Institute Cargo Clauses (ICC)
The Institute Cargo Clauses (ICC) are standardised sets of conditions, published by the London insurance market, that define what a marine cargo insurance policy covers. The three main sets are Clause A, B and C, offering progressively narrower cover: ICC (A) is the broadest, an "all risks" cover; ICC (B) and ICC (C) cover only specified (named) perils, with C the most limited.
All three exclude certain risks — notably war and strikes, which are added back by separate Institute War Clauses and Institute Strikes Clauses. The clauses also define the duration of cover (typically warehouse-to-warehouse) and the insured's duties. Because the choice of clause set determines exactly what is and isn't paid on a claim, selecting the right Institute Cargo Clause for the cargo, route and risk is a key decision in arranging cargo insurance — Clause A for most general goods, B or C where broad cover isn't needed or available.
Whether a cargo claim pays out — and how much — turns on which Institute Cargo Clause was bought. Clause A pays broadly; B and C only for listed perils, and none cover war without an add-on. Choosing the right clause set for the cargo and route is the difference between real protection and a nasty surprise at claim time.
What is the difference between ICC A, B and C?
ICC (A) is broad all-risks cover; ICC (B) and (C) cover only named perils, with C the most restricted.
Do the Institute Cargo Clauses cover war?
No — war and strikes are excluded and must be added back by separate Institute War and Strikes Clauses.