Industry Insights
Freight insurance typically costs between 0.5% and 2% of your declared goods value. So if your shipment is worth $10,000, you're looking at somewhere between $50 and $200 for cover.
The exact cost depends on a few things — we'll cover exactly how freight insurance is calculated below. But for most standard domestic shipments of everyday commercial goods, you'll land in the lower end of that range.
The number that actually matters, though? The excess. Traditional marine insurance policies carry excesses of $1,000–$2,000+. That means for most real-world freight claims — a damaged pallet, a lost parcel — you're paying out of pocket anyway. FreightInsure has zero excess. We pay from dollar one, every time.
The freight insurance calculator works on a simple formula: a rate (expressed as a percentage) multiplied by the declared value of your goods.
Freight insurance cost = Declared goods value × Rate
The rate varies based on four key factors:
1. Declared goods value
The higher the value, the higher the premium — though the rate itself may decrease for higher-value shipments.
2. Type of cargo
Fragile goods, hazardous materials, and high-value items like electronics may attract higher rates. Standard commercial goods sit at the lower end.
3. Route and mode of transport
Domestic road freight is typically cheaper to insure than international air or sea. The longer and more complex the journey, the more risk is priced in.
4. Level of cover
All-risk cover (most causes of loss or damage) is more comprehensive — and slightly more expensive — than named-perils cover (specific risks listed in the policy).
Here's how the freight insurance calculation plays out across different goods values. These are indicative examples — your actual price depends on your specific cargo, route, and cover level.
Use the FreightInsure calculator for an accurate, real-time quote based on your actual shipment.
The price is only half the story. The other half is what you actually get when something goes wrong. Our goods in transit insurance covers loss or damage to your shipment from the moment it leaves until it arrives:
What it doesn't cover: damage caused by poor packaging, inherent vice (goods that deteriorate naturally), or deliberate acts by the shipper. Check our packaging guidelines to make sure your goods are covered before they leave the dock.
Lots of shippers assume their freight carrier will cover them if something goes wrong. Here's why that's worth understanding properly. We've covered this in detail in our guide to carrier liability vs freight insurance, but here's the short version.
Carrier liability is the legal obligation a carrier has to compensate you if they lose or damage your goods. Sounds good. But carrier liability is limited, capped, and conditional. If the carrier argues the damage was caused by your packaging or an act of God — they may pay nothing at all.
Freight insurance gives you a policy in your own name, independent of the carrier. The insurer pays your claim based on the policy terms — not the carrier's assessment of their own liability.
Here's the part most freight insurance comparisons miss. We've written a full breakdown of why marine insurance excess means most small claims get denied — but the core of it is this:
If your insurer has a $1,000 excess, then the effective cost of any claim under $1,000 is 100% yours. And most freight claims are under $1,000. A damaged pallet. A missing box. A cracked appliance. The premium you paid protects you from exactly nothing in those cases.
With FreightInsure, there is no excess. A $200 damaged shipment is a $200 claim that gets paid. A $50,000 consignment gets the same treatment — we pay from dollar one.
When comparing policies, the excess amount directly affects the net value of any claim you make. It's worth factoring in alongside the premium when assessing your options.
The FreightInsure quote and purchase tool combines three things in one place:
No broker. No callback. No "we'll be in touch." Just a price, a policy, and peace of mind for your next shipment.
You'll receive your policy schedule, Product Disclosure Statement, and tax invoice as soon as your purchase is confirmed. Everything is digital. Everything is instant.
Calculate my freight insurance cost →
Have more questions? Visit our full FAQ page for everything you need to know about freight insurance in Australia.
How much is freight insurance in Australia?
Freight insurance in Australia typically costs between 0.5% and 2% of your declared goods value, depending on cargo type, route, and cover level. FreightInsure's online freight insurance calculator gives you an instant price for your specific shipment — no broker required.
How is freight insurance calculated?
Freight insurance is calculated by multiplying your declared goods value by the applicable insurance rate. The rate varies based on cargo type, route, and level of cover. Get an instant quote to see your exact price.
Is there an excess on freight insurance?
Not with FreightInsure. Traditional marine insurance often carries excesses of $1,000–$2,000, meaning most small-to-medium claims go unpaid. FreightInsure has zero excess — we pay from dollar one, on every claim.
Do I need freight insurance if my carrier has liability coverage?
Carrier liability is limited and conditional. Freight insurance is a policy in your own name, independent of the carrier's position — giving you a direct claim against the insurer if something goes wrong. Read our full breakdown of carrier liability vs freight insurance for more detail.
Can I buy freight insurance online?
Yes. FreightInsure's online tool lets you calculate your cost, review your policy, and purchase cover in one place. No broker, no waiting.
What is the maximum cover available?
FreightInsure covers domestic shipments up to $100,000 in declared goods value. Get a quote to see available cover levels for your shipment.
How do I make a freight insurance claim?
If something goes wrong, you can lodge a claim directly online. FreightInsure targets a 5 business day resolution, and there's no excess to worry about.
Industry Insights
Industry Insights
Industry Insights
