Q7. What documents are needed to file a marine insurance claim?

To file a claim against marine insurance in Dubai, you’ll need documents like Marine insurance policy details Commercial invoice Delivery receipt Packaging list Bill of lading Loss/damage survey report Photos/videos of loss or damage Claim bill

Marine Insurance UAE

Marine insurance covers the cargo or vessel being shipped from one destination to another. It covers various modes of transportation, including sea, rail, land, and air. The main goal of this policy is to safeguard the finances of importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and maritime operations companies from damage or loss due to sea perils, collisions, theft, fire, and liabilities.read more

We Are Rated

4.7/5

★★★★★

43,419

Reviews

2 Million+

Trusted Customers

35+

Insurance Partners

1 Million+

Policies Sold

Instant Issuance

Personalised Expert advice

Guaranteed Low prices

Dedicated Teams for express Claims

Written ByChanchal SinghContent Writer

Reviewed ByAshu BajajBusiness Head- Commercial and Group Health Insurance

Last updated on 17 August 2026Editorial Standards

Is Marine Insurance Mandatory in the UAE?

While marine insurance is not universally mandatory in the UAE, certain covers, including marine liability insurance and seafarer health insurance, are mandatory under the UAE Maritime Law. This coverage may also be required while signing business contracts, issuing or renewing licenses, and operating in free zones.

Under Federal Decree-Law No. 43 of 2023, certain aspects have been amended, including the legal requirement of certain coverage. Let’s understand which coverage area you should focus on more:

Liability Coverage Against Maritime Risks: Shipowners must have third-party liability insurance or maritime risks coverage if they are operating in UAE state ports or territorial water areas.
Coverage for Seafarers and Crew: UAE maritime law requires shipowners to include health coverage for injuries and death, repatriation cover, wage protection, and other liabilities covered under the marine insurance in Dubai.
Free Zones and Ports Entry: In major commercial ports in UAE, like Jebel Ali Port, Khalifa Port, and more, marine insurance coverage can be required.
Marine Cargo Insurance: While the insurance is not mandated for vessels and cargo, it may still be required to obtain Letters of Credit (LC) and fulfill the requirements of shipping contracts, such as CIF and CIP Incoterms.

Best Marine Insurance in UAE

Some of the best and the cheapest marine insurance quotes in Dubai are:

What Does Marine Insurance Cover?

A comprehensive marine insurance policy in Dubai covers the financial loss during domestic or international transit. It covers the damages or losses due to various perils involved in maritime operations. Find below the major inclusions under marine insurance:

Cargo loss or damage during transit by sea, rail, road, and air
Third-party liability claims (if included)
Theft, pilferage, and non-delivery
Fire and explosion
Collision, overturning, or derailment
Natural disasters, such as storms
Loading and unloading risks
Water damage caused by covered events
Vessel grounding, sinking, or capsizing
Hull and machinery damage

Does Marine Insurance Cover War Risks in UAE?

Yes, specialised marine insurance plans cover war risks in the UAE. However, loss and damage caused by war are generally excluded from standard marine insurance policies.

Due to rising conflict in the Gulf region, some insurers have restricted or suspended war risk coverage for vessels and cargo in high-risk areas. As a result, war risk premiums have also increased.

To overcome these challenges for maritime operators and shippers, many insurers now offer specialised war risk cover. Orient Insurance is one of the companies that allows shipowners to get coverage for cargo against loss or damage caused by war and political risks during inland transit.

What is Not Covered Under Marine Insurance Dubai?

While the exclusions vary as per the plan, here are the common exclusions under marine insurance in Dubai:

Improper or insufficient packaging
Inherent vice or nature of goods
Illegal activities
Delay in transit
Willful misconduct
Ordinary wear and tear
Repairing or renovation
Insolvency or financial default
Nuclear hazards
War & strike risk (specialised coverage is required)

Who Needs Marine Insurance in Dubai?

Importers, exporters, shipowners, freight forwarders, and maritime traders should buy marine insurance in Dubai, UAE. Whether you run a startup or a large corporation, consider this insurance policy as an essential protection shield.

Ship/Boat/Yacht Owners and Operators: Insurance safeguards your financial interests and helps you comply with the law with liability coverage.
Manufacturers and Traders: If you are moving your products domestically or internationally, this coverage is required for your raw or finished goods.
Cargo/Vessel Owners and Shippers: If you are involved in the shipment of cargo and vessels, this insurance policy is important for covering consequential losses.
Freight Forwarders and Hauliers: With marine liability coverage, you can be assured of running your business even amidst transportation uncertainties.
Free zone Companies: Marine insurance is also crucial for companies operating in free zones like JAFZA, DAFZA, and DMCC to move their inventory safely.

Why Do You Need Marine Insurance Policy in UAE?

Marine insurance is important for maritime companies in the UAE. Every year, a high volume of goods is transported through the major ports. This exposes them to several difficulties, whether it’s liability risk or damage to goods. But with a marine policy, you can have a shield for your finances.

Furthermore, the recent cross-border tensions have escalated regional shipping incidents in the UAE, leading to a rise in demand for marine insurance policies.

Trade Risks: The UAE is a hub of trade as it holds a central location that connects east and west. More trade and transportation mean a higher risk of accidents. However, by covering the unexpected cash flow crises, marine insurance gives breathing room to shippers and operators.
Coverage Against Maritime Perils: A marine cargo insurance policy covers a number of risks associated with maritime operations, including theft, piracy, accidental damage, and natural disasters.
Financial Protection: Marine risks can be devastating, as a sudden accident could wipe out your entire profit margin. Perils can also disrupt your supply chain, leading to a massive financial burden on you. But with marine insurance coverage, you can get compensation for such financial losses.
Regulatory Compliance: In many cases, contractors, overseas suppliers, banks (for letters of credit), and port authorities may ask for this type of insurance.
Extended Protection: With add-ons, you can extend your plan’s coverage. Some of the most popular options include:
- Debris removal
- Warehouse-to-warehouse extension
- Loading and unloading
- Wreck removal
- Loss of use
- Concealed damage clause
- Strike clause
- Pollution liability

Which Type of Marine Insurance Covers My Business?

You can find four main types of marine insurance policies in the UAE: cargo, liability, hull, and freight. Different insurers categorise them into further sub-categories. Here are the key definitions of these plans that suit different types of businesses in Dubai:

Marine Insurance Types	Key Coverages	Recommended for Businesses
Marine Cargo Insurance	Covers the loss or damage of goods during transit via sea, air, or land Financially protects businesses from risks such as theft, fire, or natural disasters while goods are in transit	Importers, exporters, and manufacturers involved in international trade
Marine Liability Insurance	Mandatory coverage in most cases Financially protects you against legal and financial liabilities arising from incidents such as oil spills, accidents, or injuries during maritime operations	Shipping companies, vessel operators, and freight forwarders
Marine Hull Insurance	Covers damage to the ship’s hull and machinery due to accidents, piracy, or natural disasters Also includes repair costs or the total loss of the vessel	Shipowners, operators, and maritime businesses with large fleets
Marine Freight Insurance	Safeguards the freight forwarder’s interests in case of cargo loss, damage, or delay caused by covered events Covers the cost of shipping goods from one port to another	Freight forwarding companies, supply chains, and logistics service providers managing international shipments

What are ICC A, B and C in Marine Insurance?

ICC stands for Institute Cargo Clauses, which determines to what extent a marine insurance can respond in case of maritime loss and damage. It is categorised into three standard tiers: ICC A, ICC B, and ICC C, which balance between coverage and premium. Here are the key differences between them:

ICC Clause	Scope of Cover	Mostly Used By
ICC A	Complete and broader protection, including all types of risks (excluding exclusions only)	Shipment companies with fragile goods, electronic cargos, and high-value items
ICC B	A mid-level of marine policy with coverage for fire, lightning, overturning, volcanic eruption, grounding, water entering vessel, and total loss at loading or discharge	Raw material suppliers, minerals and metal importers, and robust-goods traders
ICC C	Basic coverage that includes common perils, such as fire, sinking, stranding, and collision	Bulk commodities traders, low-value foods suppliers, and unrefined chemical distributers

Open Cover vs Single Shipment Marine Insurance in UAE

You can choose a marine insurance policy on the basis of how often you ship goods. The commonly available options include open cover and single shipment cover. Let’s understand them better:

Specifications	Open Cover	Single Shipment
Policy Structure	Offers continuous cargo coverage for multiple shipments over a specified period (typically 12 months)	Gives one-time cargo cover for a specific shipment from one location to another
Policy Premium	Requires monthly declaration of shipment, but is more cost-efficient than a one-time shipment policy	Requires a one-time premium paid upfront for the shipment and is expensive for frequent shippers
Best For	Importers, exporters and daily trading companies	Occasional shippers

What is the Cost of Marine Insurance in the UAE?

The cost of marine insurance depends on various factors, such as the coverage level, vessel type, policy duration, and more. Generally, the premiums calculated on the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value are between 0.08% and 0.12%*. This calculation uses a 10% buffer on the insured value.

You can purchase an affordable marine insurance plan at Policybazaar UAE, with premiums typically starting from AED 190 (excluding VAT). However, while setting your marine insurance premium, the insurer may look at several factors:

Coverage level (ICC A, B, and C)
Ports, route, and destination
Type of cargo
Mode of transit, such as sea, land, or air
Vessel type
Packing arrangements
Claim history

*This is the indicative premium rate that may vary as per the type of commodity and underwriting.

Why Buy Marine Insurance Online from Policybazaar UAE?

For years, Policybazaar.ae has been a trusted name among maritime businesses. The platform helps businesses of all sizes secure operations with unparalleled insurance products.

Compare Multiple Insurers: We are associated with top players of marine insurance. You can compare plans from all the leading insurers under one roof.
Easy Policy Issuance: We make the policy purchase simple, quick, and transparent. You can easily buy marine insurance online with the guidance of our experts.
Customised Marine Insurance Plans: We offer tailored insurance plans for all, whether you’re an SME, large-sized company, or an independent shipper.
Affordable Insurance Coverage: We ensure that cost never becomes a barrier to insurance. That’s why we bring the plans that are affordable yet never compromise the safety of your cargo.
Claim Assistance: Our team of experts helps you manage complex maritime claims, making the process smoother and ensuring a swift financial recovery.

How Can I Get the Cheapest Marine Insurance Quote?

Price is one of the key factors businesses look for while buying marine insurance online. However, don’t compromise on coverage for a lower price. This is because a policy with a lower premium may offer limited protection. So always check the coverage first, then consider the price.

Here are some practical ways through which you can lower your marine insurance premium in the UAE:

Compare Various Plans: By comparing multiple marine insurance quotes from different insurers, you can find the right policy at affordable rates.
Use an Open Cover Policy: If you are shipping products frequently, use an open cover (annual policy) instead of a single-shipment cover.
Pay High Deductibles: If you increase the deductible, your overall insurance premium gets lower.
Choose Basic Cover: Businesses with a constrained budget can also choose basic marine coverage, such as ICC C for the common maritime perils. This basic coverage costs you a lower premium.

Top Marine Insurance Companies in UAE

With these top insurers, you can easily find the best marine insurance quotes in the UAE:

Marine Insurance Providers	Specifications	Contact Details
Al Wathba	Comprehensive coverages for marine and aviation, including hull & machinery, liability and aviation insurance plans	Email: customercare@awnic.com Phone: 600 544 040
Sukoon Insurance	Tailored plans, including marine cargo and hull insurance for businesses transporting vessels and goods	Email: service@sukoon.com Phone: 04 233 7777
Tokio Marine	Offers marine cargo insurance for domestic and international trading companies	Email: N/A Phone; +971-4-3502 777
Arabia Insurance	Extensive coverage in the form of marine cargo, hull, and aviation with robust claim settlement	Email: N/A Phone: 800-242-23

On Policybazaar.ae, you can compare all these insurers side-by-side with the help of our insurance experts.

Steps to Buy Marine Insurance Online in the UAE

Step 1

Compare Marine Insurance Plans

Review different policy options and coverage benefits at Policybazaar.ae

Step 2

Choose the Right Coverage

Select cargo, hull, liability, or freight coverage based on your business needs.

Step 3

Submit Required Documents

Apply for a plan and submit shipment details, cargo invoices, and transit information.

Step 4

Receive Quotes

Get quotes once your premium is calculated based on risk exposure and your coverage requirements.

Step 5

Secure the Policy

Pay the premium online and get the policy document digitally for your maritime business.

How to Submit a Marine Insurance Claim?

You can easily submit a marine insurance claim through these general steps:

Notify the Insurer: As soon as a loss, damage, or maritime accident occurs, immediately inform your insurer.
Claim Form Submission: Fill out the claim form with the preliminary documents and key details of the incident.
Surveyor Inspection: Depending on the nature and extent of the loss, the insurer may appoint a marine surveyor or loss adjuster to the port or warehouse.
Claim Disbursement: The insurer, after reviewing the surveyor’s report and documents, checks the claim. If approved, the claim amount will be disbursed.

Documents for Marine Insurance Claims in the UAE

While submitting a marine insurance claim, you may have to submit a few important documents:

Policy document
Commercial invoice of shipping items
Contract of carriage
Survey report or evidence of the loss/damage
Copy of packaging list
Entry bill
Port examination or short-landed certificate
Claim bill

In certain circumstances, the insurer may ask for additional documentation for the marine insurance claim process.

How to Find the Best Marine Insurance Policy?

By focusing on a few small details, you can find the best marine insurance policy in the UAE. While comparing and exploring, look at the following aspects to find the right marine coverage for your business:

Understand Your Coverage Requirements: First understand the scope of coverage you need. You can easily identify this by understanding the risks in your maritime business.
Know About the Excluded Events: Read the policy wording to be informed about the exclusions. Knowing what’s not covered in your plan reduces the chances of disputes when a claim arises.
Check the Claim Settlement Ratio of the Insurer: Look at the insurer’s reputation in the industry and check its previous claim settlement records.
Compare Premium and Benefits: Don’t choose a policy based on a low premium only. Doing so can leave you underinsured. Rather, buy a policy that offers comprehensive protection at an affordable rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Marine insurance is an essential business insurance policy for maritime operators and shippers in the UAE. It covers a business’s losses from damage to goods during transit due to unforeseen events.

Marine insurance in Dubai covers various maritime risks, including fire, lightning, vessel collision, water damage, marine liability, and more.

Marine cargo, hull, and liability coverage are essential for businesses under a marine insurance policy.

You can find a number of insurers with different plans and coverage options. Sukoon Insurance, Tokio Marine, Arabia Insurance, Orient, GIG Gulf, and Al Wathba are the top-rated marine insurance companies in the UAE.

Marine insurance premiums are generally calculated based on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value, plus an additional 10% to cover unexpected costs. Several other factors, such as cargo type, scope of coverage, transit mode, and packing quality, also influence the marine insurance premium.

You can easily buy marine insurance online through Policybazaar.ae in the UAE. You can directly purchase the policy from insurers too, but this online platform helps you compare plans from multiple insurers and finds you the best coverage.

To file a claim against marine insurance in Dubai, you’ll need documents like

Marine insurance policy details
Commercial invoice
Delivery receipt
Packaging list
Bill of lading
Loss/damage survey report
Photos/videos of loss or damage
Claim bill

Any business involved in shipping or operating vessels can buy a marine insurance policy in the UAE. Importers, exporters, international traders, oil shippers, shopowners, and freight forwarders can buy marine policies.

Marine insurance covers your cargo or vessel from the moment the insured transit begins until it reaches its destination. It covers goods transported by road, rail, air, and sea against covered risks such as accidental damage, theft, fire, and collision. If any losses occur due to covered events during transit, the insurer compensates the financial loss as per the policy conditions.

No, a standard marine insurance policy doesn’t cover customs delays.

Yes, marine insurance can cover cargo transported by road, rail, air, and sea. Although the name may suggest it applies only to sea transport, many UAE marine cargo policies actually offer multimodal coverage. This covers the goods throughout the entire transit journey.

The responsibility for insuring cargo depends on the agreed Incoterms and the terms mentioned in the sales contract. In some cases, the seller arranges the insurance. In others, the buyer takes responsibility once the goods are shipped.

No, marine cargo insurance is not mandatory for maritime businesses in the UAE. However, certain types of liability insurance may be mandatory for shipowners, operators, and shipping companies, depending on the vessel, cargo, port regulations, or free zone requirements.

Marine insurance is commonly used in logistics, shipping, oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, import-export, and freight forwarding industries.

ICC A, B, and C are the three levels of marine cargo insurance coverage in the UAE. ICC A provides the broadest protection, covering most accidental loss or damage unless specifically excluded. ICC B covers a limited range of named perils and offers mid-level protection. ICC C, meanwhile, gives basic coverage and is a budget-friendly option for low-risk shipments

No, packaging damage is not covered under a marine insurance policy in the UAE.

A standard marine insurance policy doesn’t offer war-risk cover for businesses in the UAE. You can, however, get extended cover or a specialised policy for war-related damages and losses.

Typically, marine insurance in the UAE offers 12 months of coverage under an open cover policy, protecting multiple shipments during that period. If you choose a single-shipment policy, coverage applies to a single shipment from one location to another for the specified policy period.

Directly from experts

We’re committed to protecting your business at every stage with tailored insurance solutions. In the UAE’s dynamic market, our affordable plans help you stay compliant and financially secure. Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, our business insurance experts guide you through regulations and recommend comprehensive coverage, so your business stays protected against several financial risks.

Ashu Bajaj

Business Head - Business Insurance

Get Other SME Insurance in UAE

Other Insurance Products

Reviews & Ratings

★★★★★4.7 / 5

(based on 43,419 reviews)

Yasmin aliDubai, 25 December 2025

★★★★★

Trustworthy FRFrom the website and features to premiums, everything about marine insurance plans was shown and told crystal clear.

VigneshDubai, 18 December 2025

★★★★★

Solid value for moneyNever knew marine insurance could be this affordable! All thanks to Policybazaar.ae, which showed that I can really get wide coverage without cutting down costs.

Mohammad irshadAbu Dhabi, 3 December 2025

★★★★★

Quite direct comparisonsReally liked the side by side comparisons for marine insurance coverage, made the whole decision making so much comfortable.

Muhammad Wasif IqbalDubai, 25 November 2025

★★★★★

Clear coverage explanationI had my doubts getting marine insurance online, but this platform proved amazingly helpful. Both the website and team showed all features so clearly, made the purchase much easier!

Rejeesh RemananAbu Dhabi, 20 November 2025

★★★★★

Professional and supportive teamWhat’s absolutely lovely about Policybazaar.ae is the amazing expertise but without any pushy sales stuff. I’d a few doubts about marine insurance UAE before coming, but the team answered everything so patiently and in great depth!

Mohamed RahilDubai, 4 November 2025

★★★★★

So many insurersThe platform showed an amazing number of options for marine insurance Dubai. Almost felt like a supermarket that literally spoiled me for choices!