What does transport insurance cost?

Transport insurance typically costs 0.1–0.5% of the goods value, depending on the goods, route and mode of transport. Standard goods on EU roads usually have a lower rate.

What does all-risks insurance cover?

All-risks insurance covers all transport risks, except explicitly excluded damages (war, nuclear energy). It is broader than basic liability insurance.

Am I automatically insured through CMR?

CMR only covers the limited liability of the carrier (8.33 SDR/kg). The goods value is often not covered. A separate transport insurance policy is therefore recommended.

Tools/Vérifier Couverture Assurance

Vérifier Couverture Assurance

en 15 secondes

Analyse professionnelle de votre couverture d'assurance pour tous les modes de transport. Frachtportal recommande TOUJOURS une assurance transport pour une protection optimale.

100% gratuitAnalyse instantanéeTous modes de transportAucune connexion requise

Analyse d'Assurance

Type de Transport

Poids (Brut) (kg)

Valeur Marchandises (CHF)

Nombre de Colis ou Conteneurs

Analyse en direct active

Avis de non-responsabilité important

Ce calculateur ne fournit qu'une indication non contraignante des montants de responsabilité maximale légale. Les conditions réelles peuvent varier selon le pays, le prestataire de services de transport et leurs conditions générales. Frachtportal n'assume aucune responsabilité pour les dommages résultant de la non-assurance des envois basée sur ce calcul. Contactez TOUJOURS votre prestataire de services de transport pour des informations contraignantes sur la responsabilité et la couverture d'assurance.

Contactez toujours votre prestataire de services de transport pour des informations contraignantes.

Montants de responsabilité maximale légale (peuvent varier):

Fret Maritime: 3 CHF/kg ou 1000 CHF/colis (le plus élevé)

Fret Aérien: 32 CHF/kg

Transport Routier: 12.3 CHF/kg

Frachtportal-Empfehlung

Frachtportal recommande TOUJOURS une assurance transport - indépendamment de l'écart de couverture.

Hinweis: Contactez toujours votre prestataire de services de transport pour des informations contraignantes.

Pourquoi toujours une assurance transport?

Traitement rapide des sinistres

Prévention professionnelle des dommages

Gestion professionnelle des sinistres

Protection complète

Risques supplémentaires (souvent NON couverts):

Dommages de retard

Coûts de transport supplémentaires

Droits de douane et frais

Coûts de stockage dus aux retards

Base de calcul:

Analyse des montants de responsabilité maximale légale selon les normes internationales. IMPORTANT: Ceux-ci peuvent varier d'un pays à l'autre et les conditions générales du prestataire de transport doivent également être prises en compte.

Cargo Insurance Calculator – Complete Guide for Exporters

Cargo insurance protects goods during international transport against loss, damage, or theft. Unlike the statutory carrier liability (CMR: max. 8.33 SDR/kg; sea freight: max. 2 SDR/kg), cargo insurance covers the actual value of the goods.

The premium depends on goods value, transport route, type of goods, and the chosen coverage clause. This calculator determines the recommended sum insured, shows the coverage gap from carrier liability, and calculates the annual premium.

ICC Clauses A, B, C – Which Coverage Do I Need?

ICC AAll Risks

Most comprehensive coverage. Covers all risks except explicitly excluded ones (war, strikes available as add-ons). Mandatory for CIP Incoterm since Incoterms 2020. Recommended for high-value or fragile goods.

ICC BExtended Standard Coverage

Covers named risks: fire, explosion, stranding, capsizing, collision, earthquake, flooding, water ingress, theft of whole packages. Not covered: scratches, dents, leakage.

ICC CBasic Coverage

Only serious events: fire, explosion, vessel casualty, general average. No protection against theft or water damage. Was formerly standard under CIF – replaced by ICC A in Incoterms 2020.

Carrier Liability vs. Cargo Insurance – The Difference

Many shippers incorrectly rely on carrier liability. However, it is legally severely limited:

Transportweg	Haftungslimit	Beispiel	Problem
Road (CMR)	8.33 SDR/kg	100 kg: max. ~CHF 1,230	Electronics at CHF 200/kg = 96% coverage gap
Sea freight (HVR)	2 SDR/kg or 666.67 SDR/package	1,000 kg: max. ~CHF 2,957	Machinery at CHF 50/kg = 94% gap
Air freight (Montreal)	22 SDR/kg	50 kg: max. ~CHF 1,623	Electronics at CHF 400/kg = 94% gap

1 SDR ≈ CHF 1.47 (varies daily). The difference between actual goods value and the liability limit is the coverage gap – this amount is lost in a claim without insurance.

5 Common Cargo Insurance Mistakes

Relying on carrier liability

Carrier liability in a loss event covers only a fraction of the goods value. For high-value goods, the coverage gap can exceed 90%.

Not supplementing CIF insurance as buyer

CIF only obligates the seller to minimum coverage (ICC C). Buyers must arrange their own all-risks coverage (ICC A), as ICC C excludes many everyday risks.

Insufficient sum insured

The insured value should be 110% of the invoice value (10% for consequential costs like duties, storage, replacement). Underinsurance leads to proportional reductions in claims.

Assuming packaging damage is covered

ICC B and C do not cover damage from inadequate packaging. Even ICC A excludes damage from improper packing. Packaging must be seaworthy or airworthy.

Violating notification duties

Damage must be reported to the carrier immediately (visible damage) or within 3 days (concealed damage) in writing. Late notifications can lead to claim rejection.

FAQ

How much does cargo insurance cost?▼

The premium is typically 0.05–0.5% of the goods value, depending on goods type, route, and clause. Dangerous goods, electronics, or artwork have higher rates. A shipment worth CHF 50,000 usually costs CHF 25–250 in premium.

What is the difference between CIF and cargo insurance?▼

CIF is an Incoterm obligating the seller to arrange minimum insurance (ICC C) for sea freight. Standalone cargo insurance (ICC A) provides significantly broader protection and can be arranged for all transport modes.

What is an open cover policy?▼

An open cover (annual policy) automatically insures all of a company's shipments within defined parameters. Cheaper than single-shipment policies; recommended from approximately 20 shipments/year.

Is cargo insurance relevant for customs?▼

Yes. The customs value is calculated as CIF value (goods value + insurance + freight to import border). A correct sum insured directly affects the customs assessment basis.

What to do in case of transport damage?▼

Document damage immediately (photos), note reservation in writing on the delivery receipt, report to insurer, keep damaged goods until inspection. For sea freight: appoint average adjuster.

Do I need cargo insurance under DDP?▼

Under DDP the seller bears all risks until delivery and should therefore arrange ICC A. The buyer has no direct interest but should ensure the seller is actually insured.

Related Tools and Information

Incoterms 2020 Simulator – Who bears which risk?Transport Cost Calculator – Calculate freight rates Sea Freight – Insurance, B/L and documents explained Air Freight – AWB, IATA dangerous goods and insurance Insurance Overview – CMR, carrier liability, cargo insurance Glossary – Cargo insurance terminology