Cargo Claims Settling

Claims settling is the global management and third-party administration (TPA) of claims for marine and transit insurers, covering the entire process from first notification to ultimate resolution. Working with a network of surveyors worldwide, we coordinate surveys, analyse the claim and provide loss assessment and adjusting services.

Dolphin has long held its reputation as the foremost claims recovery company. Our history influences our strategy for claims settlement from the first notice of a claim.

Claims settling is recovery led to maximise the recovery potential

We adopt a “recovery first” approach to claims settling. This means that from the outset, we take action to safeguard the insurer’s rights to recovery. This is achieved by meticulously gathering all evidence and documents to establish liability, protecting the time bar and in the case of large claims, arranging financial security from shipowners. Using this strategy, we are able to maximise the recovery prospects and improve our clients’ loss ratios.

Claims are usually handled by the Dolphin team nearest to the claimant’s location to ensure prompt communication with both claimants and surveyors, enabling speedy claims processing and resolution.

A commitment to maintaining strong relationships between insurers and their assured

We are aware of the importance of the commercial relationships between insurers and their clients hence our focus on swift attendance to claimants to provide them with high service levels. If a claim has to be declined, our first step will be to seek instructions from insurers on their preferred course of action.

In cases involving specialised cargoes, particularly when of high value, we exercise heightened diligence by seeking expert guidance on product specifications, production methods, and usage. This not only aids in assessing the loss, but also serves to authenticate (or, on occasion, challenge) the claim. Moreover, this information is invaluable in any subsequent recovery negotiations.

Detailed investigations into cargo specifics have included a wide range of general, bulk and containerised cargoes, including:

Foodstuffs
Electric Vehicles
Transformers and other machinery
Glass
Minerals and ores
Chewing gum
Carrots and other perishables
Pharmaceuticals
Granite
Steel products and other metals
Chemicals and petroleum products
Semi-conductors
Soya bean meal and other seeds and agricultural products
Rubber and other organic materials

Settling work will be carried out in accordance with Dolphin’s fee scale, which is based upon the size of the claim made.

Documents required for claims settling

The documents required by us to commence enquiries into a claim will vary from case to case and will not all be immediately available.

We shall need the following documents and information:

Insurer’s instructions/Consent to proceed
Marine Insurance Policy
Local contact details of claimant (email and telephone number)
Location of damaged cargo (so we can assign a surveyor)
Estimated claim amount
Bill of Lading/Air Waybill or other contract of carriage (front and back)
Packing List
Invoice
Description of damage/loss
Photographs/videos of damage

Claims settling is recovery led to maximise the recovery potential

A commitment to maintaining strong relationships between insurers and their assured

WITH OFFICES ON THREE CONTINENTS, WE OFFER 24/7
SERVICES WORLDWIDE

HEAD OFFICE

SINGAPORE OFFICE

ARGENTINA, URUGUAY & PARAGUAY

MEXICO

INDIA

INDONESIA

MALAYSIA

Cargo Claims Settling

Claims settling is recovery led to maximise the recovery potential

A commitment to maintaining strong relationships between insurers and their assured

WITH OFFICES ON THREE CONTINENTS, WE OFFER 24/7 SERVICES WORLDWIDE

HEAD OFFICE

SINGAPORE OFFICE

ARGENTINA, URUGUAY & PARAGUAY

MEXICO

INDIA

INDONESIA

MALAYSIA

WITH OFFICES ON THREE CONTINENTS, WE OFFER 24/7
SERVICES WORLDWIDE