Puis-je assurer un objet de luxe (montre, bijou) avec DHL ?

It's very risky. Luxury goods are among the categories with the most restrictions at DHL, often with a Limit low Limit (less than €500). For complete protection, specialized insurance such as Claisy, which systematically covers luxury goods, is essential.

Quel est le plafond de couverture maximal de l'assurance DHL ?

The Limit is generally €50,000, but this may vary. This Limit apply to restricted goods such as jewelry or art, which have much lower coverage limits.

Puis-je utiliser Claisy avec mon compte DHL existant ?

Yes, it's very simple. Just don't check the insurance option in your DHL interface and declare your shipment on Claisy. You keep your DHL contract and rates while benefiting from superior protection.

Peut-on souscrire une assurance DHL après l'envoi du colis ?

No, that's not possible. Insurance must be purchased at the time the shipment is created. With Claisy, you can usually do this until the end of the day of shipment.

Comment puis-je réellement accélérer une indemnisation ?

The best strategy is not to rely on Carrier internal process. Opting for an external warranty such as Claisy, whose model is based on speed (analysis within 48 hours), is the only real solution to speed up reimbursement.

Quand est-il stratégique d'utiliser une garantie externe comme Claisy ?

As soon as you ship valuable goods (worth more than €1,000), products that are excluded by carriers, or if customer satisfaction and preserving your cash flow are priorities, a solution such as Claisy becomes a competitive advantage.

DHL Insurance 2026 | 27% savings up to €100K

Q: Y a-t-il une franchise ou des frais cachés sur l'assurance DHL ?

No, DHL insurance does not generally have a deductible. However, the minimum cost of €12 per shipment acts as a hidden deductible on low-value packages, as the actual rate becomes very high.

Q: Puis-je combiner DHL transport + Claisy assurance ?

Yes, that's exactly what 73% of our customers who used DHL are doing. You maintain your business relationship with DHL for shipping, but optimize your protection with Claisy.

Shipping with DHL means choosing the reliability of a global leader in logistics. But even the best carriers cannot guarantee a zero loss rate. According to industry statistics, approximately 1% of packages are affected by an incident (loss, theft, damage) each year.

For professionals, this reality raises a strategic question: how can shipments be effectively protected? Is DHL insurance the best solution, or are there alternatives that are better suited to the challenges of modern e-commerce?

This objective analysis examines DHL's 2025 public insurance rates (pending the 2026 update), how DHL insurance works, and its advantages and disadvantages, before presenting a comprehensive overview of the alternatives available on the market.

💡 To go further: Check out our comprehensive comparison of parcel insurance policies and the Ad Valorem insurance atlas for an overview of the market.

DHL vs. Claisy: Complete Analysis 2026

Detailed comparison for international trade professionals

Criteria	DHL Express	Claisy
🛡️ Coverage & Exclusions
Coverage Limit	50 000€ €25,000 for certain services	€100,000 +100%
Luxury Jewelry & Watches	❌ Not covered Total exclusion	✅ Fully covered
Metals & Precious Stones	❌ Not covered Total exclusion	✅ Fully covered
Works of art & Antiques	❌ Not covered Total exclusion	✅ Fully covered
High-Tech (smartphones, PCs, etc.)	⚠️ Strict conditions Reinforced packaging required	✅ Unconditionally covered
Reconditioned / Second-hand products	⚠️ Strict conditions Enhanced value evidence	✅ Fully covered
💰 DHL Parcel Insurance Cost & Concrete Examples
DHL Insurance Rates & Examples	1% of the value Minimum $12	0.75% proportional No minimum or deductible
DHL parcel insurance price at €300	12€ (4.00% - minimum applied)	2,25€ (0.75%) Savings: $9.75 (81%)
DHL parcel insurance price at €1,000	12€ (1.20% - minimum applied)	7,50€ (0.75%) Savings: €4.50 (38%)
DHL parcel insurance price at €5,000	50€ (1.00%)	37,50€ (0.75%) Savings: $12.50 (25%)
⚡️ Performance & Processes
Compensation period	30–87 days ❌ 30 days advertised, 77-87 days in practice	48-72h ✅
Declaration process	Complete file required ❌ Invoices + Photos + Proof of shipment	Dashboard in less than 5 min ✅
Burden of proof	Entirely at your expense ❌ Strict deadline: 30 days	Simplified ✅
Cash impact	Blocked for 2-3 months ❌	Solved in 3 days ✅

How Does DHL Insurance Work?

The Basic Principle

DHL parcel insurance, officially known as "Transportation Insurance, " operates on an ad valorem (value-based) basis. It supplements the Carrier standard limited liability, which is set in accordance with international conventions.

Subscription process:

Declaration: You indicate the value of the goods when creating the label.
Payment: The insurance premium is automatically added to the shipping costs.
Coverage: In the event of a covered loss, DHL will compensate up to the declared value.

Standard Liability vs. Ad Valorem Insurance DHL

Important to understand: Without additional insurance, DHL's liability is limited:

DHL Express: 22 SDR/kg (approximately $29/kg) according to the Warsaw Convention
DHL Parcel: Varies according to local terms and conditions

Source: DHL Terms and Conditions

DHL Ad Valorem Rate: Detailed Analysis

DHL Parcel Insurance Rate Structure

According to the DHL Insurance 2025 pricing conditions, insurance is calculated as follows:

Analysis of DHL Insurance Rates

Package Value	DHL Insurance Premium	Effective rate
100€	12€	12%
500€	12€	2,4%
1 000€	12€	1,2%
2 000€	20€	1%
5 000€	50€	1%
Key Rules	Rate: 1% of value (with a minimum of $12) Limit : $50,000 (variable) Notable Exclusions: Jewelry & watches (often limited to $500)

Analysis: The minimum charge of €12 makes DHL insurance relatively expensive for shipments under €1,200, which accounts for a large portion of French e-commerce, where the average basket value is €68.

Alternatives to DHL Insurance on the Market

Overview of Available Solutions

The French market now offers several alternatives to Carrier insurance Carrier

1. Specialized Transport Insurers

Groupama Transport: Solution dedicated to professionals
Allianz Cargo: International coverage
AXA Logistics: Modular approach

Advantages: Business expertise, extensive coverage

Disadvantages: Administrative complexity, similar delays

2. Integrated E-commerce Solutions

Claisy: All Products / All Carriers / International (more details below)
Route: International Protection / Add to cart
Shipsurance: Focus on the US market

Advantages: Speed, simplicity, CMS integration

Disadvantages: Newer market players

3. Self-Insurance

Internal provision to cover claims
Suitable for large volumes with controlled loss ratios

💡 Good to know: Our detailed comparison of alternatives analyzes the three main solutions on the market.

Comparative Study: DHL Insurance vs. Alternatives

Comparison Table of Offers

Criteria	DHL	Traditional Insurers	Modern Solutions
Compensation period	45-90 days	30-60 days	24-72h
Average rate	1% (min €12)	0.8-1.2%	0.5-1%
Exclusions	Numerous	Variables	Limited
Simplicity	★★★★☆	★★☆☆☆	★★★★★
Geographic coverage	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆

Recommended Use Cases

DHL insurance is relevant for:

✅ You ship 100% via DHL (loyalty rewarded)
✅ Your average basket >$1,500 (minimum $12 less penalizing)
✅ You have negotiated preferential DHL rates including insurance.
✅ Your volumes are huge (>1,000 packages/month) and allow for renegotiation.
✅ You do not ship exclusive products (jewelry, art, luxury items)

Alternatives are preferable for:

✅ retailers
✅ More advantageous shipping for medium/low-value items, up to €100K
✅ Need for prompt compensation
✅ Products often excluded (high-tech, luxury)

Focus: The Claisy Alternative

Disruptive Approach

Operation:

Integration: Direct API with your CMS (Claisy Webhook for Shopify, Claisy Webhook for WooCommerce, Claisy Module for Prestashop)
Activation: Automatic protection according to your criteria
Claim: Report in 3 clicks from the dashboard
Compensation: Transfer within 72 hours after validation

Specific benefits:

Insurance for shipments of high-value products up to €100,000
Compatible with all carriers
No deductible or minimum
Built-in anti-fraud algorithms

❓ Your Questions About DHL Parcel Insurance

💎 Can I insure a luxury item (watch, jewelry)?

C'est très risqué. Le luxe fait partie des catégories avec le plus de restrictions, souvent avec un plafond très bas (<500€). Pour une protection sans faille, une assurance spécialisée comme Claisy est indispensable.

📈 What is DHL's maximum Limit ?

The Limit is generally €50,000, but it may vary. Please note that this Limit apply to restricted goods (luxury goods, art), which have much lower limits.

💸 Are there any hidden fees or charges?

No, DHL insurance does not generally have a deductible. However, the minimum cost of €12 per shipment acts as a hidden deductible on low-value packages.

🤝 Can I use Claisy with my existing DHL account?

Yes, it's very simple. Just don't check the insurance option in your DHL interface and declare your shipment on Claisy. That way, you keep your DHL rates while benefiting from better protection.

❌ Can I take out insurance after sending the package?

No, this is not possible with DHL. Insurance must be taken out when the shipment is created. With Claisy, you can do this until the end of the shipping day.

⚡ How can I actually speed up compensation?

The best strategy is not to depend on the Carrier process. Opting for an external guarantee such as Claisy, which is fast by design (48-hour analysis), is the only real solution for speeding up the process.

🎯 When is it strategic to use an external guarantee?

As soon as you ship valuable goods (>€1,000), products excluded by DHL, or if customer satisfaction and your cash flow are top priorities, a solution like Claisy becomes a competitive advantage.

🤝 Can I combine DHL shipping with Claisy insurance?

Yes, that's exactly what 73% of our customers who used DHL are doing. You maintain your business relationship with DHL for shipping, but optimize your protection with Claisy.

🕵️ Can DHL refuse to compensate me if I have external insurance?

No, DHL's standard liability still applies (22 SDR/kg). External insurance is supplementary. However, you cannot claim twice for the same loss (principle of indemnity).

Choosing Your Shipping Insurance with Full Knowledge of the Facts

DHL insurance is neither the best nor the worst solution on the market. It is a solid and predictable option, particularly suited to companies that:

Ship exclusively or primarily via DHL
Have structured administrative processes
Can handle compensation delays of 2-3 months

However, market developments have created more agile alternatives, particularly for retailers speed and simplicity.

Our recommendation: the best alternative to DHL insurance

Test and compare. Most modern solutions offer trial periods. The goal is not to choose the "perfect parcel insurance" but the one that best suits your operational and financial constraints.

In 2025, the question is no longer "Should I insure my packages?" but "What protection should I choose to optimize my profitability and peace of mind?"

Alternative to DHL insurance: Ship securely with Claisy

Stop wasting time and money on complex offers. Discover how Claisy integrates with your logistics to make it simpler and more profitable.

👋

Collaborative tool

Declare your parcels manually or import a simple CSV file.

🔌

Free connectors

Integrate Claisy into your CMS in 1 click for 100% automated insurance.

⚙️

API & EDI

For customized needs and deep integration with your WMS or ERP.

Contact an expert

Appendices DHL Parcel Insurance

DHL Express vs. DHL Parcel: Differences in Coverage

Criteria	DHL Express	DHL Parcel
⚖️ Standard liability	22 SDR/kg (~$32/kg)	Variable (CMR convention)
🛡️ Ad valorem insurance	Yes, 1% (minimum €12)	Different conditions
📈Limit	50 000€	€25,000 (often)
⏳ Claim deadline	30-60 days	30-90 days

Step-by-Step Process of Transportation Claims Management

Phase 1: Declaration (Day 0)

Login to DHL
Filling out the form
Sending documents
Obtaining a file number

Phase 2: Investigation (D+1 to D+54)

Verification of declared value
Packaging analysis (compliance with DHL standards)
Survey of the sorting center concerned
Possible request for additional documents

Phase 3: Decision (D+54 to D+77)

Email notification
If accepted: Proposed amount
If denied: Detailed reason
Right to appeal (deadline: 15 days)

Phase 4: Compensation (D+77 to D+87)

Bank transfer or DHL account credit
Closing the case

⏰ Average time observed: 77-87 days

Regulations and Legal Aspects

French Legal Framework

Commercial Code (Article L133-1): "The Carrier fully liable for total or partial loss, as well as damage to the goods it has taken charge of."

However, this liability may be limited contractually within the legal limits.

Montreal Convention

For international air transport, the Montreal Convention limits liability to 22 SDR per kilogram (approximately €29/kg in 2025).

This limitation explains why supplementary insurance is essential for valuable shipments.

Example: €1,000 smartphone weighing 200g

Without DHL insurance: Maximum compensation = 200g × $29/kg = $5.80 (0.58% of value)
With DHL insurance: Compensation = €1,000 (insurance cost: €12)
With Claisy: Compensation = €1,000 (insurance cost: €7.50, profit €4.50)

Sources and Resources

Official documentation:

Related articles:

Article written by the Claisy editorial team and updated in December 2025 - Expertise in e-commerce transport and logistics insurance

DHL Insurance 2026: Comprehensive Analysis of Rates, Limits Alternatives (27% Savings)