The sea freight price calculator above lets you quickly find international shipping costs for commercial and household goods. Just select your destination country for instant quotes.

Marine cargo insurance is available in the online freight calculator for shipping goods from the USA

This online freight calculator lets you request marine cargo insurance for shipping goods from the USA overseas.

Most cargo shipped from the U.S. reaches its international destination safely. However, you can get insurance if you want extra protection for your items during international shipping.

You can choose any insurance provider to cover your shipment. You can also select the insurance option in the online freight calculator, and we will obtain an insurance certificate on your behalf. Coverage for commercial freight shipped from the USA costs 1-2%, depending on the value of the merchandise. Shipping personal belongings from the USA can cover 3% of the value in the shipper's valued packing list.

The insurance certificate will usually be in the consignee's name, the person receiving the goods in the U.S. If the shipper wants the certificate in a different name, they must tell us in advance.

Remember, we are not an insurance provider. If your cargo gets damaged or lost during shipping, the consignee should contact the claims agent on the insurance certificate.

Ocean freight carriers' liability

When shipping cargo internationally by sea, ocean freight carriers are usually responsible for up to $500 for each shipping unit and up to $1,500 for the entire shipment.

A shipping unit can be a box, pallet, or entire multimodal sea freight container, depending on what is stated in the shipping documents.

If you do not have an insurance certificate, you should direct any claims for damage or loss of cargo to the steamship line used for that shipment.

'All Risk' and 'Total Loss'  cargo insurance coverages

The All-Risk coverage policy for shipping cargo from the USA covers any loss or damage to your shipment during transportation. This includes fire, water damage, theft, partial loss, and breakage. It is the most complete coverage available for international cargo transportation.

The Total Loss coverage policy only covers cases where your entire shipment is lost or destroyed. It does not cover any partial loss or damage.

Insurance certificates obtained for shippers are usually under the All-Risk policy. This applies only to professionally packed goods. Goods should be in the original manufacturer's packaging or packed by certified professionals who can prove their work. Certain conditions may apply. The insurance may change to a Total Loss policy if the items are not professionally packed.

*Certain conditions (for reference only)

In the international shipping industry, your goods are protected against physical loss or damage according to specific clauses: Institute Cargo Clauses (A) CL252, Institute War Clauses (Cargo) CL255, Institute Strikes Clauses (Cargo) CL256, Institute Radioactive Exclusion Clause CL370, and Institute Cyber Attack Exclusion Clause CL 380. Other clauses include Institute Classification Clause 1.1.82 and Institute Replacement Clause CL372. 

Please note that electrical and mechanical problems are not covered unless caused by an insured risk. For automobile shipments, we provide all-risk coverage but exclude losses due to preexisting conditions. This includes existing scratches, marring, denting, and chipping. You need a preloading condition report for all auto shipments, and there will be a deductible of USD 500. Radios are not insured, and coverage for autos applies only between ports.

Household goods that professionals pack are also covered for all risks, but losses due to preexisting damages like scratches, marring, denting, and chipping are not covered. You must provide an itemized inventory before shipping. If you pack your goods yourself, they are only insured for total loss.

Certain items are not covered, including antiques, collectibles, banknotes, cellular phones, computer chips and memory modules, dangerous goods (red label), hazardous materials, fine art, heirlooms, flammables and explosives, fruits and vegetables, jewelry, laptops and other portable computers, LCD plasma TVs and monitors, live animals, nuclear fuel, precious metals and stones, securities, stocks and bonds, tobacco products, valuable papers, manuscripts, and glass. These items cannot be insured.

All preexisting damages and conditions are excluded from coverage. It must be clear in the condition reports that any damage occurred during transit. If you repair cars, boats, or yachts before a licensed surveyor checks them, coverage will not apply. Household goods packed by professionals are insured for all risks, but any preexisting damages like scratches, marring, denting, and chipping are excluded. Household goods are covered based on actual cash value (ACV), and you must provide proof of value, like invoices or bills of sale, when claiming. We do not cover storage for household goods shipments; coverage is only available on a door-to-door basis. If there are exceptions, you need to note them on the delivery receipt from the destination trucker at the time of delivery, and an itemized inventory is required before shipment. If you pack your goods yourself, they are only insured for total loss. Coverage ends once goods are delivered to the warehouse or your home.

Additionally, in international sea freight shipping, the following items are also excluded from coverage: 

• Repainting cars
• Jewelry, currency, valuable papers, and items of intrinsic value are NOT covered for any reason. Do not pack or leave these items during your move.
• Damage to items in cartons packed by the owner (PBO) or prepackaged items that you cannot visually inspect.
• Items received or transported in packaging from the manufacturer or retailer.
• Damage caused by mold, moths, vermin, or mildew.
• For pairs and sets, you can only claim the value of the damaged item, not the whole set.
• Damage to electrical equipment unless there are signs of mishandling.
• Damage caused by riots, war, terrorism, acts of God, or government actions.
• Musical instruments are excluded from coverage, as is any loss in market or appraised value.
• Any breakable items or electronics, including computers and cell phones, are not covered without prior agreement from the underwriters.
• Fine arts, antiques, and heirlooms require an appraisal before coverage can be issued.
• Household goods shipments are insured on an actual cash value basis and are not covered for full replacement.