Hunton Insurance Recovery Blog

As reported in the Washington Post, the cost of cargo theft losses in the US is surging, even though the number of reported incidents has not changed. This surge reflects the type of cargo being stolen: thieves are targeting high-value technology, including electronics, computer chips, and servers destined for high-tech facilities and data centers. These components can be worth tens of millions of dollars per shipment, thus making proper insurance more important than ever.

While cargo theft is not a new risk, the escalating value of stolen goods marks a notable shift in the exposure landscape. For commercial policyholders, this trend raises important insurance and risk management considerations—particularly whether existing cargo, inland marine, and stock throughput limits remain adequate in light of evolving loss severity.