Difference Between Total Loss and Partial Loss in Marine Insurance

Traders who export or import their goods across distant lands are aware of the risks during transit. While there are insurance plans to overcome these financial burdens, it is equally important to know how to quantify these losses. In this article, we will learn about the difference between a total loss and partial loss in marine insurance policies.

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Types of Marine Losses

Thanks to a variety of marine insurance plans, it has become easier to cope with any unfortunate damages to the cargo. You can easily raise a claim in case of any cargo collapse or damage to your commodity and cover those losses. However, in order to first raise a claim, you must have a clear idea about the total retrieval amount.

When we talk about marine losses, they can be categorized into two broad types:

Total Loss: In cases when the goods are completely or almost completely lost.

Partial Loss: When only a part of the insured goods is lost or damaged.

These two can be further categorised into different categories that have been discussed with examples later.

Total Loss in Marine Insurance

As explained earlier, in such losses, the asset is destroyed completely and it has no value; nor can the item be rebuilt or repaired to its original state. It can be further divided into two types:

Actual Total Loss

This kind of loss occurs when the goods are completely destroyed or damaged beyond recognition or initial state. If the policyholder is deprived of the insured goods, that too would be considered as an actual total loss of goods.

Example: If a ship carrying your cargo sinks or is completely destroyed due to a fire or other covered reasons, then this will be considered as an actual total loss. If the policyholder can't trace their ship or get their goods back, this too will be considered as an actual total loss under which they are entitled to claim the full amount of lost goods.

However, it's important to remember that once the claim is settled, the title of goods will be transferred to the insurer. If they receive any amount from the sale of the damaged goods, then the policyholder can't claim any part from that amount.

Constructive Total Loss

This usually happens when the cargo needs to be abandoned as it is not commercially viable to retrieve them. This can happen due to certain situations; the cargo may not be destroyed completely but it is not economically practical to repair or restore it to its original state. This is common when ships are damaged as the cost of repairs may exceed the ship's value.

For Example: If the cargo is safe but the cost of retrieving it is more than the cargo's cost, it is better to abandon it. In such a case the policyholder surrenders the interests to the insurer and gives them notice of abandonment. They can raise a claim for total loss.

You May Also like to Read: Different Types of Marine Insurance Plans

Partial Loss in Marine Insurance

This kind of damage neither destroys the insured items entirely nor renders them completely useless. These can be divided into two subcategories:

Particular Average Loss

This kind of loss is incurred due to perils or other involuntary causes. To claim damage for this kind of loss, the insured goods must be caused by a peril listed under the marine insurance policy terms. For example, if the items were damaged due to flooding then the compensation will be made only if it was included in the list of covered perils.

General Average Loss

This type of loss is caused deliberately to avoid a grave danger. This consists of an extra-ordinary sacrifice or expense done voluntarily to preserve common interest. This kind of voluntary damage is reasonably done for the sole purpose of safety from an impending peril.

For instance, in case of overload if the cargo ship is sinking, then some of the goods may be thrown out to save both the crew and the ship. However, there are several things that are considered while deciding the incurred general average loss, such as

  • If the loss was incurred due to an extraordinary situation If the peril was real and not based on fearful imagination
  • If the loss was made deliberately and voluntarily
  • Once the category of loss is established, the policyholder can easily file for a claim to cover their losses.

Wrapping it Up,

Cargos are the basis of any trade and face plethora of risks while in transit. It is very important to properly assess the value and risks associated with the goods so that in case of any unfortunate incidents, you can get the right compensation. Don't forget to buy a suitable marine insurance to safeguard your precious commodities.

Written By: PolicyBazaar - Updated: 16 November 2023
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Policybazaar for Business - Marine Insurance - Customer Reviews
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4.3/5
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4.3
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Based on 114 reviews
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3.8 April 20, 2023
Anas
Great Experience
I recently purchased Marine insurance from Policybazaar for my shipping business and I must say I am thoroughly impressed with their service and coverage. From start to finish, the experience has been smooth and hassle-free.Thankyou.
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4.3 April 03, 2023
Vaishnav
Provides Comprehensive Protection
When it comes to coverage, Marine insurance that i bought from PolicyBazaar has exceeded my expectations. It provides comprehensive protection for my cargo and vessels during transit, ensuring I can focus on my business operations with peace of mind. Thankyou.
Assam
4.3 March 17, 2023
Umang
Excellent Services
I highly recommend Marine insurance from PolicyBazaar website to anyone in the shipping or logistics industry. Their user-friendly website, comprehensive coverage, and excellent customer service make them stand out from the competition. With Policybazaar, I feel confident in navigating the high seas, knowing that my business is well-protected. Thank you, Policybazaar.
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4.3 February 28, 2023
Vishal
User Friendly Interface
The website's user-friendly interface made it easy to compare different plans and find the perfect fit for my business needs.Thanks
Gurugram
4.3 February 11, 2023
Parth
Prompt Services
I appreciate the transparency and honesty with which Policybazaar handled my claims. They were prompt in processing my claim and their claim settlement process was hassle-free.Thanks PolicyBazaar.
Noida
3.8 February 10, 2023
Rishabh
Exceeds Expectations
I recently had the pleasure of purchsing marine insurance from Policy bazaar website and I must say it has been an outstnding experience from start to finish. I am thrilled to share my positive customer review, as this truly exceeded my expectations. Thanks PB.
Jamshedpur
3.8 January 31, 2023
Arvind
Easy Navigation
The ease of navigating the Policy bazaar website and finding the right marine insurance policy was impressive. The website's user-friendly interface and intuitive design made it incredibly simple to compare various options, understand the coverage details and make an informed decision. I appreciated the transparency provided throughout the process. Thanks.
Ajmer
3.8 January 21, 2023
Vishal
Excellent Support
The customer service provided by Policy bazaar was decent. Their team was responsive, knowledgeable and went above and beyond to assist me at every step. Their professionalism and commitment to customer satisfaction were truly commendable.Thankyou.
Mumbai
4.3 January 11, 2023
Sanjeev Rathor
Efficient Process
When it came to claims processing, Policy bazaar demonstrated remarkable eficiency and effectivenes. I had an unfortunate incident during the coverage period and filing a claim was a breeze. The entire process was streamlined and their team guided me throuugh every necssary step, making it hassle-free. The promptness with which my claim was setled reflected their commitment to their customers' well-being and peace of mind. Thankyou.
Pune
3.8 January 01, 2023
Kunal
Comprehensive Coverage
I must mention the comprehensive coverage provided by the marine insurance policy I purchasd through Policy bazaar. It offered me the necesary protection and peace of mind. Thankyou PolicyBazaar.
Indore