CMR insurance: exactly what it covers in car transport

CMR insurance is a term mentioned in international car transport for almost every shipment. For a dealer it is standard; for a private client, it is often the first encounter with how their car is actually covered during transport. This guide explains what CMR is, what it covers, and when it makes sense to consider supplementary insurance as an additional layer.

What CMR is

CMR is the abbreviation for the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (Convention Relative au Contrat de Transport International de Marchandises par Route). It is an international treaty governing rights and duties in cross-border road transport of goods. From the Convention's point of view, a car on a truck is goods that the carrier takes over for transport from the sender and hands over to the recipient.

The CMR consignment note is the basic document linked to the Convention. It is issued before transport and accompanies the shipment along the entire route until unloading. For multi-loads of up to 8 vehicles, one CMR is normally issued for the whole shipment.

CMR insurance is the carrier's liability insurance in relation to the entrusted shipment. It is the concept of mandatory liability protection for the carrier in international transport.

What CMR covers

As a concept, CMR insurance covers the carrier's liability for damage to the shipment caused during transport, that is, from takeover to handover. This concerns typical road transport risks:

• Mechanical damage caused as a result of transport (for example, in a truck accident).
• Loss of the shipment during transport.
• Some damage occurring during loading and unloading carried out by the carrier.

Coverage works within the limits set by the CMR Convention. It is the standard international coverage respected by all professional carriers and their clients.

What CMR does not cover (and when that can matter)

From the vehicle owner's perspective, it is just as important to know what is not within CMR coverage. These are mainly:

• Hidden defects of the vehicle. If a vehicle has a pre-existing defect that manifests during transport, the carrier is not liable for it.
• Damage caused by improper packaging or improper instructions from the sender.
• Some force majeure circumstances to the extent defined by the Convention.
• Loss of value beyond the standard limits of the Convention.

In practice this means that for a higher-value vehicle, or a classic or collector car, the standard coverage may be insufficient to cover real damage. For such cases, supplementary insurance exists.

Supplementary insurance as an additional layer

Supplementary insurance is the concept of an additional layer over CMR. It works as an extension of protection for cases where the vehicle's value significantly exceeds the standard coverage scope, or where the client wants greater certainty.

Supplementary insurance is typically worth considering for:

• Classic and collector cars. Their value is often given not only by the residual price but also by originality and condition. More information about classic car transport in the /classic-cars section.
• Premium sports vehicles. Porsche, AMG, M, RS, and similar models.
• Limited editions. Vehicles whose value is tied to a production number or a specific configuration.
• Special transports. For example, vehicles before an important auction or presentation.

The specific scope and terms of supplementary insurance are set per shipment. The dispatcher will advise when the additional layer makes sense and in what form.

How a claim works

A claim for damage discovered during transport has a clearly defined procedure. Two moments are key: takeover of the shipment and filing the claim.

Takeover and inspection at unloading

At unloading, an inspection of the vehicle's condition takes place. Part of it is photo documentation by VIN, prepared before loading and after unloading. Each vehicle has its own folder linked to the VIN with timestamps. If damage is found, it is documented directly on site.

Time limit for filing a claim

The standard time limit for filing a claim for damage found during transport is, under the Terms and Conditions, up to 7 days after takeover. An earlier and more precise claim improves the position during subsequent assessment. Specific time limits and procedural steps are governed by the T&C and the relevant provisions of the CMR Convention.

The role of photo documentation as evidence

VIN photo documentation before and after is key evidence in the claim process. The comparison of the previous and subsequent state identifies any differences. Separate photo documentation folders by VIN mean that every vehicle has its own independent record that cannot be confused with another vehicle in the shipment.

Combined with live GPS tracking (which records the shipment's movement in real time) and 24/7 dispatch, the photo documentation provides reliable evidence material.

Practical recommendations for the client

A few things that help smooth the whole process:

• Prepare the vehicle for takeover. The vehicle should be clean enough for the photo documentation to be usable. Dirt can mask existing damage.
• Check the condition with the driver or dispatcher. Existing defects are recorded at takeover. Recording them protects both parties.
• Keep the CMR consignment note and photo documentation. They are evidence documents that matter until the claim period expires.
• Communicate through dispatch. For any discrepancy, 24/7 dispatch is the first contact point. Drivers with average experience of 8 or more years and languages SK, CZ, EN, DE, PL can help on the spot immediately.

Details about our procedures and fleet equipment can be found in the /services section.

Frequently asked questions

Is the car automatically insured during transport?

Yes. Every international shipment is covered by CMR insurance under the CMR Convention. This is the standard coverage of carrier liability during the route.

When is supplementary insurance worth it?

For higher-value vehicles, classic and collector cars, limited editions, or specific transports where the standard coverage scope may not cover the real value of the shipment.

How quickly do I have to report damage?

Under the Terms and Conditions, the standard time limit is up to 7 days after takeover of the shipment. Earlier reporting is always better. The specific provisions are in the T&C.

What if the damage is only visible after washing the car?

Even in such a case, the time limit per T&C applies. It helps if the vehicle was, at takeover, in a condition allowing clean photo documentation. That is why we recommend taking over the vehicle sufficiently clean.

Who actually communicates with the insurer?

The carrier leads the claim process in cooperation with the client. The client provides relevant documentation (CMR note, photos, possibly own records). Dispatch guides the client through the process.

What's next

If you are planning a vehicle shipment and want to discuss a suitable scope of coverage, including the need for supplementary insurance as an additional layer, contact us at /quote. The dispatcher will go through the specifics of your shipment and propose an optimal solution.