Check list on receipt of goods

1. Inspection of goods

• Inspect all goods upon receipt, and make a note of any visible damage and shortage on the freight bill/ receipt. (Number of packages, type of damage, etc.).
• Take photographs of the truck and cargo if possible.
• Always obtain the carrier's written confirmation if there is any damage/shortage of goods.
• Never give a clean receipt in the event of any visible damage/shortage of goods.

Why is inspection important?

• To be able to provide documentary evidence that the damage occurred during transport – i.e. whilst the insurance policy was in force.
• To ensure that there is a right of recourse against the transport company, and thereby limit the extent of the loss.

2. Claims against transport companies

Inspect the goods immediately upon receipt. In the event of of non-visible damage/shortage, send the carrier a written notification holding the carrier liable. Try to determine the reason for the discrepancies.

Deadlines

Visible damage: Immediately

Non-visible damage:

• Air =14 days
• Road/rail = 7 days
• Ship = 3 days

Why is a written notification important?

The carrier can reject the claim if these deadlines are not complied with.

3. Notify If P&C immediately

Report any damage/shortage immediately to If P&C Insurance, Cargo Claims.

This allows If the opportunity to inspect the goods quickly and provide assistance/advice with a view to minimizing the loss.

Denmark:

Phone: +45 36 87 43 90
Fax: +45 36 87 48 78 
Email: cargo.claims@if.dk 

Finland:

Phone: +358 10 514 5761
Fax: +358 10 514 5849
Email: cargo.claims@if.fi

Norway:

Phone: +47 22 31 5050
Fax: +47 6784 0230
Email: transportskade@if.no

Sweden:

Phone: +46 31 345 62 25 or +46 771 815 818
Fax: +46 8 578 708 39
Email: marineclaims@if.se

4. Limitation of damage

Take all necessary steps to minimize the loss and prevent further damage i.e. separate the damaged goods from undamaged goods.

Why is it important to try to minimize the loss?

The policyholder has a duty to do this in accordance with insurance terms and conditions.

5. Written claim to If P&C Insurance

Send detailed information about the claim to If, enclosing the following:

• way bill, B/L, air waybill etc. (original)
• commercial invoice
• insurance policy/certificate, if any (original)
• notification of loss against carrier
• delivery receipts / notes – other relevant correspondence / documents
• survey report, if any
• your bank details.

• The freight documents are required to confirm the agreed transport conditions.
• The invoice is required to calculate the amount of indemnification and to clarify the delivery terms.
• The original insurance policy/certificate proves who is entitled to indemnification.
• The delivery receipts show the condition of the goods upon arrival.
• The survey report shows the extent, cause and nature of the damage.

Read more about notice of loss to carrier