Insurance certificate
A document used so that coverage is provided to cover loss or damage to cargo while in transit when insurance is placed against an open marine cargo policy. In some cases a shipper may issue a document that certifies that a shipment has been insured under a given open policy, and that the certificate represents and takes the place of such open policy, the provisions of which are controlling. Because of the objections that an instrument of this kind did not constitute a “policy” within the requirements of letters of credit, it has become the practice to use an insurance certificate. Also called cargo insurance certificate and special cargo policy. See open marine cargo insurance policy; open policy.