PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED IN THE EVENT OF LOSS OR DAMAGE
TO IMPORT Cargo OR A VESSEL
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Take Every Precaution to minimize the loss and act as though uninsured
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Immediately contact the survey agents indicated on the policy and arrange for the Cargo / Vessel to be surveyed. Always make a formal application for a survey in an emergency. You may telephone. But always follow it up with a letter.
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If no policy is available or if the survey agents name is not indicated on the policy. Contact the nearest Lloyd's Agent for a survey. This is recommended solely because a Lloyd's report is universally acceptable.
If however you prefer to be advised before taking any action then if the damage is A) To the Cargo -- Contact the shipper or B) To the Vessel -- Contact the owner or Principal
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Even the Cargo or the Vessel is not insured, it is best that a survey be conducted for the following reasons:
A) For a Claim on the shipper or carrier for damage and / or loss Caused by 1) Packing Error 2) Insufficient / Inadequate Packing 3) Discrepancies in quality B) For duty / tax rebates on account of loss / damage to cargo C) In the case of vessels, there are statutory requirements requiring the periodical certification of sea worthiness. A survey will always reveal whether a vessel is sea worthy or not.
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When calling for a survey, every opportunity should be given to the surveyor to determine as accurately as possible. The origin cause and extent of loss and / or damage. Therefore it is best to remember that if loss/ damage is noticed
A) On Board --- Conduct Survey prior to discharge B) In Port Warehouse --- Conduct Survey prior to Clearance C) In Insured's Premises --- Conduct Survey as soon as possible
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Surveys must be carried out without delay or else, vital facts could be missed by the surveyor.
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Collect survey report on completion of survey within 10 days.
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Submit claim documents as listed below
A) Original policy of insurance duly endorsed. B) Original / Negotiable bill or lading duly endorsed. C) Invoice / Packing list. D) Preshipment condition report / certificate of origin. E) Original Survey report. F) Original Letters of liability from the carriers and landing authority or post office where necessary. G) Claim bill in Triplicate computed according to the survey report / Estimate for cost of repairs replacement etc / original proforma invoice where applicable. H) Duty paid customs entry where necessary. I) Extract of Cargo disposal report from the port authority conclusive evidence of short delivery. J) Tally sheets from the port authority where necessary. K) If required obtain an extension of suitable time from the carriers agents / principals in order to safeguard rights of recovery of insurers. |
