Cargo Arrived Damaged: What Evidence to Preserve for an International Freight Insurance Claim

Direct answer: The moment you see damage, stop and document — photograph the container, seals, cartons, and damaged goods before moving anything; get a survey report / independent inspection; note the damage on the Bill of Lading or delivery receipt at the time of delivery; keep the original invoice, packing list, and insurance certificate. Then notify the insurer/carrier within the policy's time limit (often days, not weeks). Most claims fail not on coverage but on weak evidence. Coverage itself depends on your specific policy wording.

By the Claims & Insurance Coordination team, Baton Logistics — we handle damaged-cargo claims, and the difference between paid and denied is almost always the paper trail.

Step-by-step claim flow

1. Discover & freeze. On delivery, inspect before signing. If damage is visible, note it on the delivery receipt/BL.
2. Photograph everything — container doors, seals, interior, cartons, product damage, staging.
3. Commission a survey (independent inspector or carrier's surveyor) and get a written report.
4. Preserve evidence — keep damaged goods, packaging, and all docs as-is.
5. Notify the insurer and carrier within the policy's deadline.
6. Submit the claim package (see checklist) with a documented loss amount.
7. Follow up with survey findings and any carrier response.

Evidence preservation checklist

• ☐ Photos: container exterior/doors, seals (intact or cut), interior, cartons, product
• ☐ BL or delivery receipt with damage noted at time of delivery
• ☐ Independent survey / inspection report
• ☐ Commercial invoice + packing list (original)
• ☐ Insurance certificate / policy
• ☐ Booking / shipping order and tracking
• ☐ Communication with carrier/supplier
• ☐ Salvage: keep damaged goods until the insurer decides

Baton's Cargo Insurance team can help you place cover and prepare the claim file.

What freight insurance typically covers vs not

Describe coverage per the actual policy issued. The table shows common patterns, not a guarantee.

Is cargo insurance worth it from China? For most commercial shipments, yes — a single total-loss or damage event can exceed the premium many times over. The key is correct declared value and understanding exclusions before you ship.

FAQ

Q: How do I file a cargo insurance claim for international shipping?
A: Document damage immediately (photos + note on the BL/delivery receipt), get an independent survey report, preserve the goods and all documents, then notify the insurer within the policy deadline and submit the claim package.

Q: Is cargo insurance worth it when shipping from China?
A: For most commercial cargo, yes — one loss or damage event usually exceeds the premium. The key is correct declared value and knowing the exclusions beforehand.

Q: What evidence do I need for a damaged cargo claim?
A: Photos of container/seals/cartons/goods, a damage note on the BL or delivery receipt, an independent survey report, original invoice/packing list, and the insurance certificate.

Q: Does cargo insurance cover delay?
A: Usually not. Standard marine cargo policies cover physical loss/damage, not pure delay. War/strike and other special risks need specific clauses.