GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026

Institute War Clauses

Standard marine policies exclude war-related losses by default – the Institute War Clauses exist precisely to fill that gap.

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Last updated: 26 June 2026Published: 27 January 2026

Source: https://www.irmi.com/insurance-glossary/term/war-clauses

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Standard marine policies exclude war-related losses by default – the Institute War Clauses exist precisely to fill that gap. They define which politically motivated perils, including war, hostilities, piracy, revolution, insurrection, and confiscation by authorities, can be brought back into coverage under specific conditions. Issued by the Institute of London Underwriters, the clauses attach as a separate endorsement to hull, cargo, or other marine policies. Shipowners and cargo interests must purchase this cover independently through specialist underwriters or the Lloyd's War Market; without it, war losses remain entirely uninsured. Premiums reflect the geopolitical risk profile of the route and can spike sharply during periods of active conflict.

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