Shipping with DHL means choosing the reliability of a world leader in logistics. But even the best carriers can't guarantee a zero loss rate. According to industry statistics, around 1% of parcels suffer an incident (loss, theft, damage) every year.
For professionals, this reality raises a strategic question: how do you effectively protect your shipments? Is DHL insurance the optimal solution, or are there alternatives better suited to the challenges of modern e-commerce?
This objective analysis examines the 2025 rates, how DHL insurance works, and its advantages and disadvantages, before presenting a complete overview of the alternatives available on the market.
💡 Find out more in our comprehensive 2025 package insurance comparison and Ad Valorem insurance atlas for an overview of the market.
How does DHL Insurance work?
The Basic Principle
DHL insurance, officially called "Transportation Insurance", operates on the Ad Valorem principle (according to value). It supplements the Carrier's standard limited liability, set in accordance with international conventions.
Subscription process :
- Declaration: You indicate the value of the goods when creating the label.
- Payment: Insurance premium automatically added to shipping costs
- Coverage: In the event of a covered loss, DHL indemnifies up to the declared value.
Standard Liability vs DHL Ad Valorem Insurance
Important to understand: Without additional insurance, DHL's liability is limited:
- DHL Express: 22 SDR/kg (approx. €29/kg) according to the Warsaw Convention
- DHL Parcel: Varies according to local terms and conditions
Source : DHL Terms and Conditions
Ad Valorem pricing DHL 2025: Detailed analysis
DHL Insurance Tariff Structure
According to the DHL 2025 tariff conditions, insurance is calculated as follows:
📊 Analysis: the €12 minimum makes DHL insurance proportionately expensive for shipments under €1,200, i.e. a large proportion of French e-commerce where the average basket is €68.
Alternatives in the Parcel Insurance Market 2025
Overview of available solutions
The French market today offers several alternatives to Carrier insurance:
1. Specialized transport insurers
- Groupama Transport: Dedicated solution for professionals
- Allianz Cargo: International coverage
- AXA Logistics: Modular approach
Advantages: Industry expertise, extensive coverage
Drawbacks: Administrative complexity, similar delays
2. Integrated E-commerce solutions
- Claisy: Fast commercial warranty (+ details below)
- Route: International protection
- Shipsurance: Focus on the US market
Advantages: Speed, simplicity, CMS integration
Drawbacks: Newer market players
3. Auto Insurance
- Internal claims reserves
- Suitable for large volumes with controlled claims experience
💡 Good to know: Our detailed comparison of alternatives analyzes the 3 main solutions on the market.
Comparative Study: DHL Insurance vs. Alternatives
Comparison table
Recommended Use Cases
DHL insurance is relevant for :
- ✅ Companies shipping exclusively via DHL
- ✅ High-value shipments (>€2000)
- ✅ Structured administrative processes
- ✅ Cash flow enabling temporary immobilization
Alternatives are preferable for :
- ✅ Multi-carrier e-tailers
- ✅ Medium/low value shipments
- ✅ Need for rapid compensation
- ✅ Products often excluded (high-tech, luxury)
Focus: L'Alternative Claisy
Disruptive approach
Claisy offers a commercial guarantee rather than traditional insurance, with a promise:"Compensation within 48 hours, without supporting documents".
How it works :
- Integration: direct API with your CMS(Shopify, WooCommerce, PrestaShop)
- Activation: Automatic protection according to your criteria
- Claims: 3-click reporting from the dashboard
- Compensation: Transfer within 72 hours of validation
Specific advantages :
- High-value product coverage
- Compatible with all carriers
- No deductible or minimum
- Built-in anti-fraud algorithms
Conclusion: Make an informed choice about shipping insurance
DHL insurance is neither the best nor the worst solution on the market. It's a solid, predictable option, particularly suited to companies that :
- Ship exclusively or mainly via DHL
- Have structured administrative processes
- Can manage compensation lead times of 2-3 months
However, market developments have created more agile alternatives, especially for e-tailers looking for speed and simplicity.
Our Recommendation
Test and compare. Most modern solutions offer trial periods. The aim is not to choose the "perfect insurance", but the one that best suits your operational and financial constraints.
In 2025, the question is no longer "Should I insure my parcels?" but "What protection should I choose to optimize my profitability and peace of mind?"
DHL Parcel Insurance Appendices
Regulations and Legal Aspects
French legal framework
Code du Commerce (Article L133-1): "The Carrier is automatically liable for total or partial loss of, or damage to, the goods he has taken in charge".
However, this liability may be contractually limited within the legal limits.
Montreal Convention
For international air transport, the Montreal Convention limits liability to 22 SDR per kilogram (around €29/kg in 2025).
This limitation explains why supplementary insurance is becoming indispensable for valuable shipments.
Sources and Resources
Official documentation :
- General Terms and Conditions DHL 2025
- Montreal Convention - ICAO
- French Commercial Code - Article L133
Sector study :
Related articles:
Article written by the Claisy editorial team and updated in September 2025 - Expertise in transport insurance and e-commerce logistics