It is not legally required, but strongly recommended. Without insurance, you as the carrier remain personally liable under the CMR Convention.
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CMR insurance
As a carrier, you are liable under the CMR Convention for damage, loss or delay during international road transport. A single incident can result in significant damage claims.
With a CMR insurance policy, you protect your transport company against the financial consequences of your legal carrier’s liability.
What is a CMR insurance?
The CMR insurance covers your liability as a carrier in international road transport under the CMR Convention (Convention relative to the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road).
When goods are:
- Damaged
- Lost
- Delivered late
you as a carrier can be held liable. The CMR insurance compensates such damage up to the legal limits of the CMR Convention. The maximum liability is set at 8.33 SDR (Special Drawing Rights) per kilogram of the damaged or lost weight. This usually means you are insured up to about €10.50 per kilo, depending on the current exchange rate of the SDR.
The coverage applies to cross-border road transport between countries that have signed the CMR Convention.
What are the advantages?
Covers damage or loss of goods during international road transport.
Covers your legal liability according to the CMR Convention.
Covers damage claims in case of delays within legal limits.
Covers legal costs in disputes with clients.
Who is this insurance for?
The CMR insurance is intended for:
- Transport companies engaged in transportation on behalf of third parties.
- Independent truck drivers
- Logistics companies with their own fleet
- Subcontractors in transportation
Forwarding agents and logistics service providers who act as carriers may also need this insurance.
Van Dessel analyzes your transport activities and tailors the coverage to your routes and risks.
What is covered and what is not?
What is covered?
- Damage to goods in transit
- Partial or total loss of goods
- Loss resulting from delay (within statutory limits)
- Legal defence costs in the event of liability claims
What is not covered?
- Intentional damage
- Inadequate packaging
- Inherent defects of the goods
- Damage exceeding the CMR liability limits (unless additional cover has been arranged)
How much does this insurance cost?
The premium is determined based on:
- The number of vehicles
- The type of goods transported
- Your annual turnover
- The geographical areas in which you operate
- Your claims history
- The desired coverage limits
Transporting high-value or high-risk goods results in a different premium profile than standard freight transport.
Standard liability under the CMR Convention is limited to a fixed amount per kilogram of lost or damaged goods.
Van Dessel compares specialist insurers and helps you find a balanced insurance solution tailored to your transport activities.
Stories from our customers
Groep Steylaerts
Patrick Steylaerts: “Wij hebben het volste vertrouwen in onze verzekeringspartner Van Dessel.”
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Bram Gers: "Vooral het maatwerk is de reden waarom ik met Van Dessel in zee ben gegaan."
Van Wellen Group
Tom Bolsens: "We waren verrast dat er uit zo'n kleine hoek dreiging kon komen."
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We start from your specific situation and take the time to thoroughly understand your risks, needs, and objectives. This way, you receive advice and guidance tailored to your business and everyday practice.
Expertise & experience
already 80 years in insurance
Thanks to our years of experience, we analyze your risks and insurance needs with a broad perspective. We provide a well-thought-out approach, clear solutions, and the right protection for your business.
Customization & innovation
beyond standard insurance
No standard formulas, but solutions tailored to your activities and challenges. From analysis and implementation to support in case of claims: we provide an approach that works in practice.
Would you like to receive a quote?
We analyse your activities, contractual obligations and risk exposure. You will receive a clear proposal tailored to your business.
Request a no-obligation quote or contact us for personalised advice.
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