Most shipments to Israel arrive safely and without incident. However, no shipping company, trucking company, warehouse, or port can honestly guarantee that every shipment will be delivered without loss or damage.
If you choose not to purchase marine insurance, you are choosing to assume that risk yourself.
At Aliyah Lift Shipping, we work with experienced, professional agents and packing crews who handle thousands of household goods every year. They use proven packing techniques and take great care with our clients’ belongings. Nevertheless, they are human, and accidents or mistakes can happen.
Just as we purchase auto, homeowners, or health insurance, hoping never to use it, marine insurance exists to protect against the unexpected. If a shipment is uninsured and something is lost or damaged during transit, you should not expect financial compensation simply because an accident occurred.
Consider a few everyday examples:
- U.S. airlines handled billions of pieces of luggage in recent years, yet hundreds of thousands of bags were delayed, damaged, or lost.
- Hospitals employ highly trained physicians, nurses, and specialists, yet medical errors continue to occur, resulting in 270,000+ medical-related deaths per year.
The reality is that whenever people are involved with processing a large volume of items or situations, there will always be a small failure rate.
It’s also important to remember that some household goods are naturally more susceptible to damage than others. Items such as ceramics, artwork, marble, glass, delicate furniture, and certain antiques carry a higher inherent risk simply because of their fragile nature—even when packed professionally.
Marine insurance exists for those rare situations when something unexpected does happen. It isn’t a prediction that your shipment will be damaged—it’s a way to transfer the financial risk from yourself to an insurance company.
The Bottom Line
Whether or not to purchase marine insurance is entirely your decision. Many clients choose to insure their shipment for the added peace of mind, while others decide to assume the risk themselves.
If you decline marine insurance, you should understand that you are accepting the financial responsibility should a loss or damage occur.
Disclaimer: Insurance policies contain specific terms, conditions, exclusions, deductibles, and eligibility requirements. Coverage varies by policy. Regulations and policy wording may change over time. Please review the policy carefully and contact us if you have any questions before making your decision.
