In 2025, 2.3 billion parcels were shipped in France. Behind this impressive figure lies a reality that fewretailers : 2 to 3% of these parcels suffer damage (loss, theft, breakage), and in 87% of cases, Carrier legal compensation Carrier a fraction of the actual value.
Classic scenario: You ship an iPhone worth €1,200 via Colissimo. It disappears in transit. The Carrier compensates Carrier ... €2.40 ( 0.2 kg × €12/kg according to Limits ). Net loss: €1,197.60. And this is not an isolated case: French e-commerce companies lose an average of €12,000 to €45,000 per year in poorly compensated or uncompensated claims.
Parcel delivery insurance is not an incidental expense; it is a direct safeguard for your margins, cash flow, and customer relationships. This guide explains everything you need to know to effectively protect your shipments in 2026.
What is Parcel Delivery Insurance?
Parcel delivery insurance, also known as ad valorem insurance or freight insurance, is a financial guarantee contract that covers the actual declared value of your goods throughout their journey, from the time they are handed over to the Carrier final delivery.
The Fundamental Difference: Carrier Liability Carrier Ad Valorem Insurance
Confusion is what costs retailers the most. Many think they are "covered" because the Carrier insurance. This is a fatal mistake: the Carrier your goods, it only insures its legal liability, which is strictly capped by law based on weight, not value.
How Carrier Liability Works Carrier The Trap)
Carriers are subject to international conventions that cap their compensation:
Road Transport (CMR Convention):
- Limit 8.33 SDR/kg (Special Drawing Rights)
- Approximate equivalent: ~$10-12/kg
Air Transport (Montreal Convention):
- Limit 22 DTS/kg
- Approximate equivalent: ~26-28 €/kg
Domestic shipping (Colissimo, Chronopost):
- Limit : €23/kg (Colissimo)
- Limit : Generally €5,000-7,600 even with the "declared value" option
The conclusion is clear: for any product with a value/weight ratio exceeding €50-100/kg (i.e., 99% of modern e-commerce: high-tech, fashion, jewelry, leather goods, premium cosmetics, etc.), the Carrier legal liability Carrier completely inadequate.
How Ad Valorem Insurance Works (The Solution)
Ad valorem insurance works on a radically different principle:
- You declare the value of your package (sale price, invoice value, or replacement cost).
- You pay a premium proportional to this value (generally 0.6% to 1% depending on the type of product and destination).
- In the event of a claim, you will be compensated up to the declared value, with no Limit per kilogram.
"All Risks" coverage:
- ✅ Total loss of the package
- ✅ Theft (partial or total), looting
- ✅ Breakage, damage, crushing
- ✅ Damage during transport (accident, fire)
- ✅ Damage during load transfers (change of truck, sorting at hub)
What is NOT covered:
- ❌ Product defect (manufacturing defect)
- ❌ Packaging clearly insufficient
- ❌ Intentional fault of the sender
- ❌ Specific goods excluded (war, embargo)
The Different Types of Parcel Delivery Insurance
There are several ways to insure your packages. Understanding the differences is essential to making the right choice.
1. Carrier Insurance Carrier Integrated Option)
How it works:
When creating your shipping label, check the "Declared Value" or "Insurance" box and pay an additional fee.
Example: Colissimo Insurance:
- Option available: Yes
- Cost: Approximately 2% of the declared value
- Limit : €1,000 to €5,000 (for professionals)
- Average compensation timeframe: 60-90 days
Example: Chronopost Insurance:
- Option available: Yes
- Cost: Varies depending on destination and value
- Limit : €5,000 to €20,000 ( for professionals)
- Average compensation timeframe: 45-90 days
Example: DHL Insurance:
- Option available: Yes
- Cost: 1-3% of the value
- Limit : €50,000
- Average compensation timeframe: 30-60 days
Benefits of the Carrier Option
- ✅ Apparent simplicity: Checkbox at the time of shipment
- ✅ Native integration: No external contract required
Major Disadvantages
- ❌ Limits : Often limited to a maximum of €5,000–10,000, unsuitable for high-value products
- ❌ High cost: 1-3% vs. 0.75% with a specialist
- ❌ Long compensation times: 60-90 days on average (vs. 48-72 hours)
- ❌ Numerous exclusions: Jewelry, watches, art often excluded or very limited
- ❌ Conflict of interest: The Carrier its own liability
- ❌ Multiple contracts: One contract per Carrier you use more than one
- ❌ Complex process: Very strict documentation, lengthy investigation
2. Specialized Third-Party Insurance (Claisy and Competitors)
How it works:
You sign a single contract with a specialized insurer that is independent of Carrier. The insurance covers all your shipments, regardless of the Carrier used.
Activation:
- Automatic: Via API, webhook, or CMS plugin (Shopify, WooCommerce, PrestaShop)
- Manual: Declaration via dashboard or CSV file for moderate volumes
Example: Claisy:
- Coverage: Up to €100,000 per package
- Cost: 0.75% of the declared value on average
- Compensation timeframe: 48-72 hours for complete files
- Carriers covered: All (Colissimo, Chronopost, DHL, UPS, FedEx, GLS, Mondial Relay, etc.)
- Accepted products: High-tech, watches, jewelry, luxury leather goods, art, professional equipment
Decisive Advantages
✅ Universal coverage: A single contract for all carriers
✅ Limits : Up to €100,000/package vs. €5,000-10,000 Carrier
✅ Optimized cost: 0.75% vs. 1-3% with carriers (30-70% savings)
✅ Ultra-fast compensation: 48-72 hours vs. 60-90 days (preserves cash flow)
✅ Total independence: No conflict of interest, the insurer makes objective decisions
✅ Full automation: CMS integration, insurance activated according to your rules
✅ Simplified process: Digital dashboard, real-time tracking, fewer documents required
✅ Dedicated support: Personalized assistance vs. generic customer service Carrier
For more details: Parcel Insurance Comparison
3. National vs. International Insurance
Domestic Shipping Insurance (France & European Union)
Geographical coverage: Metropolitan France, French overseas departments and territories (excluding Mayotte in some cases), European Union 27 countries
Main risks:
- Last mile: 60% of incidents occur during final delivery
- Transit flight: Rest areas, warehouses
- Breakage during sorting: Automation of sorting machines, multiple handling operations
Average loss ratio: 1.5-2.5% depending on the sector
Delivery time: generally 24-72 hours
Claisy insurance cost: 0.6-0.8% of the declared value
International Shipping Insurance (Outside the EU)
Geographic coverage: Worldwide (excluding war zones and countries under UN embargo)
Additional risks:
- Customs delays: Complex formalities, unexpected taxation
- Multiple load breaks: Change of truck/aircraft/ship = handling
- Local regulations: Product restrictions (e.g., CBD is legal in France but illegal elsewhere)
- Long delays: The longer the journey, the greater the risk
Average claim rate: 3-5% (double the national average)
Delivery time: 3-15 days depending on destination
Excluded countries (generally):
❌ Active war zones (Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, etc.)
❌ Countries under UN embargo (North Korea, parts of Iran, etc.)
❌ Very high-risk areas (Afghanistan, Syria, Somalia, etc.)
⚠️ Always check before shipping: Lists are subject to change, so contact your insurer for confirmation.
Insurance Delivery By Type of Goods
The type of product you ship largely determines your insurance needs.
1. High-Tech & Electronics
Products concerned: Smartphones, computers, tablets, game consoles, cameras, drones, electronic components
Specific issues:
- Highly coveted: Prime targets for theft (easy to resell)
- Fragile: Screens, components sensitive to shocks and temperature variations
- High value: €500–3,000 per unit on average
- Extreme value/weight ratio: iPhone €1,200 = 0.2 kg → Carrier compensation Carrier .40
Claims rate: 3-4% (vs. 2% overall average)
Carrier exclusions: Often limited to €1,000-2,000 even with declared value option
Recommended solution:
✅ Ad valorem insurance up to €100,000
✅ Certified shockproof packaging (minimum double corrugation + multi-layer padding)
✅ No visible brand logo on the box (prevents targeted theft)
✅ Signature required upon delivery
For more details on high-tech insurance: E-commerce Parcel Insurance
2. Luxury Watches & Watchmaking
Products concerned: Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Tag Heuer watches, vintage watches, collectibles
Specific issues:
- Extreme value/weight ratio: Rolex Submariner €12,000 = 0.15 kg → Carrier compensation€1.80
- Systematic exclusion: Watches are often completely excluded from standard carrier insurance policies.
- Risk of counterfeiting: Expertise required to verify authenticity
- Specific market: Chrono24 resellers, watch marketplace
Claims rate: 2-3% (high targeted theft)
Specialized solution:
✅ Watch coverage up to €100,000/item
✅ Anti-fraud process (authenticity verification via photos, certificates, serial number)
✅ Specialized watch packaging (case + dense foam padding + reinforced cardboard)
✅ Premium tracking with enhanced insurance
For more details: Luxury Watch Transport Insurance
3. Designer Jewelry & Leather Goods
Products concerned: Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel bags, gold/silver jewelry, precious stones, high-end leather goods
Specific issues:
- Very high value: Hermès Birkin bag €8,000–50,000, jewelry €2,000–100,000
- Carrier exclusions: Jewelry is often excluded or capped at €500-1,000.
- Risk of targeted theft: Highly coveted products
- Certificate of authenticity required: For compensation
Recommended solution:
✅ Specialized luxury insurance (Claisy accepts designer jewelry and leather goods)
✅ Declaration of value with certificate of authenticity
✅ Neutral packaging (no visible brand names)
✅ Delivery with mandatory signature + hand delivery
For more details: Luxury Leather Goods & Jewelry Insurance
4. Fragile Goods (Glass, Ceramics, Art)
Products concerned: Tableware, glassware, ceramic art, mirrors, decorative items, sculptures
Specific issues:
- High breakage rate: 5-8% without professional packaging
- Sentimental value: Unique works, handcrafted pieces
- Crucial packaging: 40% of compensation claims are rejected due to insufficient packaging
Recommended solution:
✅ Certified professional packaging (high-density foam, reinforced bubble wrap, triple-wall cardboard)
✅ Mandatory drop test (minimum 1.20 m)
✅ Visible "FRAGILE" label + "TOP" arrows
✅ Multi-layer cushioning (each item individually wrapped)
Expert tip: Use specialized packaging from professionals such as Raja, which offers solutions tailored to fragile items.
5. B2B & Professional Equipment
Products concerned: Industrial parts, prototypes, medical equipment, machine tools, aeronautical components
Specific issues:
- Very high unit value: €5,000–50,000 per shipment
- Major indirect impact: Loss of a critical part = production stoppage = $10,000–$50,000/day
- Unique parts: Prototypes, custom-made parts that cannot be replaced quickly
- Complex Incoterms: Who bears the risk under the commercial contract (EXW, FCA, DDP)?
Recommended solution:
✅ International door-to-door insurance (covers the entire journey, including customs)
✅ Incoterms expertise (advice on who should insure according to the contract)
✅ Coverage for prototypes and unique items
✅ Fast compensation (48-72 hours) to avoid production stoppages
For more details: Industrial Equipment Shipping Insurance
3 Main Reasons for Rejection (And How to Avoid Them)
1. Insufficient Packaging
Reason for refusal: The insurer (or Carrier) considers that the damage is due to non-compliant packaging, not transportation.
How to avoid it:
✅ Use at least double-wall cardboard (triple-wall for fragile items or items worth more than €2,000)
✅ Use appropriate padding: Fill 100% of the empty space with polystyrene chips + kraft paper + bubble wrap
✅ Drop test: Drop the closed package from a height of 1.20 m. If it withstands the test, it's OK.
✅ Photograph the packaged product BEFORE closing the box (proof of proper packaging)
2. Absent or Imprecise Reserves
Reason for refusal: Without specific reservations on the delivery note, it is impossible to prove that the damage occurred during transport.
How to avoid it:
✅ ALWAYS make reservations before signing, even if the delivery person is in a hurry
✅ Be extremely precise: Locate (corner, side), quantify (dimensions in cm), describe (dented, torn, suspicious noise)
✅ Immediately photograph the package with the delivery person present (if possible)
✅ NEVER sign "subject to unpacking" alone → Add a detailed description
3. Late Filing Deadlines
Reason for denial: Insurance contracts impose strict deadlines. Once this deadline has passed, the insurer can no longer conduct an effective investigation.
How to avoid it:
✅ Set up an automated reminder process: Email on day 1, day 3 if the incident has not been reported
✅ Train your teams and B2B customers on critical deadlines
✅ Use a management dashboard (Claisy) with automatic alerts
How Much Does Parcel Delivery Insurance Really Cost?
The cost depends on several factors. Here's how to calculate and optimize it.
Standard Pricing Structure
Carrier insurance: 1-3% of the declared value (depending on Carrier destination)
Specialized insurance (Claisy): 0.75% of the declared value (decreasing according to volume)
How to Choose the Best Parcel Delivery Insurance?
Here is a checklist of 10 criteria for comparing offers effectively.
Selection Checklist
1. Limit Per Package
- ❌ Insuffisant : <5 000€
- ⚠️ Correct: €5,000–20,000
- ✅ Excellent: $50,000–$100,000
2. Compensation Period
- ❌ Too long: >60 days (kills cash flow)
- ⚠️ Acceptable: 15-30 days
- ✅ Excellent: 48-72 hours
3. Multi-Carriers
- ❌ Only one Carrier
- ✅ All carriers covered (USPS, DHL, UPS, FedEx, GLS, etc.)
4. Cost (Percentage rate)
- ❌ Too expensive: >2%
- ⚠️ Correct: 1-1.5%
- ✅ Excellent: 0.6-0.9%
5. Accepted Products
- ❌ Numerous exclusions (jewelry, watches, high-tech items excluded)
- ✅ Valuable items accepted (watches, jewelry, high-tech devices, luxury leather goods)
6. Automation
- ❌ Manual declaration required for each package
- ⚠️ CSV import possible
- ✅ API/CMS integration with automatic activation based on rules
7. Franchise
- ✅ Ideal: $0 deductible
- ⚠️ Acceptable: $50–$150
- ❌ Penalty: >$200
8. Geographic Coverage
- ⚠️ National only
- ✅ Domestic + International (excluding war zones)
9. Process Declaration
- ❌ PDF form + postal delivery
- ⚠️ Email form
- ✅ Digital dashboard with real-time tracking
10. Customer Support
- ❌ Email only, response >48 hours
- ⚠️ Chat + email, réponse <24h
- ✅ Support dédié, chat + email + téléphone, réponse <2h
Claisy score: ✅ out of 9 criteria / 10 (only limitation: $0 deductible on certain volume contracts)
Conclusion: Protect Your Shipments, Protect Your Business
Parcel delivery insurance is not an additional expense, it is a direct investment in your profitability:
💰 Margin protection: Losses over €2,000 compensated €46
💸 Cash flow preserved: Compensation within 48-72 hours vs. 60-90 days
😊 Customer loyalty: Immediate reimbursement without waiting for the Carrier
⏱️ Time saved: Digital process vs. endless disputes
📊 Predictability: Fixed cost of 0.75% vs. unpredictable claims
The companies that will succeed in e-commerce in 2026 will no longer be those that ship the most packages, but those that have complete control over their logistics risk from start to finish.
By shifting from a mindset of "enduring uncertainty" to one of "guaranteeing value," you transform a potential loss into a competitive advantage.
Are you shipping valuable items? Secure it with Claisy.
To Go Further: How to File a Claim - Step by Step
The speed and quality of your claim directly determine your compensation. Here is the complete process.
Complete Declaration Timeline
Jour J : Sinistre Constaté (Réactivité <2h)
If there is visible damage upon delivery:
⏱️ 0-30 minutes:
- Write down any specific reservations on the delivery note before signing it.
- ❌ Unnecessary reservation: "Damaged package"
- ✅ Effective reserve: "Cardboard box dented at upper right corner 15×10 cm, tear on left side 8 cm, noise of loose parts inside"
⏱️ 30-60 minutes:
- Photograph the damaged package from 6 angles (front, back, sides, top, bottom)
- Photograph the damaged contents (10-15 detailed photos)
- Keep ALL packaging (cardboard, padding, plastic film)
⏱️ <2 heures :
- Notify the Carrier email + phone call (keep a written record)
- If the delivery person refused the reservations: Report immediately to Carrier customer service.
Day 1: Official Statement (10 minutes)
📋 Claisy dashboard login (or equivalent)
📤 Upload documents:
- Purchase or sales invoice (proof of value)
- Shipping slip (proof of deposit)
- Delivery note with reservations (proof of damage)
- Photos of damaged package + contents
✅ Receipt of file number + acknowledgment of receipt + checklist of missing documents (if applicable)
Day 2: Analysis of the File
🔍 Analysis by insurance expert
📧 Communication: Request for additional documents if necessary (rare if file is complete)
Day 3: Validation and Compensation
✅ File validation
💸 Bank transfer initiated (full amount of the insured value)
Day 4: Funds Received
🏦 Funds available in bank account
Validation rate within 48-72 hours (Claisy): 92% for complete files with compliant packaging
Required Documents: Complete Checklist
Required Documents (100% of cases)
✅ Purchase invoice (if you are a reseller) OR Sales invoice (if you are retailer)
→ Proves the declared value
✅ Shipping label ( Carrier proof of deposit)
→ Proves that you have shipped the package
✅ Delivery note with reservations (if damage is apparent)
→ Proves the damage observed upon receipt
✅ Photos:
- Damaged package (minimum 6 sides)
- Damaged contents (10-15 detailed photos from all angles)
✅ Summary of the incident:
- What: Detailed description of the content
- When: Date of occurrence of the loss
- How: Circumstances (package crushed, lost, stolen, etc.)
Additional Documents (Depending on Product Type)
✅ Certificate of authenticity: Required for watches, luxury bags, works of art
✅ Repair invoice: If the product is repairable and a quote has been provided
✅ Proof of market value: For rare products (screenshots of comparable prices sold)
✅ Serial number: For high-tech items (smartphones, laptops)
What You Don't Need (Unlike Carrier)
❌ Bailiff's report: Not required by specialized insurers (vs. often requested by carriers)
❌ Joint report: Simplified via photos and reservations
❌ Report to the police station: Except in cases of obvious theft involving break-in
CRITICAL Reporting Deadlines (Must Be Met)
⏰ Apparent damage: 3 business days after delivery
⏰ Hidden damage: 7 days after receipt (e.g., broken electronic component not visible externally)
⏰ Total loss: 21 days after the scheduled delivery date
⚠️ After these deadlines = automatic refusal, even if you have paid for insurance.