How much does CMR insurance cost in Europe?
CMR insurance costs EUR 800 to EUR 2,500 per truck per year in Europe, with carrier liability capped at 8.33 SDR per kilogram under the CMR Convention.
Logifie Team
Logistics Technology Experts
CMR insurance typically costs between EUR 800 and EUR 2,500 per truck per year for a standard carrier liability policy in Europe. The exact premium depends on cargo type, annual turnover, and route risk. The CMR Convention caps carrier liability at 8.33 SDR per kilogram - roughly EUR 10.57/kg at the 2026 IMF SDR rate of 1 SDR = EUR 1.27.
What does the CMR liability limit actually cover?
Under Article 23 of the CMR Convention, a carrier is liable for goods up to 8.33 SDR per kilogram of gross weight. At June 2026 rates that is roughly EUR 10.57/kg, so a 24-tonne load carries a maximum CMR exposure of about EUR 253,680 - often below the cargo's commercial value.
A standard CMR carrier liability policy covers your legal exposure up to this statutory cap, but not the full replacement value of the goods unless you add an extended or ad valorem top-up. See our guide to CMR liability vs cargo insurance for a detailed comparison.
How much does a CMR insurance policy cost per truck?
The table below shows typical annual premium ranges by policy type. These are broker market estimates that vary by insurer, fleet size, cargo sector, and claims history.
| CMR carrier liability (standard) | EUR 800 - EUR 2,500 |
|---|---|
| CMR extended / all-risk top-up | EUR 300 - EUR 800 additional |
| Ad valorem (full cargo value) | Approx. 0.1% - 0.3% of declared cargo value per shipment |
| Multi-truck fleet discount | 10% - 25% off above rates |
Fleet operators running five or more trucks can negotiate volume discounts, while refrigerated or high-value cargo sits at the upper end of the range. The IRU recommends reviewing policy limits annually, since SDR/EUR rates shift the cap's real value.
When does CMR insurance not pay out - and what fills the gap?
CMR insurance does not cover damage from the inherent vice of the goods, inadequate packaging by the sender, or acts of war. It also pays out only up to the 8.33 SDR/kg cap. A 500 kg pallet of electronics worth EUR 40,000 is covered for at most EUR 5,285 (500 kg x EUR 10.57), leaving a EUR 34,715 shortfall unless you or the shipper holds a separate cargo policy.
Carriers on high-value lanes should negotiate an ad valorem endorsement on their CMR policy or confirm the shipper carries all-risk cargo cover. Managing these requirements across lanes is simpler with a TMS platform that attaches insurance documents to each transport order.
Frequently asked questions
Is CMR insurance mandatory in Europe?
CMR liability is not a separate insurance product mandated by EU law - it is the carrier's automatic legal exposure under the CMR Convention on international road freight. Most shippers and freight forwarders require proof of CMR insurance before awarding loads, making it effectively mandatory in practice.
How is the CMR liability limit calculated?
The limit is 8.33 SDR per kilogram of gross weight, per Article 23 of the CMR Convention. At the June 2026 IMF rate of 1 SDR = EUR 1.27, that equals roughly EUR 10.57/kg. The SDR/EUR rate moves daily, so the euro value of the fixed cap shifts over time.
What is the difference between CMR insurance and cargo insurance?
CMR insurance covers the carrier's legal liability under the CMR Convention - up to 8.33 SDR/kg. Cargo insurance covers the full commercial value of the goods and is typically purchased by the shipper or freight forwarder. If a consignment is worth more than the CMR cap allows, cargo insurance fills the gap; CMR insurance alone does not.
Does CMR insurance cover the full value of the goods?
A standard CMR carrier liability policy covers only up to the statutory 8.33 SDR/kg cap. For goods whose commercial value exceeds that cap - common for electronics or pharmaceutical cargo - the policy will not pay full replacement cost. An ad valorem endorsement or a separate all-risk cargo policy is required to close that gap.
Get a freight quote and discuss CMR insurance surcharges with a Logifie carrier specialist.
