Looking for Import & Export Insurance?
Protect your trade business from cargo damage, liability claims, customs issues, and shipping delays. Harper provides coverage for import/export companies, freight forwarders, and international trade businesses.
What is Import & Export Insurance?
Import and export insurance protects international trade businesses from losses related to damaged cargo, shipping delays, customs issues, documentation errors, and product liability. Coverage often includes cargo insurance, general liability, professional liability, and product liability. Clients, carriers, customs brokers, and lenders commonly require proof of insurance before shipments or contracts are approved.
Cargo Protection
Covers goods that are lost, damaged, or stolen during international shipping, transit, warehousing, or customs clearance.
Trade & Professional Liability
Protects against claims arising from shipping errors, incorrect documentation, customs delays, or contractual disputes.
Product Liability
Covers claims related to imported products that cause bodily injury or property damage after distribution or sale.
Warehouse & Transit Coverage
Extends protection to goods stored temporarily or moved between ports, warehouses, and final destinations.
Certificates
Fast proof of insurance for clients, carriers, customs brokers, and trade partners.
Who Needs Import & Export Insurance?
- Import/export companies : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
- Freight forwarders : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
- International trade brokers : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
- Customs clearance services : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
Why Harper?
International Trade Expertise
Harper understands the complexities of global trade, including customs regulations, cargo valuation, shipping risks, and cross-border liability exposure.
Fast Proof for Trade Partners
Carriers, clients, and lenders often require insurance confirmation before releasing shipments. Harper delivers certificates quickly to keep goods moving.
Clear, Practical Explanations
We explain cargo terms, trade liability, and product exposure in straightforward language so you know how coverage applies at every stage.
Coverage Tailored to Your Goods
From consumer products to industrial equipment or food imports, coverage is aligned with your cargo type, volume, and trade routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance do import/export businesses need?
Most businesses need cargo insurance for goods in transit, general liability for operations, professional liability for documentation or trade errors, and product liability for imported goods sold domestically.
Is import/export insurance required?
While not legally mandated, clients, carriers, and lenders frequently require cargo insurance and liability coverage before approving shipments or financing.
How much does import/export insurance cost?
Small traders often pay $2,000–$5,000 annually. Larger operations handling high-value or high-volume shipments may pay $10,000–$50,000+.
Does insurance cover cargo damage?
Yes. Cargo insurance can cover damage, loss, or theft during international transport, storage, and customs processing, subject to policy terms.
Does insurance cover customs delays?
Some policies offer delay or consequential loss coverage, helping offset financial losses caused by extended customs holds or documentation issues.
Can clients or consignees be added as insured?
Trade agreements may require adding clients, consignees, or lenders as additional insureds or loss payees. Harper handles certificates and endorsements.