Every transport raises the question: what happens in the event of a claim? The answer is more complex than a simple "fully comprehensive". Transport law imposes statutory liability limits – and in practice these are often surprisingly low. We explain transparently how our insurance cover is structured.
The SDR Problem: When Statutory Liability Falls Short
Transport law – both national (HGB) and international (CMR) – limits the carrier's liability to a fixed amount per kilogram of goods. This unit is called the SDR (Special Drawing Right), an artificial currency of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with worldwide validity.
What is an SDR?
The Special Drawing Right (SDR) is a unit of account defined by the IMF, based on a basket of currencies including the US dollar, euro, pound sterling, yen and yuan. The rate fluctuates daily and currently stands at approx. €1.25.
Statutory Liability Limit
- Domestic (HGB): 8.33 SDR / kg
- International (CMR): 8.33 SDR / kg
- Approx. in EUR: ≈ €10.41 / kg
Worked Example: Motorhome
A typical motorhome weighs approx. 3,500 kg and has a list price of €80,000. What does the statutory liability cover?
* Calculated at current SDR rate of approx. €1.25. The rate changes daily.
Which liability applies to your transport?
Here are the most important differences between national and international transports:
National (within Germany)
Up to 40 SDR per kg is possible for domestic transports within Germany (HGB), if agreed in writing. By default, 8.33 SDR/kg applies here as well.
International (cross-border)
For cross-border transports (CMR), only 8.33 SDR per kilogram is ever possible – an increase to 40 SDR/kg is not permitted here.
No additional cost
The increase incurs no extra charge – it only needs to be agreed in writing between the client and carrier.
Simple to arrange when placing an order
Just mention it when you make your enquiry – we include the agreement directly in the transport order.
Liability Comparison: Motorhome 3,500 kg
At 40 SDR × €1.25 × 3,500 kg. Applies to road transport (HGB/CMR) only, not sea freight.
Option: WorldCover-Plus – All-Risk Insurance
For maximum protection – especially for shipping – we offer our WorldCover-Plus cargo insurance. This covers damages that go far beyond statutory liability.
All-Risk Cover
Covers damage from accidents, theft, fire, hail and other unforeseen events – regardless of fault.
Up to €300,000
Maximum insured value per claim: €300,000.
Seamless Protection
The insurance cover applies throughout the entire transport route – on the truck, in the port and at sea.
A Particular Risk in Sea Freight: General Average
Anyone shipping vehicles should know this term to avoid unpleasant surprises.
What is General Average?
General Average is a maritime law term for damages caused by deliberate measures to save ship and cargo from common peril. Costs and damages are distributed among all parties (ship, freight, cargo) – often regardless of whether your own cargo was damaged.
Important to know: The parties listed in the bill of lading are considered involved. For our transports, this usually means you as the recipient of the goods.
This means: even if your vehicle is undamaged, you as a shipper can be called upon to contribute to salvage costs or similar.
What This Means for Your Insurance
Without cargo insurance, the client bears the General Average risk alone. Depending on the size of the vessel and the incident, this can mean significant sums.
Our WorldCover-Plus insurance also covers General Average – so you are protected even in this extreme scenario.
Tip: Many shippers underestimate this risk. Get in touch – we will assess your specific situation.
Sometimes it is more suitable and cost-effective for you to take out your own cargo insurance for your entire annual transport needs, which covers these risks precisely for you.