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Coverage Under Marine Insurance Clauses A B C

  • Samiksha bagal
  • Dec 6, 2025
  • 4 min read

Table of Contents

  1. Marine Insurance Clauses A B C

  2. Why Cargo Coverage Differs Across Clauses

  3. Marine Insurance Clause A – All-Risks Protection

  4. Marine Insurance Clause B – Named Perils Coverage

  5. Marine Insurance Clause C – Basic Risk Coverage

  6. How Businesses Choose Between Clauses A, B & C

  7. Importance of Matching Clauses With Cargo Type

  8. FAQs

Cargo ship with colorful containers on ocean displayed in hexagon. Text: "Coverage under marine insurance clauses A B C" on a white and blue background.

Marine Insurance Clauses A B C


Marine Insurance Clauses A B C are the foundation of global cargo protection. Exporters, importers, and logistics companies rely on these marine insurance clauses to understand how their goods are protected in transit. Since each cargo faces different risks, knowing Marine Insurance Clauses A B C helps avoid disputes and ensures correct claim settlement. These widely used Institute Cargo Clauses define what losses are covered, making Marine Insurance Clauses A B C essential for anyone engaged in international shipping.


Why Cargo Coverage Differs Across Clauses


Marine Insurance Clauses A B C differ because each offers a different protection level. These marine insurance clauses help businesses select adequate cargo coverage types.


  • Clause A: widest protection

  • Clause B: mid-level named perils

  • Clause C: basic risks only


Understanding Marine Insurance Clauses A B C explained is crucial because choosing the wrong clause can expose shipments to major financial risk.


Marine Insurance Clause A – All-Risks Protection


Clause A under Marine Insurance Clauses A B C offers the strongest coverage and is widely preferred for high-value goods.

Coverage includes:


  • Accidental physical loss

  • Theft, pilferage, non-delivery

  • Water damage, container flooding

  • Rough handling, loading damage

  • Fire, explosion

  • General average & salvage

  • Breakage, contamination


This all-risk policy under the Institute Cargo Clauses protects electronics, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and fragile goods. It is the most comprehensive among Marine Insurance Clauses A B C.


Marine Insurance Clause B – Named Perils Coverage


Clause B offers medium protection and applies when cargo faces limited but defined risks.

Covered events:


  • Fire, explosion

  • Sinking, capsizing

  • Collision or overturning

  • Earthquake, volcanic eruption

  • Washing overboard

  • Water entry


Marine Insurance Clauses A B C show that Clause B excludes theft and rough handling unless linked to named perils. It suits steel coils, bulk goods, and moderately sensitive items.


Marine Insurance Clause C – Basic Risk Coverage


Clause C, the most limited option in Marine Insurance Clauses A B C, works for low-value commodities and minimal-risk routes.

Coverage includes:


  • Fire, explosion

  • Vessel sinking or capsizing

  • Collision

  • Vehicle overturning

  • General average


This lowest-tier Institute Cargo Clause excludes water entry, theft, and mishandling. When comparing Marine Insurance Clauses A B C, Clause C should never be used for fragile or high-value shipments.


How Businesses Choose Between Clauses A, B & C


Marine Insurance Clauses A B C selection depends on:


  • Cargo value and fragility

  • Packaging and route risk

  • Buyer–seller Incoterms

  • Industry standards

  • Cost vs risk tolerance


Choosing coverage under marine cargo clauses incorrectly can result in claim rejection.


Importance of Matching Clauses With Cargo Type


Correct alignment with Marine Insurance Clauses A B C prevents:


  • Financial loss

  • Underinsurance disputes

  • Transit damage costs

  • Legal complications


Knowing the difference between ICC A B C ensures cargo is covered correctly.

Marine Insurance Clauses A B C help businesses choose the right cargo protection based on value and risk. Clause A covers everything, Clause B covers specifically named risks, and Clause C covers just a few basic events. Knowing Marine Insurance Clauses A B C offers proper coverage, less argument and safer international commerce.


FAQs


1. What makes Marine Insurance Clause A the strongest?

Marine Insurance Clause A, one of the three Marine Insurance Clauses A B C, gives all-risk protection that covers every accidental loss with the exception of the mentioned exclusions.


The insurance covers mainly non-theft, water damage, rough handling, contamination and fire which are actually almost never included in the basic marine insurance clauses. For high-value cargo or delicate goods businesses like A Clause since the cargo coverage types under ICC A ensure maximum safety in international transit.

2. How are Marine Insurance Clauses B and C different from Clause A?

Unlike Clause A, Marine Insurance Clauses A B C show that Clauses B and C cover only named perils. Clause B includes events like sinking, collision, water entry, or natural disasters but excludes theft or mishandling.


Clause C covers only major events like fire or capsizing. When comparing the difference between ICC A B C, Clause A is comprehensive, Clause B is moderate, and Clause C is minimal.

3. Which clause is best for bulk shipments and raw materials?

Under Marine Insurance Clauses A B C, bulk shipments often choose Clause B or Clause C. Clause B offers named perils protection suitable for steel, grains, or minerals.


Clause C, the most basic of marine insurance clauses, is used for low-risk, low-value cargo. Coverage under marine cargo clauses should match the cargo type and risk exposure, ensuring cost-effective yet adequate protection.

4. Does Marine Insurance Clause C cover water damage or theft?

No. Marine Insurance Clauses A B C clearly state that Clause C provides only basic protection. Theft, pilferage, non-delivery, water entry, or rough handling damage are excluded. These cargo coverage types fall under Clause A.


Understanding marine insurance clauses A B C explained helps businesses avoid wrong assumptions that lead to claim disputes.

5. How do companies choose the right clause for international shipments?

Companies evaluate Marine Insurance Clauses A B C by considering cargo fragility, route risk, packaging, and buyer–seller agreements. High-value goods always need Clause A, while moderately priced goods may fit Clause B.


Clause C suits low-value raw materials. The difference between ICC A B C guides exporters and importers in selecting the correct Institute Cargo Clause for global shipments.


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