Transport insurance for international removals
Why you should insure your belongings when moving
Security for your valuable items
An international move requires careful consideration of logistical, financial, and legal factors. Long-distance transport across national borders involves various risks to furniture, equipment, documents, and personal belongings.
In addition to handling the organizational aspects, KOCH Moving & Logistics Ltd. also provides advice on suitable transport insurance. The goal is to ensure transparent coverage of your belongings during the international moves.
EXPERT EMPLOYEES
Trained staff handle unpacking and packing tasks, as well as the proper disassembly, assembly, and adjustment of office furniture. In collaboration with qualified partners, we also coordinate the networking and cabling of computer workstations.
FULL SERVICE MOVING
The service includes consulting, planning, and coordination all under one roof. We ensure a transparent pricing and service structure. For corporate relocations, we also take information and data security requirements into account.
STRONG CONNECTION
Originally founded as a relocation department of KOCH Internationalwe 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:
If there's a traffic accident, loss, or theft; damage caused by weather conditions; damage caused by transshipment; or delays.
LEGAL LIABILITY FOR DOMESTIC MOVES:
For domestic moves, the standard legal liability is generally €620 per cubic meter
or approximately €8.33 per kilogram. These liability limits often do not cover the actual replacement value of high-value items.
INTERNATIONAL MOVES:
Different liability rules apply to international transportation. We therefore recommend purchasing additional transportation insurance. The insured value can be determined on an individual basis. As a general guideline, approximately €2,000 per cubic meter is often used, depending on the actual value of the household goods.
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
In the case of international moves via sea freight, the principle of “general average” may apply. This internationally recognized maritime law procedure is applicable when, in an emergency situation, parts of the cargo are deliberately sacrificed or extraordinary measures are taken to save the ship and its cargo.
Meaning for household goods
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Costs are distributed proportionately among all cargo owners
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Even if your own removal goods remain undamaged, you are still required to contribute
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Without appropriate insurance, significant additional costs may arise
The resulting expenses are not carried exclusively by the shipowner, but are distributed proportionately among all parties involved—including private individuals whose belongings are on board.
When taking out transport insurance, you should therefore check whether the risk of “general average” is expressly included. KOCH Moving & Logistics Ltd. provides support in selecting suitable and internationally valid coverage for maritime transport.
Your advantages with KOCH Umzugslogistik
- Personal consultation with experienced professionals in the field of moving and transport organisation
- Selection of suitable insurance rates (national & international)
- Assistance with damage reports
- Partnerships with renowned insurers
In addition to handling the organisational aspects of the transport, KOCH Moving & Logistics Ltd. also manages the legal and insurance-related aspects of the moving process.
1 Do I need to take out transport insurance?
Transport insurance is not required by law, but it is recommended. For domestic moves, the moving company’s legal liability is generally limited to approximately €8.33 per kilogram. This liability limit often does not cover the actual replacement value, particularly for high-value items.
Supplementary transport insurance provides additional financial protection in the event of damage to or loss of your belongings, particularly for high-value items or international moves.
2 What damage is covered as standard?
The types of damage covered depend on the selected plan. Typically, cargo insurance covers:
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Damage caused by accident, impact, or fall
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Theft, burglary, or robbery
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Fire and water damage
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Damage caused by natural disasters (e.g., storms or tsunamis)
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Loss due to transshipment or temporary storage
Extended or so-called “all-risk” coverage also includes numerous unforeseeable events, and in some cases, damage caused by the insured party’s own fault within the scope defined in the contract.
3 How much does transport insurance cost?
The cost of cargo insurance depends on the declared value of the goods, the chosen mode of transport (e.g., land, sea, or air), and the scope of coverage (basic, extended, or all-risk policy).
For example, for household goods valued at €30,000, an insurance premium could range from approximately €150 to €400, depending on the plan and risk profile. A customized quote is provided based on the specific moving details.
4 Is the insurance valid worldwide?
The scope of coverage for cargo insurance depends on the specific policy. Many policies cover worldwide shipments, including sea, air, and land transport.
It is crucial that the scope of coverage be tailored to the destination country and the risk and liability conditions applicable there, as legal and transport-related frameworks can vary internationally.
5 What happens in the event of damage?
In the event of damage, the incident should be documented immediately—for example, with photos, delivery notes, and packing lists—and reported in a timely manner. KOCH Moving & Logistics Ltd. provides support with the organizational process and communication with the relevant insurer.
Contact person
Christian Braunschweig