Words to remember

an insurance company

a broker

a proposal form

a quotation

a policy

cover

all risk

underwriter

a syndicate

a cover note

indemnification

original position

subrogation

to cover against

to take effect from

to bond someone

to renew a policy

a claimant

to make/reject a claim

compensation

to inspect damage

negligent

to overvalue

an independent assessor

an assessment

valuation

arbitration

life assurance

benefit payment

endowment

fire insurance

'special perils' policy

consequential loss insurance

accident insurance

insurance liability

property insurance

personal accident insurance

insurance of interest

fidelity bonds

marine insurance

all risk policy

valued policy

time policy

voyage policy

mixed policy

floating policy

open cover policy

in arrears

a clause

free from particular average

with particular average

declaration form

an insurance certificate

to ship clean

a clean bill of lading

The American Insurance Association

Lloyd's of London

Lloyd's List

Lloyd's Shipping Index

Lloyd's Loading List

Lloyd's Register of Shipping

13 Electronic correspondence

Fax; electronic mail (email); telegrams; cables; telex

13.1

Fax

The word 'fax' can be used as a noun or a verb, e.g. a fax, to fax someone. It comes from the word facsimile, meaning an exact copy or reproduction. As its name suggests, a fax machine will send a duplicate of the message, document, design, or photo that is fed into it.

Faxing is a means of telecommunication that has developed very quickly over the past few years. There are various models of fax machine which connect to a telephone socket and which work on a system similar to the telephone system. Charges are measured in telephone units and therefore vary according to the time of day and where the fax is being sent.

The different models of fax machine offer a wide range of facilities, including automatic paper feeders, deferred transmission (faxes are sent during cheap-rate periods), automatic redialling if the receiver's machine is engaged, and pre-programmed keys for instant dialling.

The advantages of fax include instant reception of documents, and documentary evidence of what has been transferred. A document can be relayed from one source to hundreds of other receivers, for example, if the head office of a chain store wants to circulate a memo or report to its branches.

13.2

Specimen faxes

13.2.1

Advice of damaged consignment

This fax is from Lynch & Co., who received a damaged consignment and were told by their supplier, Mr Causio of Satex, to return it (see 7.4.3/4).

F. Lynch & Co. Ltd.

(Head Office), Nesson House, Newell Street, Birmingham B3 3EL

Telephone: 021-236 6571 Cables: MENFINCH Birmingham Telex: 341641

Fax transmission

Message for: D Causlio From: L. Crane

Address: SatexS.p.A., Via diPietra Papa, 00146 Roma Date: 19 September 20-

Fax number: (06)481 5473

Dear Mr. Causio,

This is an urgent request for a consignment to replace the damaged delivery which we received, and about which you have already been informed.

Please airfreight the following items:

Cat. no. RN30 AG20 L26

Quantity 50 70 100

The damaged consignment will be returned to you on receipt of the replacement.

Yours sincerely,

L, Crane

Chief Buyer