Since FedEx acquired TNT Express in 2016 (already 10 years ago), the parcel insurance landscape for these two networks has gradually converged. However, differences remain, particularly in Europe, where TNT retains a strong historical presence. For French businesses, understanding these nuances is essential to effectively protect their shipments.
Key context: In 2024, 1.5 billion packages were delivered in France (Ministry of the Economy). According to Metapack, 1 in every 143 packages received no tracking updates for more than five business days during the last four months of 2024—the operational definition of a "potentially lost" shipment. Across Europe, these losses cost retailers €540 million in that quarter alone (Metapack, November 2025).
These figures would be cause for concern even if FedEx issued prompt and full refunds. That is not what its terms and conditions provide for.
Without additional insurance, the Montreal Convention caps FedEx’s liability at approximately22 SDR per kilogram, or €26.97 per kg as of February 2026. For a 200-gram smartphone worth €1,000, the maximum compensation without insurance is €5.80 —or 0.58% of the actual value.
With FedEx shipping more than 15 million packages worldwide every day, this article provides a comprehensive and objective analysis of FedEx and TNT insurance solutions: Limits mechanisms, FedEx insurance rates, TNT insurance rates, Limits , claims procedures, and an overview of alternatives available on the market.
💡 Additional resources: Check out our comprehensive comparison of carrier parcel insurance plans for 2026 and our hub listing Ad Valorem insurance solutions for a complete overview.
Part 1: A Closer Look at FedEx Package Insurance
The Fundamental Mechanism: Understanding "Stated Value"
Important note: FedEx does not offer "insurance" in the traditional sense, but rather an extended liability coverage called "Declared Value" (Declared Value for Transport).
Two Levels of Protection
1. Standard Liability (Included)
Unless otherwise specified, every FedEx package is covered by limited basic coverage :
- FedEx Express International: $100 or 22 SDR/kg (~€28/kg)
- FedEx Ground (US): $100
- FedEx Europe: Varies by service (usually €100)
*SDR = Special Drawing Rights, the IMF's monetary unit
Real-world example: For a 2-kg laptop worth €1,500, with no additional declaration of value, the maximum compensation would be $100 (~€92), or 6% of the actual value.
Source: FedEx Service Guide
2. Higher Declared Value (Paid Option)
This option allows you to increase the FedEx liability limit up to the amount you declare, subject to the Limits .
FedEx Insurance Rates for 2026: Structure and Calculation
Standard Price List & Examples of Actual Calculations
According to FedEx Insurance’s rate terms, the cost of the declared value is calculated as follows:
📊 Analysis: The effective rate ranges from 1.2% to 1.5% of the value, slightly higher than the market average (0.8–1.2%).
Limits : The Achilles' Heel of FedEx's Ad Valorem Insurance
This is where the main limitation for professionals lies.
Limits
Services & Limits
- FedEx International Priority: $50,000
- FedEx International Economy: $50,000
- FedEx Envelopes/Paks: $500 ⚠️
- FedEx Ground (U.S.): $50,000
Limits Specific Goods
⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTICE: Certain categories are subject to a Limit of $1,000 (~€920), regardless of their actual value:
Categories involved:
- Jewelry, precious stones, precious metals
- Watches (all categories)
- Works of art, antiques, collectibles
- Fur
- Plasma screens and high-definition TVs
- Certain high-end electronic devices
Case study: You are shipping a luxury watch worth €8,000. Even if you declare this value and pay the corresponding insurance premium (~$120), your maximum compensation will be $1,000 (~€920), or 11.5% of the actual value.
Source: FedEx Service & Insurance Terms and Conditions
Exclusions and Prohibited Items for FedEx Parcel Insurance
Beyond Limits, certain items are completely excluded from compensation or prohibited from shipment:
Completely excluded:
- Cash, checks, credit cards
- Securities, stocks, bonds
- Irreplaceable manuscripts
- Raw hides and furs
- Live plants and seeds
Prohibited from shipping:
- Hazardous materials (unless otherwise agreed)
- Firearms and ammunition (except under strict conditions)
- Live animals
- Narcotics and illegal substances
FedEx Insurance Claims Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Critical Timeline
Deadlines that must be met:
- Damaged Package: 7 days after delivery (domestic) / 21 days (international)
- Lost Package: After 7 days (domestic) / 21 days (international)
- Maximum time limit for filing a claim: 9 months after the shipping date
⏰ Important note: After these deadlines have passed, FedEx may reject the claim without reviewing the case
Required Documents
Required checklist:
- ✅ FedEx Claim Form (available online)
- ✅ Copy of the air waybill
- ✅ Original proof of purchase (purchase receipt, delivery slip)
- ✅ Invoice to the end customer
- ✅ Detailed photos:
- Damaged product (all corners)
- Inner and outer packaging
- Labels and the entire package
- ✅ Incident report (if applicable)
Investigation Process
Typical steps:
- Submission: Online submission via the FedEx portal
- Confirmation of receipt: Within 24–48 hours with a case number
- Investigation :
- Verification of the declaration of value
- Packaging Analysis (Are the standards being met?)
- Inquiry with the relevant hub
- Decision: Approval, denial, or request for additional information
- Compensation: a few days after approval
Strengths and Weaknesses of FedEx Insurance
✅ Recognized Benefits
1. Leading Global Network
- Coverage in over 220 countries
- Robust infrastructure and real-time traceability
- Proven logistics expertise
2. Easy Integration
- Direct declaration when creating a label
- No separate insurance policy
- Unified transport and protection interface
3. Limits for Standard Goods
- $50,000 covers the majority of business shipments
- Suitable for B2B and spare parts
4. Digital Process
- 100% Online Claim
- Track the case via a dedicated portal
⚠️ Critical Limitations
1. Limits
- $1,000 for luxury and high-tech: Not suitable for these sectors
- There is no way around this limit
2. Higher-than-market cost
- A rate of 1.5% compared to 0.8–1.2% among competitors
- No volume-based discount
3. Compensation Timelines
- 45–60 days on average vs. 24–72 hours for modern solutions
- Significant impact on cash flow
4. Procedural Strictness
- Packaging: Strict FedEx standards (double-walled cardboard, padding, etc.)
- Proof: Original invoices required
- High risk of rejection (28% in our study)
Part 2: An Analysis of TNT Insurance
Background: TNT in the FedEx Ecosystem
Since its acquisition in 2016, TNT Express has been operating under the FedEx brand but retains:
- Its brand and network in Europe
- Its specific terms and conditions
- A separate Ad Valorem insurance policy
In 2026, the operational merger continues, but the two systems still coexist, particularly in France, where TNT remains the go-to choice for intra-European shipments.
TNT Package Insurance Policy
TNT offers standard ad valorem insurance that covers the intrinsic value of the goods beyond the basic liability limit.
Standard TNT Liability
Without additional insurance, TNT applies the following liability limits depending on the country:
- Within France: €23/kg
- Intra-Europe: 22 SDR/kg (~€28)
- International: Under the Warsaw Convention
Example: A 3-kg package containing €900 worth of goods would be compensated for only €69–€84 without insurance.
TNT Insurance Rates 2026
FedEx Parcel Insurance Pricing Structure & Comparative Examples: TNT vs. FedEx
According to TNT Express France's insurance terms and conditions:
📊 Analysis: TNT is more cost-effective for shipments starting at around €500, but the €5 minimum fee makes it less economical for smaller shipments.
TNT Insurance Limits Exclusions
Limits
Limits service:
- TNT Express: $50,000
- TNT Economy Express: $25,000
- TNT 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 p.m.: $50,000
One positive point: TNT does NOT impose a €1 Limit 000 Limit on luxury goods and watches (unlike FedEx).
Specific Exclusions
Completely excluded:
- Precious metals in bars
- Cash and foreign currency
- Unset gemstones
- Works of art valued at over €10,000 (unless otherwise agreed)
- Valuable antiques
Restrictions:
- Jewelry and watches: Coverage available, but secure packaging is required
- Electronics: Original packaging strongly recommended
TNT Claims Procedure
Strict Deadlines
Deadlines that must be met:
- Report visible damage: within 7 days of delivery
- Report of hidden damage: 14 days after delivery
- Report a loss: 28 days after the shipping date
- Maximum duration: 9 months
Required Documents
Full report:
- TNT Claim Form
- Original shipping slip
- Commercial invoice (purchase + sale)
- HD photos of the damage
- Certificate of value (if >€5,000)
- Appraisal report (if >€10,000)
Strengths and Weaknesses of TNT Parcel Insurance
✅ Advantages
1. Premium Coverage Retained
- No Limit ,000 Limit like FedEx
- Suitable for the watch and jewelry industry
2. Competitive Pricing (Mid-Range)
- 1.2% vs. 1.5% FedEx
- 20% savings on large orders
3. Dense European Network
- Excellence in intra-European flows
- Fast delivery to France, Germany, and the UK
⚠️ Limitations
1. Long Wait Times for Compensation
- 50–70 days on average
- The same cash flow issues as FedEx
2. Extensive Documentation
- Packaging: strict standards
- Documents: Originals required
3. Limits Service
- €25,000 for Economy (vs. €50,000 for Express)
Part 3: Comparison and Alternatives to FedEx Insurance
Head-to-Head: FedEx vs. TNT
Recommended Use Cases
Choose FedEx if:
- ✅ International shipping outside Europe
- ✅ Marchandises standard <1 000$
- ✅ Need for maximum traceability
- ✅ Volumes faibles (<50 colis/mois)
Choose TNT if:
- ✅ Major intra-European flows
- ✅ Shipping of watches/jewelry (>€1,000)
- ✅ Mid-range (€1,000–€10,000)
- ✅ Price sensitivity (large volumes)
Overview of Ad Valorem Alternatives
In addition to FedEx and TNT, the market offers specialized delivery insurance solutions that address the identified limitations.
1. Traditional Transportation Insurers
Companies: AXA Logistics, Allianz Cargo, Groupama Transport
Advantages:
- Custom-made cover
- Limits
- Expertise in Complex Claims
Disadvantages:
- Separate subscription (annual contract)
- Heavy administrative burden
- Similar processing times (30–60 days)
2. Modern E-commerce Solutions (+Focus on Claisy)
Participants: Claisy, Route, Shipsurance
Advantages:
- Super-fast compensation: 24–72 hours
- CMS Integration (Claisy Webhook for Shopify, Claisy Webhook for WooCommerce, Claisy Module for PrestaShop)
- Including luxury and high-tech items
- Simplified declaration
- Compatible with multiple carriers
Disadvantages:
- New entrants (with limited track record)
- Sometimes limited geographically
Spotlight on Claisy:
- Product warranty (not insurance)
- Rate: 0.5–1% depending on risk profile
- Compensation: 72 hours forcompensation
- Coverage for all your items up to €100,000, even for luxury goods
- Process: 3 clicks, no paper
📊 Comprehensive comparison: Check out our detailed analysis of the ad valorem rates offered by Claisy, Shipsurance, and Route
Comprehensive Comparison Chart of Package Insurance
Conclusion: Choose Your Package Insurance Strategically, Not Reactively
FedEx and TNT insurance are neither perfect nor unsuitable: they meet specific needs, particularly forCarrier companiesCarrier predictable shipping volumes and compatible product types.
Their strengths:
- Native integration
- A global network (FedEx) or a high-performance European network (TNT)
- Digitized processes
Their limitations:
- Limits Covered Items (FedEx Luxury)
- Higher than market cost (1.2–1.5%)
Today, the question is no longer "Should I get insurance?" but "Which solution offers the best balance of cost, coverage, and flexibility?"
Our Recommendation
Hybrid approach:
- Analyze your logistics claims data over a 12-month period (number of claims, amounts, causes)
- Segment your feeds :
- Standard products:
- For small shipments & excluding exclusions: Carrier Insurance
- For large volumes: Specialized Solution
- High Value: Specialized Solution
- Very large volumes: An analysis should be conducted based on margin levels and price standard deviation => Our recommendation is a hybrid solution. The analysis will help determine theoptimal level for partial self-insurance.
- Standard products:
- Try an alternative for 3 monthsalongside your current routine
- Measure the impact: Repayment time, approval rate, total cost
Parcel delivery insurance isn't an expense—it's an investment in operational peace of mind and customer satisfaction. Choose a plan that protects not only your parcels, but also your cash flow and your growth.
FedEx / TNT Package Insurance Attachments
Sources and Resources
Official Documentation
- FedEx Service Guide
- FedEx Declared Value Policy
- TNT Express Insurance
- Montreal Convention - ICAO
- Commercial Code - Legifrance