs arising from damage to or loss of a customer's property.
Who needs carriers’ liability insurance?
Freight forwarders, forwarding agents, furniture removal companies, couriers, or anyone who, in the ordinary course of their business, carries goods owned by someone else, could be liable for damage to the goods and possibly even for secondary damage resulting from their service. Goods can include property such as packages, documents, furniture, and bulk freight.
Whether you operate a large national fleet, are transporting low-risk or dangerous goods, a small fleet or an owner-driver operation, our brokers can provide expert advice to help you identify the right carriers' liability insurance to manage your risk.
What does carriers’ liability insurance cover?
We can provide cover for different risk options:
- Limited Carrier’s Risk is the most common contract type in New Zealand and applies by default unless specified otherwise. The contracting carrier is legally responsible for loss or damage to the goods throughout the duration of the contract, regardless of who actually damages or loses the goods, but with a set, limited liability per unit of goods
- Declared Value Risk: where the carrier agrees to be liable for a specified amount
- Declared Terms: where the carrier agrees to terms negotiated by all parties
- Owner’s Risk: where the contract states that the carrier shall not be liable for any accidental loss or damage to goods
Even if you carry cargo on the basis of ‘Owner’s Risk’, if you have an accident resulting in damaged cargo, you may still be liable for some cargo-related costs as the carrier. Carrier's liability insurance can provide protection for expenses beyond compensation. For example, cover can be arranged for the removal of debris and any subsequent clean-up costs, plus additional costs that may be incurred to carry the remaining goods to their destination.
Our brokers can help you get the right carriers’ liability policy for your needs. If you need to make a claim, we advocate on your behalf to help you get a fair and prompt result.
