The cargo arrived undamaged: why am I asked for a general-average contribution?

Ask what was done for the common safety

Rule A of the York-Antwerp Rules 2016 concerns an extraordinary sacrifice or expense intentionally and reasonably incurred to preserve property in a common maritime adventure from peril, shared by contributing interests. It does not require every package to have been damaged. These rules must be related to the contract and legal regime applying to the voyage.

CMI recommends the 2016 version with a 2022 technical amendment, while noting that earlier versions remain in contractual use. Henrique therefore locates the bill of lading's reference rather than choosing an edition simply because an article calls it the latest.

Sources: CMI — York-Antwerp Rules 2016, currently linked version with 2022 technical amendment; Rules A and G read 2 November 2026 ↗ · CMI — York-Antwerp Rules, current and earlier versions page, read 2 November 2026 ↗

The notice may arrive before the final adjustment

CMI's brief guidelines distinguish the final adjustment from interim security: a contribution undertaking, insurer's guarantee or, without insurance, deposit may be requested. The case notice states its requirements. A General Average Bond does not establish that your insurer has accepted cover.

Henrique creates a record of the shipment, vessel, notice reference, issuer and stated deadline. He verifies contacts through a known channel and forwards the original to the insurer without signing commitments or paying on the strength of an isolated message. Legal consequences or disagreement call for timely specialist assessment.

Sources: CMI/IUMI/ICS — complete 3-page Brief Guidelines Relating to General Average, read 2 November 2026 ↗

Insurance needs an answer about the correct clause

As a contractual example, Fidelidade CG 036 dated September 2026, CE 01 paragraph 2, provides for general average and salvage under applicable carriage terms, law and practice, subject to exclusions 4–7. Only special conditions identified in the particulars apply, alongside the general terms. This neither confirms cover for Henrique's shipment nor recommends the product.

To check the reply, Henrique requests the policy, certificate and actual contracted condition. He records separately: cover accepted or still under assessment, the guarantee document and the amount requested. A tick in a received column should not accidentally become a tick in an accepted column.

Sources: Fidelidade — CG 036 Cargo Insurance, September 2026: general clauses 1–4, preliminary provision and CE 01 paragraphs 1–7, pp. 3–4 e 9; read 2 November 2026 ↗

Prepare the review without presuming a debt or payout

As an editorial method, Clara suggests four process points: the full notice, the contractual rule invoked, the insurer's written position and the outstanding steps. The file may include the bill of lading, invoice and certificate according to the request received. It organises information without validating the demand or replacing the responsible professional's review.

If you already have a notice, use RMACHADO's policy and claims support and the designated private channel. Quoting cover for future shipments is a separate conversation. This guide does not accept a contribution, issue a guarantee, order a deposit or promise compensation.