Specialist underwriting for liabilities of carriers and freight forwarders
Freight liability insurance solutions
Freight risk in a changing trade landscape
Carriers, freight forwarders, and logistics operators face a distinct set of legal liabilities in the course of moving goods on behalf of their clients. Whether arising from damage to cargo in their care, errors in documentation, or disputes over the terms of carriage, these exposures require insurance solutions that reflect the specific legal and commercial frameworks within which logistics businesses operate.
Munich Re Specialty provides specialist capacity for freight liability risks, supporting brokers who act for carriers, freight forwarders, and logistics service providers across international markets. We work with brokers to structure well-considered solutions, backed by underwriting expertise and responsive claims handling.
Local expertise, global strength
Our teams operate from within the markets they serve, combining local expertise with the depth of a global organisation. When a loss occurs, our teams work closely with brokers and claims professionals to support an effective and technically informed response, helping clients recover as quickly as possible.
Our underwriting approach
Specialist appetite across haulage, warehousing, freight forwarding and logistics liability risks
Structured participations and carefully considered capacity
Disciplined underwriting aligned with trading conditions and long-term performance
Close collaboration with brokers throughout the risk lifecycle
Regional specialists
Why choose Munich Re Specialty?
Expertise
Deep specialist knowledge across complex and technical lines, with underwriters who engage directly with the detail of each risk. We focus on risks where underwriting judgement and technical depth truly add value.
Stability
Consistent capacity and long-term market commitment, underpinned by the financial strength of Munich Re Group. Our approach prioritises sustainability and continuity across underwriting cycles.
Partnership
Accessible, straightforward to work with, and focused on building lasting relationships with the brokers and clients we serve. We work as a long-term underwriting partner, not just a capacity provider.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is freight liability insurance?
Freight liability insurance protects carriers and freight forwarders against their legal liability to cargo owners for loss, damage, or delay to goods while in their care, custody, or control. It is distinct from cargo insurance, which protects the owner of the goods themselves.
Who needs freight liability insurance?
Freight liability cover is relevant to any business that takes on legal responsibility for the movement of goods on behalf of others, including road hauliers, air and sea freight forwarders, third-party logistics providers, and customs agents.
What is the difference between freight liability and cargo insurance?
Freight liability insurance covers the legal liability of the carrier or forwarder; what they are legally obliged to pay a cargo owner following a loss. Cargo insurance covers the actual value of the goods, regardless of who was at fault. The two covers serve different parties and are often placed together to ensure there are no gaps in protection across the supply chain.
How does cargo insurance interact with freight liability cover?
Cargo insurance protects the owner of the goods against loss or damage. Freight liability insurance protects the carrier or freight forwarder against their legal liability to cargo owners for loss or damage that occurs while the goods are in their care. The two covers are complementary, and brokers will often place both for clients involved in international trade.
How do brokers approach Munich Re Specialty for freight liability placements?
Munich Re Specialty works exclusively through brokers and intermediaries. Brokers can contact our underwriting teams directly to discuss a freight liability risk or programme.
This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer or solicitation of insurance. Product availability varies by market and is subject to underwriting acceptance.