Choosing the best marine insurance for international shipping to and from Israel is an essential part of safeguarding your household goods, valuables, and irreplaceable possessions. When relocating internationally, uncertainty and risk are always present-no matter how carefully your items are packed or handled. KEF International, with more than 40 years of experience working with the same trusted US-based marine insurance company, offers fair, responsible coverage designed especially for global moves from and to Israel.
Why Marine Insurance Matters
Marine insurance is for replacement value in similar conditions at destination. Without adequate coverage, damage, loss, theft, or natural disaster during transit could leave you with significant financial and emotional losses. KEF International guides clients with clear communications and explanations at every stage, so you can define your own insurance coverage for your shipment-helping you achieve peace of mind throughout your move.
Types of All-Risk Insurance:
Lump Sum & Comprehensive Valued Inventory (CVI)
Lump Sum Insurance
The lump sum policy is the easiest and most comprehensive and has the lowest rate–25% under alternatives. There is no need to list and evaluate everything in your shipment. Only goods you pack yourself and items or sets valued above $3,000 require listing, valuation, and an additional premium.
- The amount you pay goes up or down precisely with the shipment’s weight.
Ex. 800 cubic feet × 6.5 lbs./cubic foot × $12.00/lb = $62,400 insured value.
Not all lumpsum policies are equal. Some provide lower value above which you must list “high value” items, $1,500, instead of $3,000. This means that you will have a much larger group of items to list, evaluate, and pay an additional premium for.
Comprehensive Valued Inventory (CVI)
- Requires listing and valuing everything in your shipment for replacement at the destination in similar condition.
- Items not listed are NOT insured.
- The valuation you assign is the maximum claimable value–if you overvalue you are wasting money, if you undervalue, you are insufficient coverage.
- Is labor-intensive and costs 33% more per insured amount than Lump Sum.
- The accuracy of claimed valuations affects the particulars and overall handling of claims (e.g. if overall the shipment is greatly under/overvalued.)
- Each item in a set or group is insured at the same value If they are insured together with no distinctions. (e.g. 100 items at $2,000 = $20/item).
Special Conditions and Requirements
Self-Packed Boxes (PBO–packed by owner)
- Leave goods unsealed for inspection and repacking by professional packers to avoid “Packed by Owner” (PBO) status and ensure full all-risk coverage.
- PBO boxes are covered for loss and theft only, up to $300/box, if you submit a valued list of contents before pickup.
- If your entire shipment is self-packed and you do not supply such a list, you will only be covered for catastrophic loss, not individual items or boxes.
Crating
To be fully insured, these items must be crated:
- Goods recommended for crating by packers
- Separable porous items (marble, glass, granite)
- Pianos insured for more than $5,000
- Musical instruments not in hard cases
- Artwork above $10,000
Timing and Documentation
- Insurance decisions, lists, and documents must be completed no later than two weeks before pickup.
- KEF insures you for Lump Sum at the best deductible ($500 for more than $30,000. $150 for less) if you do not provide a valued inventory by pickup, .
- If you decline all-risk coverage before pickup, KEF insures you for total loss only (no damage or partial loss).
Premiums, Coverage, and Documenting Condition
- Minimum premium: $1.10/cubic foot or $110, the greater.
- Ex. 1,000 cubic feet × $1.10 = $1,100, insures $37,000 at $500 deductible.
- Coverage: From packing through delivery, charged as a percentage of insured value (e.g., 3% = $30 per $1,000 insured).
- Photograph goods and ensure packers record item condition on packing list.
- If goods were recently professionally packed, present an invoice before pickup. Otherwise, unseal boxes for inspection and repacking.
Storage and Extensions, Coverage:
- Includes 60 days storage at origin and destination at approved warehouses.
- Beyond 60 days requires notice and payment of 0.36% per month or part.
- Ends at self-storage, unless Kef controls access.
- Ends with self-arranged trucking, delivery, or storage with self-access.
Claims
Note on the delivery receipt damage or loss, If the container seal is broken, a box/crate is open. If no receipt is offered, create your own.
- Record items received during delivery. Immediately report missing items.
- Begin the claims process by notifying KEF and the insurance provider online; repair/replacement estimates are required.
- Retain evidence until the claim is settled.
- Claims must be registered online within 45 days and supporting documents submitted within another 90 days.
Exclusions
-
Particle/pressboard or engineered wood furniture.
-
Electronic malfunction not linked to physical shipping damage.
- Scratching, denting, marring of used goods unless item condition is documented on signed packing list at origin.
- Vermin, rust, mold, temperature/climate loss, and consequential damages.
- Cash, notes, jewelry, firearms, stamps, negotiable documents, traveler’s checks, watches, bullion, human remains, or similar valuables.
- Packed by owner
- all damage
- loss/theft unless a valued list is supplied before pickup <$300/box.
- War or military action, martial law, or authorities’ confiscations.
Replacement Values
KEF International provides recommended multiples for replacement value in Israel for goods from North America. Always good to check market values.
- Ritual objects, Kodesh books, and small appliances X 1 – 1.5
- Computers, art objects, sports equipment X 1.5 – 2.0
- Musical instruments, paper items, furniture X 2.0
- Kitchen items, linens, carpets, clothes up to X 2.25
- Major US appliances X 2.75
Choosing the Best Marine Insurance
Working with an experienced partner like KEF International ensures that every detail of marine insurance for international shipping to and from Israel is managed correctly. From selecting coverage options and preparing documents to handling claims and resolving tricky situations, KEF protects your peace of mind and your property.
For a successful international move, follow KEF’s guidelines exactly, choose the insurance type that fits your needs, and maintain clear communication with their team throughout the process.
