What is Rail Freight Insurance?
Rail freight insurance covers loss of or damage to goods carried by train caused by accidents, derailment, fire, theft and handling at transhipment points.
Rail is increasingly preferred, especially on routes to Europe and Central Asia, for its cost and carbon advantages. In intermodal transport, however, goods pass through road, rail and sometimes ferry legs, and every transhipment point adds risk.
Rail freight insurance protects the goods along the entire transport chain under a single policy. Because the railway operator's liability is limited by international rules such as CIM, a policy in the cargo owner's name is recommended to protect the real value of the goods.
What is covered?
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Derailment and collision
Damage to goods resulting from train accidents.
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Fire and explosion
Fire and explosion damage during transit.
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Theft
Theft of goods from wagons or containers.
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Transhipment and handling
Loading and unloading damage at terminals, ports and border crossings.
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Combined transport legs
Road and sea connections before and after the rail leg.
Optional extensions
- War and strikes clauses
- Temperature-controlled container cargo
- Deterioration due to delay (on special terms)
Who is it for?
- Companies trading with Europe and Asia via rail connections
- Logistics companies organising block trains
- Automotive, chemical and mining sectors
- Exporters using intermodal transport
Information needed for a quote
Sharing the following information lets us obtain fast and accurate quotes from several insurers.
- Type and value of goods
- Route and transhipment points
- Container or wagon type
- Annual shipment volume
Frequently asked questions
Which clause is recommended for rail shipments?
ICC (A) all risks is usually preferred. Narrower clauses may not adequately protect the goods given handling and theft risks at transhipment points.
Is the ferry leg included?
Yes. In intermodal transport the ferry and sea leg can be included to create a single door-to-door cover.
Isn't the railway operator's liability sufficient?
The rail carrier's liability is limited by international rules and does not arise in certain cases. Cargo insurance in the cargo owner's name is recommended to protect the full value of the goods.
Scope of cover and limits are determined by the general and special conditions of the issuing insurer.