Heritage Insurance Company Limited, a leading Kenyan insurer regulated by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), offers Marine Cargo Insurance to protect goods during international and domestic transit. In today’s global market, moving cargo by sea, air, land, or storage exposes it to risks like accidents, negligence, theft, or damage during loading/unloading. Heritage Marine Cargo provides essential protection against physical loss or damage, ensuring financial security for importers, exporters, traders, and businesses in Kakamega, Nairobi, Mombasa, and across Kenya.
Marine Cargo Insurance is now compulsory in Kenya—customs authorities require a local Marine Cargo Insurance Certificate (MCI) for cargo clearance. Heritage, with an A+ rating from Global Credit Rating Agency, offers full capacity coverage under internationally recognized Institute Cargo Clauses.
Why Choose Heritage Marine Cargo Insurance?
- Protects cargo at every stage: sea, air, land, loading/unloading, and storage.
- Complies with Kenyan customs requirements for import/export.
- Flexible options for occasional or frequent shippers.
- Extensions available for transshipment, concealed damage, and extended storage.
- Backed by a strong, locally present insurer with branches nationwide.
- Suitable for FOB, CIF, or other trade terms—clarify who insures the cargo.
Types of Coverage Available
Heritage provides three main levels based on Institute Cargo Clauses (uniformly used internationally):
- All Risks – Institute Cargo Clause “A” (Cargo)
Broadest protection against all physical loss or damage (except exclusions). Equivalent for air cargo: Institute Cargo Clauses (Air). - Basic Cover – Institute Cargo Clause “B” (Cargo)
Covers major perils like fire, explosion, vessel stranding, collision, etc. - Restricted Cover – Institute Cargo Clause “C” (Cargo)
Limited to fire/explosion and major maritime incidents.
Cover Termination: Ends 60 days after arrival at port or final destination (whichever earlier).
Policy Options
- Single Voyage Policy – Ideal for infrequent importers/exporters; covers one shipment.
- Marine Open Cargo Cover – For frequent shippers; ongoing policy with pre-agreed premiums, charged per declaration (remains active until cancelled).
Extensions (at additional premium):
- Transshipment
- Concealed damage
- Storage beyond 60 days
Common Exclusions (Partial List – Full Policy Terms Apply)
- Willful misconduct of the insured
- Ordinary loss in weight/volume
- Insufficient/defective packing (including stowage in containers before attachment)
- Insolvency/financial default of vessel owners/managers/charterers
- Nuclear weapons risk
- Strikes, riots, civil commotions (unless added)
- Unseaworthiness/unfitness of vessel/craft (if privy to insured)
- War risks (available at extra premium)
- Strikes risks (available at extra premium)
Required Documents for Cover Placement
- Copy of Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air)
- Packing List
- Supplier’s Invoice
Claims Documents
Sea Cargo:
- Original Marine Insurance Certificate
- Original Bill of Lading
- Charter-party (if applicable)
- Supplier’s Invoice
- Packing List
- Customs Entry Form C63
Air Cargo:
- Air Waybill
- Arrival Cargo Advice
- Arrival/Transfer Manifest
- Check Weigh Docket
- Delivery/Release Order
Heritage Insurance Contacts & Branches (Kenya)
Head Office – Nairobi
Liberty House, Processional Way
P.O. Box 30390-00100, Nairobi
Tel: 020-2783000 | 0711 039 000 | 0734 101 000
Fax: 2727800
Mombasa
NSSF Building, Nkrumah Road
P.O. Box 84886-80100, Mombasa
Tel: 020-2783000 | 0711 039 622 | 0711 039 627
Fax: 2224725
Naivasha
Heritage House, Moi Road
P.O. Box 1319-20117, Naivasha
Tel: 0711 039 681 | 0711 039 682
Fax: 050-2020467
Eldoret
Imperial Court, Waiganjo Street/Uganda Road
P.O. Box 6120-30100, Eldoret
Tel: 0711 039 751
Fax: 2031788
Nanyuki
Silver Plaza, Nyeri/Nanyuki Road
P.O. Box 1615-10400, Nanyuki
Tel: 0711 039 600 | 0711 039 602
Fax: 062-31914
Nakuru
Polo Centre, Tom Mboya Street off Kenyatta Avenue
P.O. Box 4362-20100, Nakuru
Tel: 0711 039 730 | 0711 039 731 | 020-2783000
Fax: 051-2213774
Meru
Nakumatt-Mwitu Center, Meru/Nanyuki Road
P.O. Box 1911-60200, Meru
Tel: 0711 039 702 | 0711 039 703
Fax: 064-3130709
Embu
Ganga Hse, 3rd Floor, Meru/Nanyuki Rd
P.O. Box 2607-60100, Embu
Tel: 0711 039 791 | 020-2783000
Kisumu
Tufoiam Mall, 1st Floor, Jomo Kenyatta Highway
P.O. Box 1062-40100, Kisumu
Tel: 0711 039 800/01 | 020-2783000
Kisii
Royal Towers, 2nd Floor, Hospital Road
P.O. Box 3066-40200, Kisii
Tel: 0711 039 780/81 | 020-2783000
Thika
Zuri Centre, 4th Floor, Kenyatta Highway
P.O. Box 7048-01000, Thika
Tel: 020-2783000 | 0711 039 720 | 0711 039 722
Town Office – Nairobi
Lornho House Mezzanine 2, Standard Street
P.O. Box 30390-00100, Nairobi
Tel: 0711 039 665/664/661/667 | 020-2783000
Heritage also has branches in Tanzania (Dar es Salaam & Arusha).
For quotes, policy placement, or claims, contact your broker/agent or any Heritage branch. Visit www.heritageinsurance.co.ke or call the head office. Heritage Insurance – Advise, Insure, Invest, Health – protecting your cargo every step of the journey. Secure your shipments today!
