A Letter of Indemnity (LOI) is a document issued by one party to another, guaranteeing that the party issuing the letter will compensate the other party for any losses or damages that may occur in the future, often in the context of shipping or financial transactions.
An LOI is typically used in situations where there is a risk of liability or uncertainty, such as when goods are being shipped without the proper documentation. It serves as a protective measure for the party receiving the goods or services, ensuring that they are financially covered if something goes wrong. The issuer of the LOI assumes responsibility for any potential claims or damages related to the transaction.
An LOI is crucial for mitigating risks in transactions, especially in international trade or shipping. It assures the recipient that they won’t be financially impacted by issues such as delayed deliveries or missing documentation, as the issuer will cover any potential losses.
For example, if a shipment of goods is sent without the required bill of lading, a Letter of Indemnity can be used to guarantee that the recipient will not be held liable for any losses while the missing documentation is being sorted. This protection helps ensure smoother transactions and builds trust between parties.