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Transportversicherung
In brief
Transport insurance is insurance that protects goods against loss and damage during transport. It generally reimburses the value of the goods, regardless of whether the carrier is liable. When transporting retired IT hardware it is important because the statutory liability of carriers is limited by weight and often does not cover high-value devices.
Why transport insurance makes sense for IT
Under § 431 HGB, a carrier is in principle liable for loss or damage only up to 8.33 units of account (Special Drawing Rights of the International Monetary Fund) per kilogram of gross weight. For cross-border road transport, the CMR Convention provides a comparable limit. However, IT hardware often has a high value per kilogram. A large gap can therefore exist between liability and the value of the goods.
| Protection | Who takes it out? | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo insurance (goods in transit insurance) | Owner or shipper of the goods | Value of the goods in case of loss or damage, depending on the terms |
| Carrier's liability insurance | Carrier or freight forwarder | Their statutory or contractual liability, usually limited |
Who bears the risk during transport also depends on the Passing of risk . This entry does not replace legal or insurance advice.
Limits: value is insured, data is not
Transport insurance reimburses the material value. It does not cover the damage that arises when a lost device contains unencrypted data. For that, you need a Secure transport with sealed containers, complete documentation and a short chain. Practical tips for moving IT are provided by the guide IT move: checklist for companies. Second IT transports with its own Security logistics: direct trips without intermediate storage, GPS monitoring, tamper-proof sealing and insured transport.
Frequently asked questions about transport insurance
Isn't the freight company liable for my devices anyway?
Only to a limited extent. Statutory liability is based on weight and often does not fully cover the value of high-value IT hardware.
Does transport insurance also cover data protection damage?
As a rule, no. It reimburses the value of the goods. Sealing, documentation and secure processes protect the data.
Who takes out the transport insurance?
That depends on the contract. Often the shipper or owner insures the goods, or the service provider offers insured transport.
What is the difference between cargo insurance and carrier's liability insurance?
Cargo insurance is taken out by the owner or shipper. It covers the value of the goods in case of loss or damage. Carrier's liability insurance is taken out by the carrier or freight forwarder. It covers their statutory or contractual liability, which is usually limited.
How high is a carrier's statutory liability?
Under § 431 HGB, a carrier is in principle liable only up to 8.33 units of account per kilogram of gross weight. In cross-border road transport, the CMR Convention provides a comparable limit. IT hardware often has a high value per kilogram, which is why a gap arises.
Insured, sealed, direct: pickup with our own secure logistics.
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