Are you about to send a piece of family jewelry, a work of art, an expensive electronic product or any other precious object? The anxiety is palpable. What if the package gets lost? What if it's stolen? What if it arrives damaged?
Forget this anxiety.
Insuring a high-value parcel is not an option, it's a necessity. But navigating between basic insurance, "Ad Valorem" options and specialist insurers can seem complex.
This guide is your shield. We'll show you, step by step, how to financially protect your shipment and ship your most precious goods with absolute peace of mind.
The Basic Insurance Trap: Why it's NOT enough
All carriers (La Poste, Chronopost, etc.) include insurance by default. Beware, this is a decoy for valuable objects. This compensation is flat-rate and based on the weight of the parcel, not its actual value.
Example: Colissimo's basic compensation is €23 per kilogram.
- Sending a 300g luxury watch worth €4,000? In the event of loss, you would only receive €6.90 (0.3kg x €23).
- Sending a 200g state-of-the-art smartphone worth €1,200? Compensation would be €4.60 (0.2kg x €23).
Conclusion: Relying on basic insurance means taking the risk of losing almost all the value of your property.
The Real Solutions: Which insurance should you choose for your valuable parcel?
To be compensated for the true value of your object, you need to take out additional insurance. Here are the two main options available to you.
Option 1: Ad Valorem insurance for carriers
"Ad Valorem" means "according to value". This is an option offered directly by the carriers, enabling you to declare the actual value of your shipment and be compensated on that basis in the event of a claim.
- La Poste / Colissimo: Offers Recommendation levels (R1, R2) up to €458 for small items, and Ad Valorem insurance with Colissimo up to €1,000.
- Chronopost: Ad Valorem insurance can cover your goods up to €5,000.
- International Declared Value (La Poste): For shipments outside France, this option secures your parcels up to €5,000.
Who's it for? Ideal for items of moderate value (up to €5,000) whose shipment is handled by a traditional carrier. It's an integrated and practical solution - but always check the exclusions, and don't hesitate to take a look at our summary of 2025 parcel insurance offers.
Option 2: Specialized Insurance (Claisy, etc.)
For objects of very high value (works of art, exceptional jewelry, luxury equipment), carrier limits are insufficient. You need to turn to specialized third-party insurers. These companies offer a much higher level of protection and dedicated expertise.
- Very high ceilings: Coverage can reach €50,000, €100,000 or even more, depending on your needs.
- Simplified management: In the event of a claim, you deal directly with an insurance adjuster, rather than with the carrier's customer service department, which is often quicker and more efficient.
- Clear conditions: They specialize in this type of risk, and their conditions are specifically tailored to valuable assets.
Who's it for? Essential for objects over €5,000, professionals (art galleries, jewelers) and anyone requiring the highest possible level of security.
Comparative table: Which insurance should I choose?
Synthesis
To insure a high-value parcel, we strongly recommend taking out additional insurance (Ad Valorem or via a specialist insurer) to cover the actual value of the item. By proving its value, carefully packing it and choosing the right cover, you can turn a nerve-racking shipment into a simple formality. Never ship a valuable object again without this financial shield. If you have any doubts or questions: contact us !
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