Developing rates for cargo in-transit insurance coverage is as much an art as a science. Underwriters consider the products shipped; susceptibility to loss and damage; number of shipments; trade lanes travelled; and transportation methods and modes. But insurance premiums are also driven by a firm's loss history. While some of these variables may be out of your control, you can take steps to help lower your insurance premiums. Barry Tarnef, assistant vice president and senior loss control specialist at the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies offers these tips for managing transportation insurance expenses.
1. Have some skin in the game. Consider different deductible levels for your insurance policy, as this can have an immediate impact on your premium—but remember that the deductible is part of your total cost of risk.
2. Invest in security monitoring. Affiliation with organizations such as CargoNet and FreightWatch may qualify you for a partial or total deductible waiver on certain losses.