The 60-second version
Ship agency liability insurance covers port agent errors in disbursement, documentation, and husbandry — returning NRIs need cover before first vessel call.
Bind agency liability before first DA — principal indemnity may not cover your negligence
Ship agency liability insurance responds when port disbursement account errors cause principal financial loss.
Returning NRIs acting as local port agents need E&O cover alongside stevedoring and husbandry contracts.
Stevedoring lane: stevedoring guide for cargo handling layer.
Agency stack
| Policy | Covers | Does not cover |
|---|---|---|
| Ship agency | DA errors | Hull damage |
| Stevedoring | Cargo at berth | DA overcharge |
| P&I | Crew injury | Agent negligence |
| Charter liability | Charter breach | Agency fee dispute |
Purchase flow
Agency agreement
Liability caps.
Sum insured
Per call + annual agg.
Get quotes
3+ marine insurers.
Bind policy
Before first DA.
Principal notice
Insurance cert to owner.
Stack
Ship agency kit
- Agency agreement.
- DA template.
- Policy schedule.
- P&I cert copy.
- Claim hotline.
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DA float
Large DA advances need fidelity cover — verify employee dishonesty sub-limit.
Quick visual
Animated decision map
Community signal
What to watch in real discussions
Search community threads for the exact phrase, then treat repeated complaints as risk signals rather than official advice.
Open nofollow community search ->Interactive checkpoint
Turn this guide into a decision file
0 of 4 checked
vs P&I?
P&I covers shipowner third-party claims; agency covers your disbursement and documentation errors.
Crew matters?
Husbandry negligence may be covered — verify crew repatriation sub-limit.
GST?
18% GST on insurance premium.
Claim?
Notify within 48h of principal demand — preserve DA vouchers.
Multi-port?
Declare all ports in policy schedule — not just home port.
Foreign principal?
Policy should cover claims from foreign shipowners — verify jurisdiction.
You've done the research. Now get the plan.
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