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Insurance Policy

Insurance Policy

ShippingSupermarket.com Effective Date: 17/07/2026

 

🛡️ 1. Introduction

This Insurance Policy explains how insurance works for shipments arranged through ShippingSupermarket.com (“we”, “our”, “us”). By booking a shipment, you agree to this policy and our Terms & Conditions.

 

🏢 2. BIFA Standard Trading Conditions

ShippingSupermarket Ltd operates under the British International Freight Association (BIFA) Standard Trading Conditions (STCs).

Under BIFA STCs:

  • Liability limits apply to loss, damage, or delay
  • Claims must follow strict BIFA procedures and time limits
  • Certain risks may not be covered unless insurance is purchased
  • BIFA STCs override any conflicting terms in this Insurance Policy

A copy of the BIFA STCs is available upon request.

 

📦 3. Insurance Options

Customers may choose between:

a) Insured Shipment (“With Insurance”)

This option provides coverage for:

  • Loss
  • Damage
  • Theft
  • Certain transit risks

Coverage depends on the insurer’s specific terms, exclusions, and documentation requirements.

b) Uninsured Shipment (“Without Insurance”)

If you decline insurance:

  • You accept full responsibility for loss, damage, theft, or transit risks
  • You cannot make a claim for compensation
  • BIFA liability limits apply, which may be significantly lower than the value of your goods
 

📑 4. What Insurance Covers

Insurance typically covers:

  • Physical damage during transport
  • Loss during transit
  • Theft
  • Fire or major incidents
  • Vessel or carrier accidents

Coverage depends on the insurer’s policy wording.

 

❌ 5. What Insurance Does NOT Cover

Insurance may not cover:

  • Pre‑existing damage
  • Poor packaging
  • Mechanical or electrical failure (unless caused by external damage)
  • Delays
  • Customs seizures
  • Prohibited or restricted items
  • Incorrect documentation provided by the customer

These exclusions follow insurer rules and BIFA STCs.

 

📄 6. Documentation Requirements

To activate insurance, you may need to provide:

  • Proof of value (invoice or receipt)
  • Identification
  • Vehicle documents (V5, title, purchase invoice)
  • Accurate cargo descriptions

Missing or incorrect documents may void coverage.

 

🚢 7. Claims Process

If a shipment is insured and you need to make a claim:

  • Notify us immediately upon delivery or discovery of damage
  • Provide photos, documents, and a detailed description
  • Submit proof of value
  • Follow the insurer’s claim procedure
  • Follow BIFA STC time limits (claims must be made promptly)

We will assist you in contacting the insurer, but claims are handled directly by the insurance provider.

 

⚠️ 8. Claims Time Limits (BIFA Rules)

Under BIFA STCs:

  • Damage must be reported immediately upon delivery
  • Loss must be reported within the insurer’s required timeframe
  • Late claims may be rejected

💳 9. Insurance Fees

Insurance fees depend on:

  • Value of goods
  • Type of cargo
  • Destination
  • Carrier requirements
  • Risk level

Insurance fees are non‑refundable once coverage begins.

 

🔄 10. Changes to Insurance

Changes to insurance coverage may be possible before collection, depending on insurer rules. Once a shipment is collected, coverage cannot be changed.

 

⚖️ 11. Governing Law

This Insurance Policy is governed by the laws of England and Wales and the BIFA Standard Trading Conditions.

 

📞 12. Contact Us

For insurance enquiries or assistance:

ShippingSupermarket Ltd 50 Princes Street, Ipswich, England, IP1 1RJ Phone: 01394 242088 Email: support@shippingsupermarket.com