Claims Agent

A Claims Agent is an agency entrusted by an insurance company, shipping company, or cargo owner to handle cargo transport insurance claims or cargo loss/damage claims in a specific region or port. In foreign trade, when goods are lost, damaged, or short-delivered during transport, the consignee or insured usually submits a claim application to the Claims Agent. The Claims Agent is responsible for survey and inspection, document review, determining liability, and assisting with claims settlement. It is commonly used in insurance claims for sea freight, air freight, and international multimodal transport. Note: The Claims Agent's authority is usually limited to inspection and preliminary review; final compensation is decided by the principal. It differs from a Survey Agent, which only conducts surveys and issues reports without handling claims. It also differs from a Freight Forwarder, as a Claims Agent focuses on claims matters rather than transport arrangements. Foreign trade practitioners should specify the appointment method and authority of the Claims Agent in the contract to expedite the claims process.