Optimise transport insurance: Minimise risks, control costs, and maximise protection
12 Jun 2025
7
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
Every transport carries risks of damage or loss, which can quickly reach six-figure amounts. A tailored transport insurance policy protects your business from these financial consequences. Learn how to ensure optimal protection for your goods.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The statutory liability of carriers is often severely limited (e.g., to 8.33 SDR/kg), a separate transport insurance closes this coverage gap for the full value of the goods.
The cost of transport insurance depends on many factors (type of goods, route, turnover, deductible) and can be approximately 500 euros per year for a goods value of 100,000 euros.
Current court rulings (e.g., BGH on ADSp 2017) impact liability limits and highlight the necessity for regularly updating insurance policies.
Understanding Transport Insurance: The Key Facts for Quick Decisions
A transport insurance covers damages and losses of goods during transit. The legal liability of freight forwarders is often limited to amounts like 8.33 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) per kilogram. An own policy closes this gap for the full value of the goods. It applies to many modes of transport, from trucks to ships. The necessity arises because according to statistics, about eighty-five percent of all damages require their own coverage.
Practical Guide to Transport Insurance: Analyze Costs, Coverage, and Real-Life Damage Cases
Calculate the cost of transport insurance
The premiums for transport insurance vary significantly, starting at about fifty euros per month. Factors such as the type of goods, the route of transport (national/international), turnover, and deductible significantly influence the costs. An example calculation: For the transport of plants valued at 100,000 euros within the EU with a deductible of 250 euros, the annual premium can be around 500 euros. The insured amount should always cover the value of the goods plus transport costs and a small risk margin.
Understand typical coverage and performance limits
Goods transport insurance often offers comprehensive cover. This typically includes damage from accidents involving the means of transport, theft, fire, explosion, or natural events. Costs for transshipment, interim storage, and loss minimization are also frequently covered. Note liability limits: Freight forwarders under ADSp often only have liability of approximately ten euros per kilogram. A carrier insurance can complement this.
Understand damage scenarios and their financial impact
A common case of damage is the theft of high-value electronics with a goods value of over 200,000 euros. Without additional insurance, freight forwarder liability might only cover 50,000 euros here. Another example is the damage to a machinery shipment caused by an accident, resulting in repair costs of 30,000 euros. The transport insurance covers these costs up to the agreed coverage amount. Many companies underestimate the risk of transport damages, which can amount to over a billion euros annually. Therefore, choosing the right Auto & Mobility insurance is crucial.
To illustrate the complexities of liability regulations and the necessity of adequate protection, we will now examine the legal framework in more detail.
Expert Knowledge on Transport Insurance: Mastering Legal Principles and Recent Judgments
Navigating Legal Obligations and Liability Standards (HGB, ADSp)
The legal foundations of transport insurance are found in the Handelsgesetzbuch (HGB) and the Versicherungsvertragsgesetz (VVG). For carriers with vehicles over three and a half tonnes, insurance is mandatory under paragraph 7a of the Güterkraftverkehrsgesetz (GüKG). The Allgemeine Deutsche Spediteurbedingungen (ADSp) are often part of contracts and govern liability issues, but they frequently limit these. Knowledge of these regulations is essential for contract drafting to avoid coverage gaps. A motor vehicle liability insurance does not cover these specific transport risks.
Current Court Decisions and Their Implications for Your Policy
A ruling by the Federal Court of Justice on 27 October 2022 (Ref. I ZR 139/21) clarified liability under ADSp 2017 for multimodal transports with unknown damage location. Here, liability was limited to two SDR per kilogram, instead of the usual 8.33 SDR. The Higher Regional Court of Brandenburg (Ref. 7 U 173/18) awarded a plaintiff €15,000 in damages for the loss of two instruments due to organizational deficiencies of the carrier. Such rulings influence risk assessment and premium design.
Design Tips for Watertight Contracts and Optimal Clauses
Ensure a clear definition of the insurance coverage and exclusions. The insurance sum must cover the full value of the goods, including ancillary costs, to avoid underinsurance. Our expert tip: Agree on “subsidiary coverage” in case the freight forwarder's liability is limited. Have clauses regarding special care duties, such as secured parking spaces for high-value goods, checked. A vehicle repatriation insurance can be useful for international transports.
These legal details highlight the importance of careful review and adjustment of your transport insurance to ensure optimal protection in the event of a claim.
Risk minimisation through proactive measures and the right choice of insurance
Effective risk minimisation begins long before the transport process. This includes the careful selection of packaging material that absorbs at least ten percent of shock energy. Regularly train your employees in handling sensitive goods; this can reduce the damage rate by up to fifteen percent. Use modern telematics systems to monitor your transport in real-time. Many companies achieve a reduction in insurance costs by up to twenty percent through proactive risk management.
Choosing the right insurance partner and the appropriate policy is the next step. Here are some points to consider:
Check the scope: National or worldwide coverage, as is often needed with electric car insurance.
Analyse the covered risks: All-risk cover or only specific risks.
Clarify the level of deductible: A higher deductible lowers the premium but increases your risk in individual cases.
Watch out for exclusions: Damage due to inadequate packaging is often not covered.
Consider additional services: Costs for loss prevention measures or recovery.
A thorough analysis of your individual risk situation is crucial to find the right protection and not just pay premiums, but gain real value.
Claims Management: Ensuring Efficient Handling in Case of Emergency
In the event of a loss, quick and correct action is crucial for prompt settlement. Report the loss to your insurer immediately, ideally within 24 hours. Document the damage thoroughly with photos, detailed descriptions, and witness statements. Keep damaged goods until assessed by an expert. A complete and swift damage report can reduce processing time by up to fifty percent.
The following steps are common in the claims process:
Immediate notification of the loss to the insurer with all relevant data (What, When, Where, How, Who).
Securing the scene of the loss and the damaged goods to avoid consequential damage.
Detailed documentation of the loss (photos, videos, written records).
Submission of all required documents (waybill, commercial invoice, delivery note, or police report, if applicable).
Cooperation with the average adjuster or expert appointed by the insurer.
Examination of the claim and coverage by the insurer.
Payment of compensation upon completion of the review, often within 14 days after complete documentation.
A well-prepared claims process and the knowledge of your duties as a policyholder are invaluable and secure your claims, similar to a motorcycle insurance.
nextsure: Your partner for bespoke transport insurance solutions
As a digital insurance portal, it is our mission at nextsure to offer you comprehensive and easily understandable insurance solutions. We understand the complexity of transport insurance and the necessity for tailored security concepts. With our focus on niche products and complete digitalisation, we provide you with expert advice. Our specialists analyse your specific risks and develop customised proposals that go beyond standard cover. We support you in effectively managing your transport risks and in receiving quick and straightforward assistance in the event of a claim. Trust in our expertise for your optimal protection.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked for free and receive concrete optimisation suggestions.
More useful links
Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview of transport insurance in Germany.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) offers extensive data and statistics on freight transport in Germany.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides detailed tables on freight carriage, offering valuable insights into the transport sector.
The European Commission informs about the EU's priorities and strategies in customs risk management.
The German Bar Association offers specialized information and resources on transport and forwarding law through its working group on transport law.
PwC provides information on optimizing and enhancing the resilience of supply chains, which is crucial for businesses.
The BME (Federal Association for Materials Management, Purchasing and Logistics) provides deep insights into current trends and challenges in the logistics sector with its Logistics Study 2024 (PDF).
The Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML is a leading research institution in logistics and material flow, offering innovative solutions for the transport industry.
The German Insurance Association (GDV) provides comprehensive information on transport and logistics from the perspective of the insurance industry.
FAQ
What role do the ADSp play in transport insurance?
The General German Freight Forwarders' Standard Terms and Conditions (ADSp) are pre-formulated contractual conditions frequently used by freight forwarders. They regulate, among other things, the liability of the forwarder, which is often limited (e.g., to 8.33 SDR per kilogram). Having your own transport insurance is important to be covered beyond these limited liability amounts up to the full value of the goods.
What are Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) in transport insurance?
Special Drawing Rights (SDR) are an artificial currency unit of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In transport law, especially in international agreements such as the CMR and also in the ADSp, liability limits are often specified in SDR per kilogram of damaged or lost goods. The value of an SDR is recalculated daily.
What does all-risk coverage mean in transport insurance?
An All-Risk Coverage in transport insurance offers the most comprehensive protection. It generally covers all risks to which the insured goods are exposed during transport, unless explicitly excluded in the insurance contract. Typical exclusions can include damage caused by war, strike (sometimes optionally insurable), inherent vice, or normal wear and tear.
What should I do in the event of a claim on transport insurance?
In the event of a claim, you should promptly inform your insurer. Document the damage as thoroughly as possible (photos, witnesses, damage report). Take measures to mitigate the damage, if possible and reasonable. Keep the damaged goods and packaging for a possible inspection and submit all relevant documents (bill of lading, invoice, etc.).
Does the transport insurance also cover damage during interim storage?
Yes, many transport insurance policies also cover damages that occur during transport-related interim storage. The exact scope and duration of the insured interim storage are defined in the policy. It is important to check this in the contract, especially if longer storage periods are part of your logistics chain.
Can private individuals also take out transport insurance?
Yes, private individuals can also take out transport insurance, for example, for a move, shipping high-value items, or transporting sports equipment. This is particularly advisable if the value of the goods exceeds the carrier's liability or if more comprehensive protection is desired.
