Marine Claims

Having established that articles are damaged or missing a claim should be made on the carriers and / or shipping company.

The following points are important, but will not apply in every case:

1. If the extent of a loss is not known, lodge a Pro Forma claim against the carrier or shipper.
2. If the value of the goods lost or damaged is known, lodge a valued claim against the carrier or shipper.
3. Shipping companies will require all necessary documents to support a valued claim.  Remember to retain copies to be submitted to your Insurers.

These are:

1. Shipping Invoice
2. Packing Lists (if shipping invoice does not give sufficient information)
3. Bill of Lading or Waybill – Consignment Note (Imports only)
4. Repair estimate or amount of loss
5. Local Carriers delivery docket
6. Copies of correspondence to carriers and/ or agents and their replies
7. EWP Note (if obtained)
1. In the case of exports, although a custom agent may lodge a claim on your behalf, it is your responsibility to ensure that the claim is in fact lodged.
2. KEEP ALL DAMAGED PACKAGING – the shipping company/ carrier/ surveyor/ underwriter may wish to see it.

SETTLEMENT

Your Underwriter will settle a claim immediately and pursue recovery themselves if you have:

1. Taken all steps to minimise the loss.
2. Ensured your Insurers rights to recovery by lodging claims on all negligent parties and correctly noting the damage or loss.
3. Proved the claim is valid according to the terms of your Policy, i.e. details of declarations made if they are unavailable.

It is imperative that the action outlined is taken at the outset and is not left until some time later, as these matters can become very confusing and documentation gets filed away.

All copies of correspondence between yourselves and the carrier and/ or customs agent must be forwarded to IC Frith (NZ) Ltd Insurance Brokers together with other relevant documentation.