Transport insurance for international removals
Why you should insure your belongings when moving
Security for your valuable items
An international move brings with it many challenges – logistical, financial, and legal. Your furniture, appliances, documents, and personal belongings are exposed to numerous risks, especially over long distances and across national borders. With KOCH Moving Logistics, you not only get a reliable and experienced partner for your move, but also sound advice and comprehensive solutions in the area of transport insurance. So that you can get off to a safe start in your new home!
EXPERT EMPLOYEES
Our expert team pack and unpack everything for you. We professionally dismantle, assemble and configure your office furniture. With the help of our trusted partners we can also assist you with setting up your network and cables for your workstations.
FULL SERVICE MOVING
We offer you all services in one place – advice, planning and coordination. We always pay attention to a good price-quality ratio. When moving a company, our experts pay attention to the safety of your information and data.
STRONG CONNECTION
Originally founded as a relocation department of Koch International we became an independent moving company in 2010. Despite the split-off, we believe in strong cooperation and solidarity with the international logistics company.
Questions about transport insurance?
Why transport insurance is essential
Moving is more than just a change of location — it also means responsibility for your belongings. The risks increase, especially for long-distance moves or international transport:
– Traffic accidents
– Loss or theft
– Damage caused by weather conditions or force majeure
– Delays and transshipments
Many of our customers believe: “The moving company is liable.” That's true – but only to a limited extent. The basic legal liability for national moves is usually limited to €620/m³ or approx. €8.33/kg – in the event of damage to high-value items, this often covers only a fraction of the actual value.
What exactly does transport insurance cover?
- Transport damage caused by accident or vibration
- Damage caused by theft or robbery
- Fire, water, and weather damage
- Loss due to transshipment or temporary storage
- Damage caused by improper handling by third parties
- General average (only for sea transport – see below)
Special case: sea transport & general average
A term that is rarely known but all the more important: General average
What happens if your belongings are transported by sea and the ship gets into distress?
General average is an internationally recognized principle in maritime transport law. It applies when the ship's captain deliberately sacrifices part of the cargo in an emergency in order to save human lives, the ship, and the remaining cargo.
This means specifically:
- Even if your belongings are not affected, you must pay a proportionate share.
- Without special insurance, this can cost several thousand euros.
- Good transport insurance also provides protection in such cases.
The costs incurred are not borne by the shipowner alone, but are distributed proportionally among all cargo owners—including private individuals whose belongings are on board.
When taking out transport insurance, make sure that “general average” is expressly included in the coverage. At KOCH Moving Logistics, we help you choose the right rate – legally compliant, internationally valid, and tailored to your sea move.
Your advantages with KOCH Umzugslogistik
- Personal consultation by experienced specialists
- Selection of suitable insurance rates (national & international)
- Assistance with damage reports
- Partnerships with renowned insurers
At KOCH Umzugslogistik, we not only take care of smooth transportation, but also your legal and financial security.
1 Do I need to take out transport insurance?
It is not legally binding, but it is strongly recommended. The legal liability of the moving company for national moves is very limited (e.g., $8.33/kg). Transport insurance protects you from financial losses in the event of damage or loss of your belongings, especially in the case of high-value items or international moves.
2 What damage is covered as standard?
Depending on the tariff, transport insurance typically covers:
-
Damage caused by accident, impact, or fall
-
Theft, burglary, or robbery
-
Fire and water damage
-
Damage caused by force majeure (e.g., storms, seaquakes)
-
Loss due to transshipment or storage Premium rates (all risk) cover almost all unforeseeable events—including, to a certain extent, events caused by the insured party.
3 How much does transport insurance cost?
The costs depend on the value of the goods, the mode of transport (e.g., land, sea, air), and the selected insurance coverage (basic, extended, all risk). Example: For a household worth €30,000, the premium can range from approximately €150 to €400. We will advise you individually on the best options.
4 Is the insurance valid worldwide?
Yes – most policies are valid worldwide, including sea transport, air freight, and land transport. However, it is important that the scope of insurance is adapted to the respective destination country, as there are differences in risk and liability conditions.
5 What happens in the event of damage?
In case of damage, you should document it immediately (photos, delivery notes, packing lists) and report it within the deadlines. KOCH Moving Logistics will assist you with the processing and communication with the insurer.
Contact person
Christian Braunschweig