A container can fall, get wet or go missing. Insurance costs a fraction of a percent of the cargo value and is the only thing that helps then.
The carrier's liability is limited by international conventions to a laughable sum per kilogram. If your furniture worth 60,000 euros is damaged in a storm, without insurance the carrier reimburses a fraction of it.
That is why cargo insurance is a standard part of an export transaction, not a luxury. The price is usually 0.2 to 0.5 percent of the cargo value.
Always ask for all-risks cover, not just the basic perils. Check that the whole journey from door to door is covered, not only the ocean leg: most damage actually happens on the road and in terminals.
Under the CIF delivery term, insurance is the seller's obligation, but at a minimum level. It is smarter to agree on proper cover and to show it transparently in the price.
When you discover damage, document everything immediately: photos, the container number, the state of the seal, and note the damage on the bill of lading before signing. Deadlines for filing a claim are short, often three days for visible damage. A proper insurance partner will guide you, but the first steps must come from you.
The first consultation is free: together we'll see who in the US already buys your product and how to reach them.