What to know first
A1 Freight Forwarding Inc. is not an insurer. Unless you ask in writing, the cargo travels uninsured, and compensation for loss or damage is limited as set out in our Terms of Service (sections 8 and 9). If the value of your goods matters to you, ask for insurance when you book.
What insurance costs
- 2% of the declared value of the insured cargo;
- minimum USD 50 per shipment;
- available for any cargo: personal effects and commercial goods;
- the amount appears as a separate line, "Cargo insurance", on your price, your quotation and your invoice.
Example: for goods with a declared value of USD 1,200, 2% is USD 24, so the USD 50 minimum applies. Because the customs value of a booking stays under CAD 2,000, the USD 50 minimum applies to most shipments.
How to request it
- Choose insurance when you book, or email us at [email protected] before the cargo departs.
- State the value to be insured. For personal effects we ask for a valued inventory of the goods.
- We send you the insurance forms to sign before departure.
- Insurance is in force only once confirmed in writing; the insurance certificate is issued before departure.
A request made after the vessel has sailed cannot be accepted.
What insurance does not change
- It does not replace good packing: household goods must be professionally packed, and pallets and crates must be ISPM 15 wood.
- It does not cover goods we do not accept: dangerous goods, cash, jewellery and other valuables, among others.
- It does not cover duties and taxes or destination charges.
- The exact terms of cover, its exclusions and any deductible are on the insurance forms and certificate you receive before signing; read them before departure.
In case of loss or damage
Report any loss or damage in writing to [email protected] within 7 days of delivery, with photos and the shipment documents (section 10 of the Terms of Service). Keep the damaged packaging until the claim is settled. If the shipment was insured, we tell you how to proceed with the insurer.
Questions and answers
Is insurance mandatory?
No. It is optional and is in place only if you request it in writing before departure and it is confirmed.
What value should I declare?
The real value of the insured goods. For personal effects, a reasonable replacement value, item by item, in the valued inventory. A value that is too low reduces the possible compensation.
Can I insure only part of the shipment?
Write to us before departure: we check what is possible for your shipment, and the USD 50 minimum applies in every case.
What happens without insurance?
Compensation for loss or damage is limited as set out in section 9 of the Terms of Service, and it can be far below the value of your goods.