What cargo insurance coverage do spirits distributors need, and what are the real-world risks?

Members emphasise that robust cargo insurance is non-negotiable for spirits logistics. The community has experienced significant theft losses that highlight why coverage matters.

**Key risks members have encountered:** - **Theft during transit** — A truck carrying 16 pallets of wine was stolen in the UK (truck found abandoned in Leeds); coverage is essential to recover losses. - **Organised crime in certain routes** — Members reported containers stolen by cartels in Mexico, underscoring the need for insurance on high-risk corridors. - **High-value shipments** — Spirits attract criminals; insurance is a basic operational cost, not optional.

**What members advise:** - Cargo insurance is a baseline requirement before shipping. Members describe it as part of "takes money to move" — a necessary cost of doing business. - Claims can be complex (e.g., cartel theft in Mexico), so ensure your policy covers theft and includes clear incident procedures. - Combine insurance with other mitigations: use your own trusted logistics partners or personnel where possible, rather than relying on importers or distributors to protect your stock in transit.

**Caveat:** The excerpts discuss theft incidents and the importance of coverage, but do not specify which insurers members use, policy limits, or typical premium costs. Members willing to share detailed experience can be contacted directly for specifics.