How do I claim on marine cargo insurance?
Report the loss to the insurer, or to us, as soon as you see it, and before you sign a clean delivery receipt. Keep the goods and packing, arrange a survey, give the shipping line or carrier written notice of a claim within its time limit, and send the claim documents. The insurer then settles and recovers from the carrier. Our marine cargo insurance page explains the cover.
What to do, step by step
- Check before you sign Inspect the container seal and the goods at the port, CFS or your door. Note any damage or shortage on the delivery receipt.
- Tell the insurer at once Call, email or WhatsApp us with the certificate number and what happened.
- Protect the goods Act as if you were uninsured: stop further damage and keep the damaged goods and packing for inspection.
- Arrange a survey Use the surveyor named on the certificate, or the one the insurer appoints. Do not dispose of anything before the survey.
- Notify the carrier in writing Give the shipping line, port or transporter written notice that you hold them responsible, within the time limits below.
- Send the claim documents With a statement of claim showing how you worked out the amount.
- Settlement and recovery The insurer pays, then recovers from the carrier in your name (subrogation). Help with documents if asked.
Documents insurers ask for
- The original marine certificate or policy
- Statement of claim
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Bill of lading (both sides) or air waybill
- Survey report and photos
- Customs entry and port or CFS release order
- Signed delivery note, with damage noted
- Your notice to the carrier and its reply
- Short-landing certificate for missing packages
- Police abstract if goods were stolen in transit
Time limits that protect your claim
| Against | Notice | Claim or suit |
|---|---|---|
| Your insurer | Immediately | As set in the policy |
| Shipping line (Hague Rules) | At delivery, or within 3 days if not apparent | Within 1 year of delivery |
| Shipping line (Hamburg Rules) | Next working day, or 15 days if not apparent; 60 days for delay | Within 2 years |
| Road transporter in Kenya | As soon as possible, in writing | Under the transport contract |
- Notice
- Immediately
- Claim or suit
- As set in the policy
- Notice
- At delivery, or within 3 days if not apparent
- Claim or suit
- Within 1 year of delivery
- Notice
- Next working day, or 15 days if not apparent; 60 days for delay
- Claim or suit
- Within 2 years
- Notice
- As soon as possible, in writing
- Claim or suit
- Under the transport contract
Which convention applies depends on the bill of lading and the court. Act within the shortest limit to be safe.
The law on carriers' liability
For goods shipped from Kenyan ports, the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act applies the Hague Rules: written notice within three days where loss is not apparent, and suit within one year of delivery. The carrier's liability is limited to GBP 100 a package unless the value was declared.
Kenya is also a party to the Hamburg Rules, in force for Kenya since 1 November 1992: notice within 15 consecutive days where loss is not apparent, and two years to bring a claim. Which rules apply depends on the bill of lading and the court.
Special cases
General average
If the ship's master sacrificed cargo or spent money to save the voyage, every cargo owner must contribute before collecting goods. Your insurer gives the guarantee and pays your share.
Short-landing at the port
Ask KPA or the CFS for a short-landing certificate and the tally records before the goods leave.
Theft in transit
Report to the police at once and get an abstract; the insurer will need it.
Container damage
Photograph the container, seal and contents before unpacking further.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a marine cargo claim?
Tell us and the insurer as soon as you see damage or a shortage, before you sign a clean delivery receipt. Keep the goods and packing, ask for a survey, give the carrier written notice of a claim, and send the claim documents. We follow the claim through to settlement.
What documents do I need for a marine claim?
Usually the certificate, the commercial invoice and packing list, the bill of lading or air waybill, the survey report, photos, the port or CFS release order, the delivery note, your notice to the carrier and its reply, and a short-landing certificate if goods are missing.
Is there a time limit for marine cargo claims?
Notify the insurer straight away. Against the shipping line the limits are short: under the Hague Rules you must give notice within three days if damage is not obvious and sue within one year; the Hamburg Rules allow 15 days and two years. Missing them can cut what your insurer recovers, and may reduce your claim.
What is general average?
General average is an old maritime rule: if cargo is sacrificed or money is spent to save the ship, everyone with goods on board shares the cost, even if their own goods arrived safely. Your marine policy pays your share and provides the guarantee the ship's average adjuster asks for before releasing your goods.
Is there an excess on marine cargo claims?
Usually yes. Insurers set the excess in the quote, often as a fixed amount or a percentage of the claim, and it can be higher for theft, used goods or fragile items. No Kenyan insurer publishes standard excess figures, so compare them when you compare quotes.
Does marine insurance cover theft and pilferage?
Under ICC (A), yes: theft, pilferage and non-delivery are covered unless excluded. ICC (B) and (C) do not cover theft. For phones, electronics and other high-theft goods, insurers may add security conditions or a higher excess.
Why buy marine cover through Naveah instead of a portal?
A portal sells you a certificate; we compare insurers for the right cover level, check the value and terms, and help you if you ever need to claim. Our service is free to you: the insurer pays our commission, and the premium is the insurer's own rate.
Goods arrived damaged or short?
Do not sign a clean delivery note. Call or WhatsApp us now and we will guide the survey, notices and claim.
Licensed by IRA · No obligation · We reply within 1 hour
Sources
- Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (Cap 392)
- UNCITRAL, status of the Hamburg Rules
- Merchant Shipping Act (Cap 389), s.105
Facts and published prices checked 18 Oct 2026; last reviewed October 2026 by Naveah Capital. Rates shown are market estimates before levies, not a quote or a promise. Naveah Capital Insurance Agency is an IRA-licensed insurance agency in Nairobi; this page is general information, and your policy wording decides your cover.
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