Transport Insurance

CMR insurance covers the carrier's legal liability (max. 8.33 SDR/kg ≈ €10/kg). Cargo transport insurance covers the full cargo value and is taken out by the sender or recipient – regardless of who is at fault.

In principle, the carrier (transport company) is liable for loss and damage during transport. The freight forwarder is liable under ADSp/HGB for their own fault. Insurance only applies if a policy exists – it does not replace statutory liability.

In international road transport (CMR): 8.33 SDR/kg ≈ €10/kg gross weight. In domestic transport (HGB): also 8.33 SDR/kg. For a damaged laptop weighing 2 kg, this means a maximum of €20 reimbursement – instead of a market value of e.g. €800. Cargo insurance covers the full value.

ADSp 2017 governs freight forwarder liability: up to €1.25 million per damage case for freight/forwarding contracts, up to €35,000 for warehouse damage, up to €70,000 for inventory differences/year. These limits are removed for gross negligence.

Visible damage: immediately upon delivery / in writing by the next day at the latest. Hidden damage: 7 days after delivery (CMR, international transport) or likewise 7 days (HGB §438, domestic transport; exception: 14 days for removal goods §451f HGB). Limitation period: 1 year (CMR). Missing deadlines = claim lost!

Private individuals are often uninsured: when moving abroad, the moving company has limited liability. When shopping online from abroad, neither the retailer nor the freight forwarder often covers the full damage. For shipping valuable items (antiques, art, instruments), a single policy is worthwhile. Explicit transport insurance is highly recommended for international moves and shipments of goods worth over €500.