Transport insurance: full protection for your valuable freight
With transport insurance from versandrechner.de you close this coverage gap. We explain why a parcel is insured differently from LTL freight and when additional cover is indispensable for you.
UNSERE VERSANDPARTNER
The big misconception: parcel shipping vs. freight shipping
With classic parcel shipments (e.g. via DHL, DPD or Hermes) liability up to a certain commercial value (often around 500 euros) is usually included automatically.
However, as soon as you ship larger, heavier or more valuable goods by freight forwarder, different rules apply: the German Commercial Code (HGB) and the General German Forwarders' Terms and Conditions (ADSp). Here the so-called statutory forwarder's liability kicks in.
The liability trap: what do 8.33 SDR mean?
Forwarders are not liable for the actual value of your goods but solely by weight. The statutory liability limit is 8.33 Special Drawing Rights (SDR) per kilogram.
What does that mean in euros? > 8.33 SDR correspond to roughly 10 to 11 euros per kilogram (depending on the day's exchange rate).
**A worked example: you ship a high-value industrial component. It weighs 50 kg but is worth 5,000 euros. If it is lost, the forwarder is only liable for about 500 euros (50 kg × €10). You are left with a €4,500 loss.
That is exactly where transport insurance steps in. It ignores the weight and covers the actual commercial value.
Our insurance partner
- Statutory forwarder's liability
- Capped at 8.33 SDR/kg (approx. €10/kg)
- Our additional insurance
- Full commercial value (no statutory cap)
- Statutory forwarder's liability
- Weight of the damaged/lost goods
- Our additional insurance
- Actual value of the goods
- Statutory forwarder's liability
- No
- Our additional insurance
- Yes (if declared at time of booking)
- Statutory forwarder's liability
- Only applies where the carrier's fault is proven
- Our additional insurance
- All-risks cover (also applies e.g. to unavoidable events)
- Statutory forwarder's liability
- Note on the delivery receipt immediately upon delivery
- Our additional insurance
- Note on the delivery receipt immediately upon delivery
| Feature | Statutory forwarder's liability | Our additional insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Level of liability | Capped at 8.33 SDR/kg (approx. €10/kg) | Full commercial value (no statutory cap) |
| Basis of assessment | Weight of the damaged/lost goods | Actual value of the goods |
| Reimbursement of freight costs | No | Yes (if declared at time of booking) |
| Cause of damage | Only applies where the carrier's fault is proven | All-risks cover (also applies e.g. to unavoidable events) |
| Damage notification | Note on the delivery receipt immediately upon delivery | Note on the delivery receipt immediately upon delivery |
Requirements for fast claims settlement
- Transport-safe packaging:
The plain sales packaging (manufacturer's carton dimensions) is not sufficient for freight shipping. Goods must be packed shock-proof, cushioned and secured against slippage (e.g. fixed on a pallet). - Immediate documentation:
Check the goods on receipt. Visible damage must be noted on the driver's delivery receipt (scanner or paper) immediately. "Under reserve" is not enough — briefly describe the damage. - Hidden damage:
Report damage that only becomes visible after unpacking to us in writing without delay (as a rule within 7 days).
Your benefits on versandrechner.de
Transparent cost:
You see the price of your insurance directly in our calculator — no hidden fees.
Easy add-on:
Activate your cover with a single click during the booking process.
All-round security:
You reduce your financial risk to zero and ship completely worry-free.
Transparent cost:
You see the price of your insurance directly in our calculator — no hidden fees.
Easy add-on:
Activate your cover with a single click during the booking process.
All-round security:
You reduce your financial risk to zero and ship completely worry-free.