A Certificate of Fact is a document issued by the transport company (the carrier) to the consignee (the customer or receiver of the goods) to confirm that material damage occurred to a shipment while it was under the carrier’s care. It is a crucial piece of evidence in a cargo insurance claim.

Why is a COF needed?

Insurance Requirement: Insurance companies, when processing a claim for damaged goods, need concrete proof that the damage occurred during the transit period. The COF, issued by the carrier, serves as this official proof.

Liability Confirmation: By issuing the COF, the transport company is providing a factual statement about the incident, which can help the insurance company determine if the damage falls within the scope of the policy.

Claim Processing: Without this document, the insurance company may have difficulty verifying the circumstances of the loss and could deny or delay the claim.

Documents Required to Issue a COF

As you mentioned, for a transport company to issue a COF, they would typically need the following supporting documentation from the customer:

• Invoice Copy: To verify the value and details of the goods being claimed.
• LR Copy (Lorry Receipt) or Bill of Lading: This is the original transport document. The crucial part is the damage remarks noted on the document at the time of delivery. These remarks, signed by the receiver and the delivery person, are initial proof of damage.
• Material Damage Photo: Photographic evidence of the damaged goods is essential to show the extent and nature of the loss.
• Insurance Survey Report: An independent surveyor’s report, often required by the insurance company, provides a professional assessment of the damage and its likely cause. The transport company may use this to corroborate the claim.
• Insurance Policy Name and Number: This information is necessary to reference the specific policy and to ensure the transport company is providing the correct documentation for the customer’s insurance provider.

In summary, the “Certificate of Fact” is a specific document used within the claims process, acting as a critical bridge between the transport company and the insurance company to facilitate a claim for damaged goods. It’s a testament to the importance of meticulous documentation throughout the transportation and claims process.