Inherent Vice

Inherent vice is a legal term describing when the very nature of an item, its material or method of construction, excludes it from valuation coverage. Examples of items that are excluded from valuation coverage may include snap together furniture, some shelving, some glass items, some antiques, and most items which cannot be assembled more than once (Ikea). Practical examples of items that cannot be claimed as cargo damage due to inherent vice would be; melted candles or spoiled wine when moved in the heat of the summer, particle board furniture, or a rusty grill with weakened axles. Arpin of RI’s staff will try and identify shipment items with known inherent vice so customers can make an informed decision to attempt to move these items at all.