Inland Marine vs. Cargo Insurance: What’s the Difference?

The California Department of Insurance lists motor truck cargo and trip transit among inland-marine specialty coverages. “Cargo insurance” can refer to protection for goods in transit, while carrier cargo liability is a different question about a transporter’s legal responsibility. A shipper’s policy and a motor carrier’s policy should not be treated as interchangeable.

Check who is insured, whose goods are covered, when transit starts and ends, and whether storage, loading, unloading, subcontracted transport, and international legs are included. Review contracts that allocate risk of loss, declared shipment values, and per-load limits. Ask whether the quote is cargo insurance for your goods or liability insurance for a carrier.