The 60-second version
Marine P&I insurance covers shipowner legal liability for crew injury, cargo damage, collision, and pollution — mandatory for commercial vessel operations in Indian waters.
P&I covers owner liability — hull covers physical damage to vessel
Marine Protection & Indemnity (P&I) insurance responds when shipowner is legally liable for crew injury, cargo claims, collision, wreck removal, and pollution fines.
Returning NRIs investing in coastal shipping, offshore supply, or charter operations must bind P&I cover before DGS port clearance.
Hull lane: marine hull guide covers physical damage to vessel — not third-party liability.
Marine insurance stack
| Policy | Covers | Insured |
|---|---|---|
| P&I | Owner liability | Shipowner |
| Hull | Vessel damage | Shipowner |
| Marine cargo | Goods in transit | Shipper |
| Port liability | Terminal ops | Operator |
P&I purchase
Vessel docs
Registration + class cert.
Get quotes
3+ marine insurers.
Pollution ext.
Bunker spill cover.
Policy issue
Named vessel.
DGS upload
Port clearance COI.
Cover stack
P&I kit
- Vessel registration.
- Crew manifest.
- Policy schedule.
- Pollution rider.
- Claim helpline.
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Club vs commercial
Large fleets use P&I clubs; smaller Indian coastal operators use IRDAI-licensed commercial P&I policies.
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Turn this guide into a decision file
0 of 4 checked
vs hull?
Hull covers vessel physical damage; P&I covers owner legal liability to third parties.
vs cargo?
Cargo covers goods; P&I covers shipowner liability for cargo damage claims.
GST on premium?
18% GST on insurance premium.
Coastal vessel?
DGS requires P&I or equivalent before coastal trade licence.
Crew injury?
P&I responds to crew injury claims — WC policy may also apply.
Pollution?
Add bunker pollution extension for fuel spill liability.
The plan is only as good as the sequence.
Tax, banking, schools, shipping — they all have dependencies. A wrong order costs months and lakhs. Get it right.