A deductible is the amount of loss that the insured must bear before the insurer pays, as agreed in the insurance policy. In foreign trade, it is common in cargo transportation insurance (e.g., marine all risks, air freight insurance) and product liability insurance. When a covered loss occurs, the insurer only pays the portion exceeding the deductible, or pays according to an agreed ratio. Usage scenarios include: negotiating the deductible level with the insurer to adjust premiums when taking out insurance; calculating the claim amount after a loss. Notes: A deductible is different from a franchise; the former is an absolute deductible, while the latter is a relative deductible (if the loss exceeds the franchise, the full amount is paid). Deductibles can be per-occurrence or cumulative. The insured should accurately understand the deductible clause to avoid being unable to claim for small losses. It is similar to an excess, but a deductible emphasizes the portion borne by the insured. In foreign trade contracts, the party bearing the deductible for insurance claims should be clearly specified, usually agreed by the buyer or seller according to trade terms (e.g., under CIF, the seller insures).
📝 Examples
1. According to the all risks clause we insured, the deductible per occurrence is USD 500. Therefore, for this cargo damage loss of USD 800, the insurer will pay USD 300, and we will bear the remaining USD 500 ourselves. (Note: Under an absolute deductible, the insurer only pays the excess.)
2. When signing a CIF contract, the buyer requested to reduce the deductible from USD 1,000 to USD 200 to lower its potential loss, but the seller needs to increase the premium accordingly. (Note: The deductible level affects premiums and risk sharing and must be clearly specified in the contract.)
💡 Foreign Trade Tips
Foreign trade terms are the foundation of international business communication
Trade practices may vary slightly by country; pay attention when using them
When using terms in contracts, specify the applicable version (e.g., Incoterms 2020)
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