Owning a capsule house is exciting, but ensuring its safety during shipping, setup, and operation can be tricky. This guide breaks down every insurance stage—from factory gate to final handover—so your investment stays fully protected.
1. Before You Order: Set the Basics
Before buying a capsule house from abroad, set clear contract rules to protect yourself if issues occur during transport.
Why Incoterms Matter
Incoterms define who pays for transport, customs, and insurance.
Writing them clearly in your contract avoids confusion later.
Understanding Risk Transfer
The risk transfer point determines when responsibility shifts from the seller to you—e.g., when goods are loaded onto the ship. Define this clearly to know when you’re liable for damages.
CIF vs. CIP Explained
| Term | Full Form | Who Pays | Insurance Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIF | Cost, Insurance, and Freight | Seller | Basic (limited) |
| CIP | Carriage and Insurance Paid To | Seller | Strong (ICC A recommended) |
➡️ Always confirm the insurance level (ICC A) in your contract for maximum protection.
2. Marine Cargo Insurance: Protect the Sea Journey
Shipping by sea involves multiple risks—storms, theft, mishandling, and more. That’s why marine cargo insurance is essential.
Why It’s Important
Your capsule home moves through trucks, ports, ships, and storage yards. Marine insurance ensures coverage from factory to final destination, including loading and unloading.
Coverage Levels
| Policy Type | Coverage Scope | Example Risks Covered |
|---|---|---|
| ICC A | Comprehensive | Theft, storm, water damage |
| ICC B | Medium | Limited damages |
| ICC C | Basic | Major accidents (fire, shipwreck) |
💡 For valuable capsule homes, choose ICC A — slightly more costly but far safer.
Don’t Rely on Carrier Liability
Most ocean carriers pay only $500 per package by law—far below your capsule’s real value. Always buy full cargo insurance separately.
3. How Capsule Modules Travel at Sea
Most capsule homes don’t fit standard containers—they travel as flat rack or break-bulk cargo.
✅ Checklist for Safe Shipping
Check module weight & lifting points before loading
Use blocking & cribbing for strong support
Apply cross-lashing with chains or ropes for stability
Request a securement plan or third-party survey for verification
4. Port Handoff and Inland Transportation
When the modules reach the destination port, ensure “warehouse-to-warehouse” coverage continues until they arrive on-site.
If not, add an inland transport rider—this ensures insurance continues during the truck journey to your project site.
5. Crane Lift and On-Site Setup
The crane lift is one of the riskiest moments—your capsule is suspended mid-air.
Always ensure:
The contractor holds crane or riggers’ liability insurance
You review their lift plan and insurance certificate
Coverage matches or exceeds your module’s full value
6. Installation and Utility Hookups
Once the capsule is placed, installation begins—foundation, power, water, and waste connections.
Builder’s Risk Insurance covers damage during construction until completion.
If unavailable, the contractor’s Installation Floater covers materials and equipment until final handover.
7. After Handover: Operational Protection
When guests start staying in your capsule home, long-term protection is essential.
| Insurance Type | What It Covers | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|---|
| Property Insurance | Building & contents | Covers fire, theft, or damage |
| General Liability | Visitors/guests | Covers injuries or legal claims |
| Business Interruption | Income loss | Protects financial stability |
| Rental/Glamping Add-on | Guest use | Covers short-term rentals not included in normal homeowner policies |
🧾 Conclusion
From the factory gate to the guest door, every stage of your capsule home journey carries risks.
By understanding Incoterms, cargo policies, and on-site protection, you ensure your investment is fully insured and worry-free.
👉 Always choose comprehensive plans like ICC A and Builder’s Risk to avoid costly surprises.
❓ FAQ
Q1: What type of insurance is best for capsule homes shipped overseas?
A: Always choose Marine Cargo Insurance (ICC A) for full coverage from factory to site.
Q2: Is carrier liability enough for my capsule house?
A: No. Most carriers only cover up to $500 per package—get full cargo insurance separately.
Q3: Do I need separate insurance for crane lifting and installation?
A: Yes. Request Riggers’ Liability or Builder’s Risk Insurance from your contractor before installation starts.
