A Certificate of Fact (COF) is a document issued by a carrier, such as a transport company, to confirm that a shipment was damaged while it was in their care. It serves as crucial evidence for a cargo insurance claim. The COF helps insurance companies verify that the damage occurred during transit, which is necessary to process the claim.

Why a COF is Needed

The COF is an essential part of the insurance claims process. Here’s why it’s so important:

• Insurance Requirement: Insurance companies require official proof that the damage to the goods happened during the transit period. The COF provides this confirmation directly from the carrier.
• Liability Confirmation: By issuing the COF, the carrier provides a factual statement about the incident, which helps the insurance company determine if the damage is covered under the insurance policy.
• Claim Processing: Without a COF, insurance companies may face difficulty verifying the circumstances of the loss, which can lead to delays or even the denial of a claim.

Documents Required to Issue a COF

To get a carrier to issue a COF, you’ll typically need to provide them with the following supporting documents:

• Invoice Copy: To verify the value and details of the goods.
• LR Copy (Lorry Receipt) or Bill of Lading: This is the original transport document. It should include any damage remarks noted and signed by both the receiver and the delivery person at the time of delivery, as this is the initial proof of damage.
• Material Damage Photo: Clear photographic evidence of the damaged goods is crucial 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 probable cause. The carrier may use this to corroborate the claim.
• Insurance Policy Name and Number: This information is needed to reference the correct insurance policy and ensure the carrier provides the right documentation for the customer’s insurance provider.