In the world of shipping and logistics, smooth operations and secure deliveries are essential for success.
If you’re a UK courier and want to start taking loads to and from the EU and beyond, CMR insurance is key to safeguarding loads during transit, offering peace of mind and financial protection for both you and your customers.
In this guide, we’ll explain what CMR insurance is, its significance for UK couriers, how it’s different to Goods in Transit insurance, and how it’s usually priced.
What we’ll cover
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So what is CMR insurance?
CMR, or International Carriage of Goods by Road insurance, is a type of coverage specifically designed to protect goods being transported across international borders by road.
It’s named after the CMR Convention, an international agreement that outlines the rights and responsibilities of parties involved in road transportation.
This insurance is essential to ensure that goods are covered against damage, loss, or cargo theft during their journey, providing financial support when unfortunate incidents occur.
Why UK drivers need it
Since Brexit, UK-based couriers working across the Channel face stricter rules on cross-border freight. This includes having the right documentation and insurance cover before you set off.
CMR insurance supports your international work by:
- Ensuring you’re compliant with the CMR Convention, recognised across most of Europe.
- Giving peace of mind to shippers, freight forwarders and customs agents, who often check your paperwork before releasing goods, especially for specialist courier services.
- Protecting your business if goods are damaged, lost or stolen while abroad.
- Opening doors to more cross-border work through platforms like Courier Exchange, where many international load posters require this cover.
If you’re delivering to the EU—even as a subcontractor—it’s likely CMR insurance will be expected.
CMR insurance vs. Goods in Transit insurance
While both CMR insurance and Goods in Transit insurance focus on protecting goods during transportation, they have distinct differences.
CMR insurance specifically covers international courier deliveries under the CMR Convention.
On the other hand, Goods in Transit insurance provides coverage for goods transported within a country’s borders, covering various modes of transportation such as road, rail, and air.
Therefore, CMR insurance is a subset of Goods in Transit insurance, tailored for international journeys by road.
Here’s a quick comparison to help UK couriers understand when each policy applies.
| Feature | Goods in Transit insurance | CMR insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Covers UK domestic deliveries | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Covers EU/international journeys | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Follows UK legal requirements | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not recognised under UK law |
| Follows the CMR Convention | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Applies to air/rail/sea freight | ✅ Sometimes | ❌ Road-only (international) |
| Required for cross-border work | ❌ Not always | ✅ Often required by EU-based shippers |
| Works as standalone cover | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes, but usually used with GIT |
If you’re transporting goods outside the UK by road, you’ll usually need both policies to stay covered from start to finish.
How premiums are calculated
Several factors contribute to the calculation of CMR premiums:
- Types of Goods: The nature of the goods being transported influences the risk associated with the journey. Fragile or high-value items might incur higher premiums due to their susceptibility to damage or theft.
- Distance and Destination: The length of the journey and the destination country affect the insurance cost. Longer distances and countries with different risk profiles can impact the premium.
- Security Measures: The level of security measures in place, such as tracking systems, alarms, and secure packaging, can impact the insurance cost. Enhanced security measures often lead to reduced premiums.
- Transportation Equipment: The condition and quality of the vehicles used for transportation play a role in determining the insurance premium. Well-maintained vehicles with proper safety features might lead to lower premiums.
- Claims History: The claims history of the courier or haulier can influence the premium. A history of frequent claims might lead to higher premiums, while a clean record could result in lower costs.
Checklist: finding the right CMR policy
Before signing up, make sure your policy includes:
- Cover for all EU and EEA countries you operate in
- Protection for loss, theft, or damage during transit
- Flexible options for occasional or regular EU jobs
- Add-ons if you carry high-value, temperature-controlled or time-sensitive goods
- A claims process that’s easy to access from overseas
- Backed by a provider familiar with CMR Convention rules
Where to get CMR insurance
Not all providers understand courier-specific risks—especially when it comes to international road transport. That’s why it’s worth speaking to a broker who specialises in courier insurance.
Our trusted partners at Business Choice Direct offer CMR and Goods in Transit insurance policies built for self-employed couriers and small fleets.
They’ll work with you to understand:
- What types of goods you carry
- Which countries you operate in
- How often you take on international jobs
- Whether you subcontract for other companies or take direct bookings
Once they know your setup, they’ll recommend a policy that ticks the boxes without overcharging you for cover you don’t need.
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CMR insurance FAQs
What is CMR insurance and who needs it?
CMR insurance is a type of cover that protects goods transported by road across international borders, in line with the CMR Convention. If you’re a UK courier taking loads into the EU or beyond, you’ll usually need this cover to stay compliant and protect yourself in case of loss, damage or theft during transit.
Is CMR insurance the same as Goods in Transit insurance?
No—they cover different parts of the journey. Goods in Transit insurance applies to UK-based deliveries, while CMR insurance is required for international road work under the CMR Convention. Most cross-border couriers will need both to stay fully protected.
What happens if I don’t have CMR insurance for an EU delivery?
Without CMR insurance, you may not meet the legal or contractual requirements for international courier work. Shippers can refuse to load you, and if something goes wrong in transit, you could be held liable without any cover in place.
Can I get one policy that covers both UK and international courier work?
You’ll typically need two separate policies: one for Goods in Transit insurance, and one for CMR insurance. However, some brokers—like Business Choice Direct—offer both as part of a courier insurance package tailored to your routes and job types.
How much does CMR insurance cost?
The cost depends on what you carry, where you’re going, how often you work abroad, and your previous claims history. Carriers moving high-value or fragile goods over long distances may pay more. A specialist courier insurance broker can help you get a policy that suits your needs.
