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Freight Academy · Knowledge Base
Transport Insurance
Cargo insurance, CMR liability, forwarder liability and claims – overview for businesses and individuals.
- CMR · ADSp · ICC
- 8.33 SDR/kg legal liability
- Business & private
Insurance topics in detail
Who needs which insurance?
Carrier / Freight Forwarder
- ·Carrier liability / CMR cover (§7a GüKG DE)
- ·Freight forwarder liability (ADSp)
- ·Warehouse insurance (SVS)
Shipper / Business
- ·Cargo transport insurance
- ·Open cover (annual policy)
- ·Value declaration for high-value goods
Importer / Exporter
- ·Choose ICC Clause A/B/C
- ·Insurance obligation under CIF/CIP
- ·+10% on cargo value as coverage
Private Individual
- ·Moving insurance (international)
- ·Insure single shipments (valuables)
- ·Report parcel damage (DHL/UPS/FedEx)
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Frequently asked questions about transport insurance
What is the difference between CMR insurance and cargo 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.
Who is liable for transport damage – the freight forwarder, carrier or insurance?
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.
How high is the liability without additional insurance?
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.
What does the freight forwarder liability (ADSp 2017) cover?
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.
How long do I have to report transport damage?
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!
Do I need transport insurance as a private individual?
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.