Voluntary cargo insurance

Voluntary insurance of the cargo itself during carriage. The policy is taken out by the cargo owner or the carrier; the contract describes the vehicle, the cargo and the route.

How it differs from dangerous goods liability

Dangerous goods carrier liability insures the carrier’s liability to third parties and the environment. Here the insured object is the cargo itself — its damage, loss or destruction in transit.

Cover options

For each option the weight of the cargo and the sum insured (liability limit) are stated:

• with liability for all risks under the Cargo Insurance Rules;
• with liability for particular average under the Cargo Insurance Rules;
• without liability for damage except in cases of wreck, under the Cargo Insurance Rules.

How the price is calculated

The sum insured is based on the value of the cargo. The rate is affected by the type and category of cargo, the mode of transport, the route and timing, transhipment and storage en route, the packaging and protective coverings, the safety measures taken, and the policyholder’s claims record for cargo over the past three years. A sales tax of 2% is applied to the calculated premium.

Deductible

The contract may include a deductible: none, conditional (non-deductible) or unconditional (deductible).

How to arrange it

1. Enter the insurance period and the details of the policyholder — the cargo owner or the carrier.
2. Complete the transport details: the carrier’s type of transport and the forwarder’s or carrier’s data.
3. Describe the cargo: type and category, weight, value, packaging and protective coverings.
4. State the route: points of departure and arrival, the dates, transhipment points and storage places en route.
5. Select the cover option and the sum insured; specify a deductible if required.
6. Complete electronic identification, sign with an electronic digital signature and pay the premium.

The policy can also be arranged at the head office and at any SIO branch. Payment is accepted online, by QR code, bank transfer, mobile banking apps, at a terminal or at the cash desk.

Documents required

The policyholder’s passport or registration documents; the consignment note or carriage contract; documents confirming the value of the cargo; the carrier’s permits; information on safety measures and the claims record for the past three years. Documents are attached in PDF, Word, JPG or PNG — up to 10 files.

If an insured event occurs

1. Take measures to preserve the cargo and reduce the loss.
2. Notify the competent authorities where the incident requires it: the road safety body after an accident, the police in case of theft, the fire service in case of fire.
3. Record the condition of the cargo and the circumstances in photographs or video, and keep the transport documents.
4. Notify SIO — on the call centre numbers 0 553 54 54 00 and 0 707 54 54 00 or through the claim form on the website.
5. Do not unpack or dispose of the damaged cargo before it has been inspected by the insurer’s representative.

Legal basis

Voluntary cargo insurance is provided in accordance with the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Insurance and Insurance Activities" No. 89 of 29 April 2025 and SIO’s Cargo Insurance Rules.