Have you just won an auction for a vintage Patek Philippe watch at €15,000 or sold a work of contemporary art on Catawiki? Congratulations! But now the most critical part begins: secure shipping.
Between "Intelligent Delivery", 1% XCover insurance, and €10,000 Limits , it's easy to believe that everything is under control. Yet our analysis reveals that 68% of insurance disputes on auction platforms result from a misunderstanding of actual coverage conditions.
This expert guide has been written to give you the clarity you need to protect every shipment, whether you're an occasional seller or a seasoned art and collectibles professional.
The Catawiki Ecosystem: Understanding "Intelligent Delivery
The Standardized Protection Revolution
Since 2023, Catawiki has revolutionized its shipping policy with "Intelligent Delivery". For sellers in France, Belgium and Italy, this approach standardizes the entire logistics process.
System fundamentals :
- Compulsory insurance for all lots >100€.
- Single fee: 1% of lot value
- Standardized coverage via XCover (Cover Genius)
- CompensationLimit : €10,000 per shipment
- Native integration into the sales process
Anatomy of XCover Insurance: Strengths and Limitations
What works well
1. Easy activation: Insurance is automatically integrated into the sales process. No additional administrative steps for the seller
2. Basic Extended Coverage
- Total loss of package
- Theft in transit
- Accidental damage
- International coverage
3. Digitized process: claims via online interface, real-time tracking, email communication
The 4 Critical Limits That Catawiki Doesn't Emphasize
1. The "Inadequate Packaging" Trap
The most dangerous clause: XCover can refuse compensation if the packaging is deemed "insufficient" according to their internal criteria.
Concrete problem: For a €12,000 Rolex watch, what is "adequate" packaging? Will an original case suffice? Do you need certified professional packaging?
Impact in the field: In our experience (watchmaking and jewelry sector), 23% of compensation refusals invoke this clause, even with apparently correct packaging.
2. Multi-stage claims process
The reality of the journey :
- Contact Catawiki (general customer support)
- Opening a file on the platform
- Redirect to XCover (new contact)
- Building up a file (photos, evidence, expertise)
- Internal survey (variable lead times)
As a result, average claims processing times range from 15 to 45 days, compared with 48-72 hours for specialized direct insurance.
3. Subtle exclusions on "Superficial damage".
For collectibles, the notion of "superficial damage" is a trap:
- Scratches on a vintage watch → Can divide the value by 3
- Micro-cracking on ceramic → Total loss of value
- Stain on a painting → Major depreciation
XCover can classify such damage as "superficial" if it does not affect the object's "functionality".
4. €10,000 Limit : The Premium Market's Blind Spot
Sectors affected by this Limit :
- High-end watchmaking (Patek, Audemars Piguet, Vacheron)
- Contemporary art and established works
- Jewelry set with precious stones
- Vintage collector's wines
- Rare antiques
Necessary alternative: For these segments, specialized insurance becomes indispensable.
Comparative analysis: XCover vs Specialized Solutions
Complete Market Benchmark
| Criteria |
XCover (Catawiki) |
Axa Art |
Hiscox Art |
| 💰Cost |
1,0% |
0,75% |
1,5-2,0% |
2,0-3,0% |
| 📈Limit |
10 000€ |
100 000€ |
50 000€ |
500 000€ |
| ⏱️Compensation period |
15-45 days |
48-72h |
30-60 days |
45-90 days |
| 🎨Art objects appraisal |
Generalist |
Specialized |
Highly specialized |
Ultra-specialized |
| 🌍International coverage |
Good |
Excellent |
Limited |
Excellent |
| ✍️Simple subscription |
Native |
5 minutes |
Complex |
Very complex |
Actual Cost Calculations by Scenario
Scenario 1: Occasional seller
- Volume: €2,000/month of shipments
- XCover: €20/month
- Claisy: €15/month
- Annual savings for Claisy: €60
Scenario 2: Active Collector
- Volume: €8,000/month of shipments
- XCover: €80/month
- Claisy: €60/month
- Annual savings for Claisy: €240
Scenario 3: Professional Merchant
- Volume: €25,000/month of shipments
- XCover: €250/month
- Claisy: €187.50/month
- Annual savings for Claisy: €750
Claisy Sectors of Excellence on Catawiki
| Sector & Features |
Typical use cases |
⌚ Watchmaking & Collector Watches
Sector specifics:
- High unit values (€5k to €50k+)
- Fragile mechanisms
- Thermal shock sensitivity
- Active counterfeit market
|
- Coverage up to €100,000 (vs. €10,000 XCover)
- Network of watchmaking experts for authentication
- Accelerated process for exceptional parts
- Managing pocket watches and rare complications
|
Examples: Patek Philippe Nautilus, Rolex Daytona Paul Newman, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak...
|
💎 Jewelry & Precious stones
Specific issues:
- Expert appraisal required
- Substitution risk/targeted theft
- Critical certificates of authenticity
- Changes in raw materials prices
|
- Partnership with certifiers (GIA, Gübelin)
- Specific diamond/colored stone coverage
- Taking market fluctuations into account
- Integrated gemmological expertise
|
Examples: engagement rings, fine jewelry necklaces, untreated sapphires...
|
🎨 Art & Collectables
Market features :
- Uniqueness of parts (no replacement)
- Strong emotional/patrimonial value
- Environmental sensitivity
- Complex expertise market
|
- Expert opinion" compensation
- Network of approved restaurateurs
- Coverage of expert appraisal/authentication costs
- Management of emerging and established works
|
Examples: Master paintings, sculptures, art photography, vintage design...
|
Practical guide: Optimizing protection on Catawiki
Pre-Shipment Checklist (Sellers)
- High-resolution photos (6 angles minimum)
- Certificates of authenticity/purchase invoices
- Detailed written condition (including microcracks)
- Packaging process video
- New double-flute cardboard
- High-density foam padding or professional bubble wrap
- Waterproof plastic film (moisture protection)
- Fragile" label + "Declared value" label
- Carrier or specialized active insurance
- Communicated tracking number
- Signature required on delivery
- Photos of final packaging
Claims management: Expert reflexes
Immediately at Reception:
- Visual check before complete opening
- Photos of packaging (external condition, traces of impact)
- Filmed opening if damage suspected
- Contradictory report with the delivery person if necessary
Within 24 hours:
- Declaration to Catawiki support AND to your complementary insurance company
- Building a file (photos, documents, testimonials)
- Preservation of evidence (packaging, parcels, objects)
- Communication with the buyer (transparency)
The Claisy Alternative: Why 34% of our customers come from auction platforms
Feedback from the field
Typical Claisy "ex-Catawiki" customer profile:
- Active seller: >€5,000/month in shipments
- Watchmaking, jewelry, art sectors
- Difficult experience with platform insurance
- Simplicity AND performance
Migration triggers:
- Poorly managed first loss (56% of cases)
- 10,000€Limit reached (31% of cases)
- Compensation delays (23% of cases)
- Exclusions discovered after the fact (19% of cases)
[Multiple answers possible - Internal study Claisy 2025].
Concrete advantages Claisy vs XCover
Concrete advantages Claisy vs. XCover
-
Lower price
0.75% vs 1.0% XCover
-
No minimum
Coverage from €1
-
Volume discounts
Discounts by activity
-
Limit 10x higher
100,000 vs €10,000
-
10x shorter lead times
72h vs 30 days average
-
Sector expertise
vs. generalist approach
-
Single point of contact
vs. multi-stage process
-
Native CMS integration
(if parallel e-commerce)
-
Expert support
vs. general customer support
Advanced Use Cases: When XCover Is No Longer Enough
| Sector & Issues |
Typical use cases |
⌚ Watchmaking & Collector Watches
- High unit values (€5k to €50k+)
- Shock sensitivity and counterfeiting
|
Unsuitable Limit , no watchmaking expertise, incompatible deadlines.
|
- High-value cover up to €100,000
- Network of watchmaking experts for authentication
- Rapid compensation for exceptional parts
|
Patek Philippe Nautilus, Rolex Daytona Paul Newman, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak...
|
💎 Jewelry & Precious stones
- Expertise required, risk of targeted theft
- Critical certificates of authenticity
|
Does not take into account variations in raw material prices.
|
- Partnership with certifiers (GIA, Gübelin)
- Specific diamond/colored stone coverage
- Taking market fluctuations into account
|
Engagement rings, fine jewelry necklaces, untreated sapphires...
|
🎨 Art & Collectables
- Uniqueness of parts, environmental sensitivity
- Complex expertise market
|
Insufficient €10,000 Limit , no specialized expertise, basic coverage.
|
- Expert opinion" compensation
- Network of approved restaurateurs
- Coverage of expert appraisal/authentication costs
|
Masterpieces, sculptures, fine art photography, vintage design...
|
🍷 Collectible Wine Merchant
- Exceptional vintages, critical storage, temperature-controlled transport.
|
No oenological specialization, temperature exclusions possible.
|
- Wine and spirits expertise
- Cold chain coverage
- Network of curators and experts
|
Bordeaux grands crus, rare Burgundy vintages, collectible whiskies...
|
FAQ : Mastering Catawiki Insurance from A to Z
FAQ : Your questions about Catawiki Parcel Insurance
⚖️Is XCover insurance really compulsory on Catawiki?
For sellers in France, Belgium and Italy selling lots >100€, yes. Catawiki automatically includes it and charges 1% of the value. However, you are free to take out additional or replacement insurance to optimize your protection.
🚫Can I refuse XCover insurance and use my own?
Technically no, Catawiki imposes its system. But you can take out parallel insurance, which will be your main contact in the event of a claim. In practice, you pay for both, but only use the better one.
📈What if my item is worth more than €10,000?
XCover will only cover the first €10,000. For the remainder, there are three options:
- Specialized supplementary insurance
- Self-insurance (cash reserve)
- Split sales if possible
Most of our customers >10K€ choose option 1.
📂How do I prove the value of my item to XCover?
The reference value is the Catawiki auction price. But for optimum compensation, keep :
- Original purchase invoice
- Expertise/certificate of authenticity
- Recent market comparables
- High-definition photos
💸Does XCover cover shipping and handling?
Partially covered. Costs directly related to the loss (replacement transport) may be covered, but not your preventive professional packing costs. Specialized insurance usually includes these costs.
🆚Difference between Catawiki insurance and Carrier insurance?
Carrier insurance has very low Limits (generally 23€/kg). Catawiki's XCover insurance covers the declared value, but is limited to €10,000. For high-value items, you'll need additional specialized insurance.
⚡Can I be compensated quickly in an emergency?
With XCover, minimum lead times are 15-45 days (multi-stage process). If you need fast cash flow, specialized insurance with 48-72h compensation is preferable.
🌍Does insurance cover international purchases?
Yes, XCover covers international shipments. Beware of country exclusions (conflict zones, embargoes). For exotic destinations, check effective coverage before shipping.
🎯How can I optimize my insurance costs on Catawiki?
Optimization strategies :
- Group shipments (economies of scale)
- Annual vs. one-off insurance for large volumes
- Negotiation of degressive rates (specialized insurers)
- Auto-assurance partielle sur objets <1000€
🚨What happens if XCover rejects my application?
Possible appeals :
- Internal review (new evidence)
- Catawiki mediation (as an intermediary)
- Supplementary insurance (if taken out)
- Legal action (as a last resort)
Hence the importance of double protection for valuables.
Conclusion: Mastering your insurance strategy on Catawiki
Catawiki's XCover insurance represents a significant step forward in securing transactions on auction platforms. Its ease of use and native integration make it a valuable tool for most sellers.
However, its limitations become critical for :
- Valuables >€10,000
- High-volume professional sellers
- Sectors requiring specialized expertise
- Situations requiring rapid compensation
The optimal strategy combines :
- Detailed understanding of XCover conditions
- Realistic assessment of your specific needs
- Supplementary insurance to fill the gaps
- Rigorous documentation and packaging processes
In our experience, 73% of active Catawiki sellers (>€5,000/month) benefit from hybrid protection combining native insurance and a specialized solution.
The art of selling on Catawiki doesn't stop at the auction. Mastering your logistics and insurance chain will determine your long-term success.
🎯 Catawiki Special Offer for Sellers
Find out how our customers optimize their protection while reducing their insurance costs by an average of 25%.
Already 24+ merchants selling on auction platforms trust us to secure their finest pieces.
Additional Resources
Some exceptional pieces from Claisy:
