"Your parcel is on its way. Three words that should be synonymous with satisfaction. Yet for millions of shippers, they are the beginning of a period of anxiety. Will the parcel arrive? In what condition? And if it's lost or stolen, who will pay the bill?
An analysis of the logistics flows and friction points of e-commerce quickly reveals that transport disputes impact on shippers' profitability: the biggest mistake is to believe that all shipments are equal. Insured parcel delivery is not a simple option; it's a strategic decision that separates amateurs from professionals, those who bear the risks from those who master them.
This guide is not just a page of information. It's your complete roadmap for navigating the world of parcel insurance, understanding its pitfalls and choosing the protection that will truly secure your money, your time and your reputation.
Why insure your parcel delivery? The harsh reality of transport
The question is no longer "should you insure?", but "can you afford not to?". The explosion of e-commerce has mechanically increased risks, and is therefore putting the spotlight back on whether or not to send insured packages?
- The figures don't lie: every year, millions of parcels are reported lost, damaged or stolen. The total cost of these losses runs into billions of euros for e-tailers alone.
- Financial impact: A lost, uninsured parcel means a double deadweight loss: the value of the goods AND the cost of reshipment. Your margin evaporates instantly.
- Impact on Reputation: Over 35% of customers will not recommend a site after a poor delivery experience. A poorly managed dispute means a customer lost for life, and a potential negative review.
The main parcel insurance families: Don't fall into the trap
There are two radically different philosophies when it comes to insurance. Understanding this distinction is the first step to shipping with or without insurance.
1. Basic" Carrier Insurance: A False Good Idea
All carriers (Colissimo, Chronopost, etc.) include basic "insurance". Beware, it's a trap.
- How it works: It's a flat-rate compensation, generally based on the weight of the parcel (e.g. €23/kg).
- The problem: For a 200g smartphone worth €1,000, you would be reimbursed... less than €5. This is illusory protection, designed for low-value goods.
2. Ad Valorem Insurance: The Only Real Protection
This is the standard for professional insurance. "Ad Valorem" means "according to value".
- How it works: You declare the actual value of your shipment, and are indemnified on this basis in the event of a claim.
- The advantage: Whether your parcel contains a piece of jewelry, a work of art or high-tech equipment, its value is truly protected.
5 key points for comparing parcel insurance offers
Now that you know you need Ad Valorem insurance, how do you choose the right one? Here's your comparison checklist.
- Limit of Indemnity: How much are you really covered for?
- Pricing and business model: Is cost a fixed percentage of value? Are there any hidden charges or subscriptions?
- Covered items and exclusions : Is your type of product (luxury, pre-owned, high-tech) explicitly covered? Read the fine print!
- Claims management: Is the claims process quick and easy? Do you obtain compensation within 72 hours or 3 months?
- The Target: Is the offer adapted to individuals, SMEs, or large volumes?
2025 Comparison of the Best Parcel Insurances
The market is divided into two camps: insurance offered directly by carriers and specialized independent insurers - and for more details, please consult our complete comparison of ad valorem insurance 2025 and the focus on all parcel insurance offers on our atlas (Carrier, CMS, Broker en transports, ...).
The major point of differentiation: Specialized insurance solutions like Claisy have built their model to fill all the gaps left by carriers, allowing you to ship all your insured packages, even when carrier insurance excludes your merchandise. They offer not only better coverage at a better price, but also technological tools (connection to Shopify, PrestaShop, Magento, etc.) to fully automate parcel insurance management, which is impossible with carrier offers.
Which insurance is right for you?
Find out more about our interactive carrier insurance comparator here
- Are you a private individual who occasionally sends a valuable object? Your Carrier 's Ad Valorem option may suffice, but compare its cost with that of a specialized insurer.
- Are you an e-merchant? A specialized insurer is the only viable solution. It protects your margin, your time and your reputation. Automation via CMS connector is a huge productivity booster.
- Do you ship luxury, high-tech or second-hand goods? Carriers often exclude these goods. Only a specialized insurer like Claisy can offer you adequate coverage.
Practical Guide : How to take out ad valorem insurance and report a claim?
Subscription
- Choose your partner (ideally a specialized solution)
- Integrate the solution (if you're a pro) or subscribe to the policy on a case-by-case basis
- Declare the exact value of your shipment based on an invoice
- Your parcel is insured
Claims declaration
- Respect deadlines! You generally have 48 to 72 hours after delivery to report damage or theft, and a longer period (e.g. 30 days) for loss.
- Gather evidence: purchase invoice, proof of shipment, photos of damage, affidavit, complaint lodged if necessary.
- File your claim on your insurer's platform
- Follow up the case and wait for compensation. A good insurer will reimburse you in a matter of days, not months.
