Parcel Insurance: The Complete Guide to Protecting Your Shipments and Your Cash Flow in 2026

Louise
December 30, 2025
-
8
minutes of reading
Choosing the best parcel insurance

A lost package. Goods damaged during delivery. A customer furious with you because of the delivery. It's also a net loss of €850.

This is the nightmare of every professional who ships packages, whether they are retailer, artisan, or reseller. At the heart of this disaster lies a crucial question that 90% of shippers are unaware of: was your shipment actually insured?

Forget everything you thought you knew about Carrier"included insurance." The brutal truth is that this basic coverage is an illusion of security. It protects the weight of your package, not its value. Lost a $1,200 smartphone? You'll be compensated $4.60. Had $800 worth of jewelry stolen? $1.15. That's it.

This guide is not just a disguised promotional article: it is your strategic shield. The most comprehensive and honest resource you will find for understanding, choosing, and using genuine parcel insurance that protects the real value of your shipments. By the end of this guide, you will never again experience the stress of sending valuable items. You will be in control.

~1,2%
Claims Ratio

Average observed in French e-commerce (combined loss, theft, and breakage).

77 Days
Indemnity period

Average waiting time observed for traditional carriers (DHL, UPS, FedEx).

15×
Actual Cost of Litigation

Total financial impact of an uninsured dispute vs. the value of the product (after-sales service, reshipment, reputation).

What exactly is parcel insurance?

Parcel insurance is a financial protection contract that covers you against the three scourges of transport: total loss, theft, and material damage (breakage, deterioration).

Its sole purpose is to ensure that you are compensated for the actual declared value of your property in the event of a claim, rather than receiving a derisory lump sum based on weight.

Contrary to what 78% of retailers believe (according to a FEVAD 2024 study), parcel insurance is NOT automatically included in your shipping costs. What carriers include by default is limited liability based on weight (generally €23 per kilogram), which has no relation to the market value of your goods.

The difference is fundamental:

  • Carrier liability (included): €23/kg → iPhone 14 Pro (206g) = €4.74 compensation
  • Ad valorem insurance (optional): Declared value → iPhone 14 Pro ($1,200) = $1,200 compensation

For any item with a high value-to-weight ratio (electronics, jewelry, watches, leather goods, art, premium clothing), ad valorem insurance is not an option: it is the only real protection available.

Why Parcel Insurance Is Strategically Vital for Your Business

Taking out ad valorem parcel insurance is not an expense. It is a strategic investment in three pillars of your sustainability.

1. Protect Your Cash Flow Against Shocks

In the event of an uninsured loss, you don't just lose the value of the product. You lose:

  • The purchase value of the goods (your cost)
  • The expected profit margin (30 to 50% depending on the sector)
  • Shipping costs already incurred (not reimbursed by the customer)
  • The cost of reshipping a new product at your expense
  • After-sales service time required (45 to 90 minutes per dispute case on average)

Actual calculation: Product sold for €350, purchase cost €180, margin €170, shipping costs €8.

  • Direct loss: $180 (product cost) + $8 (initial shipping) = $188
  • Reshipment cost: $200 (new product) + $10 (new shipping) = $210
  • Service time: 1 hour 15 minutes × $30/hour (hourly rate charged) = $37.50
  • Actual total loss: €413.50 for a sale of €350

Parcel insurance breaks this vicious cycle and protects your margin. For a cost of €2.63 (0.75% of €350 with Claisy), you avoid a potential loss of €413.50. The ROI is 157:1.

2. Protect Your Reputation and Build Customer Loyalty

Psychological reality: A customer whose package is lost or damaged NEVER blames the Carrier. They blame YOU. In their mind, you chose the wrong Carrier, packaged the product poorly, or mishandled their order.

Impact statistics (OpinionWay e-commerce 2024 study):

  • 66% of customers whose packages are lost never recommend the same retailer again.
  • 43% leave a negative public review (Google, Trustpilot, social media)
  • The average customer acquisition cost (CAC) in e-commerce is €35-80 depending on the sector.
  • The average Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) is $300-$850.

Reputation impact calculation: One unmanaged incident = one lost customer

  • Lost CLV: $450 (average)
  • CAC invested: €50 (initial acquisition cost)
  • Total impact: €500 for a single dissatisfied customer

With insurance that allows you to immediately reship or refund (within 48-72 hours with Claisy vs. 60-90 days with carriers), you can turn an angry customer into a loyal ambassador: "I had a problem, but customer service was extremely responsive and sent me a replacement within three days. I highly recommend them!"

3. Navigating Turbulent Areas Without Losses

Three contexts drastically increase the risk of accidents:

Peak Season (Black Friday, Christmas): Volumes skyrocket, sorting centers become overwhelmed

  • Claims rate: +85% vs. normal period (DPD Group 2024 study)
  • Hiring less experienced seasonal workers = more handling errors
  • Recommendation: If you usually only insure packages worth more than €200, lower this threshold to €100 during the peak season.

International Shipping: Each border = multiplied risk

  • International loss ratio: 2.3% vs. 1.1% nationally (industry average)
  • Customs risks (blockage, destruction, excessive taxation)
  • Longer delays = more time exposed to theft/loss

Fragile or High-Value Products:

  • Electronics: Loss ratio >1.2% (tech sector study 2024)
  • Glassware/Ceramics: Loss ratio >1.8%
  • Jewelry/Watches: Loss ratio >1% + targeted theft risk

Without insurance, these disruptions turn into financial losses. With insurance, they become predictable and manageable costs.

The 4 Types of Parcel Insurance: Understanding to Choose

Not all parcel insurance policies are the same. Understanding the structural differences allows you to make the right choice based on your needs and volumes.

Type 1: Flat-rate insurance (or by weight)

How it works: Compensation calculated based on the weight of the package, generally €23 per kilogram, with a Limit that varies depending on the carrier (€150 to €600).

Concrete example: You are shipping an Apple Watch Ultra smartwatch (value €899, weight 61.3g).

  • Lump sum compensation: 0.0613 kg × $23 = $1.41
  • Actual loss: €897.59 at your expense

When it is acceptable: Only for very low-value goods where the value-to-weight ratio is low.

  • Used books (€8 per book, 400g) → €9.20 compensation > €8 value ✅ (please note that you will be reimbursed for the value of the item, i.e. €8)
  • Vêtements basiques (T-shirt 12€, 150g) → 3,45€ indemnisation < 12€ ❌ Déjà insuffisant

Verdict: Unsuitable for 95% of modern e-commerce, where the average basket value is €180 (FEVAD 2025) and the products are mostly lightweight and high-value.

Type 2: Ad Valorem Insurance (Based on Actual Value)

How it works: You declare the exact value of your property at the time of shipment. In the event of a claim, you will be compensated on this basis, down to the last cent.

Cost: Proportional to the declared value, generally between 0.75% and 2.5% depending on the insurer

  • Traditional carriers: 1.5% to 2.5% (+ minimum charge of €10-15)
  • Specialized insurers: 0.75% to 1% (Claisy: 0.75% with no minimum)

Concrete example: You ship a MacBook Air M3 (worth $1,299).

  • Claisy insurance: €1,299 × 0.75% = €9.74
  • Compensation in the event of a claim: €1,299 (total actual value)
  • Protection: 100% of the value

Limits : Varies depending on insurer

  • Carriers: €3,000 to €7,600 maximum
  • Claisy: €100,000 per package (adjustable >€100,000 upon request)

Verdict: The leading professional solution for all valuable items. Essential whenever the value/weight ratio exceeds $100/kg (electronics, jewelry, premium fashion, professional equipment).

Type 3: Comprehensive Insurance

How it works: A premium version of ad valorem insurance, it covers not only loss/theft/breakage, but also additional risks:

  • Damage related to extreme weather conditions (heat, humidity, frost)
  • Strikes and social movements
  • Certain cases of force majeure (according to contracts)
  • Political risks for international operations (riots, civil unrest)

Cost: Generally 1% to 3% of the declared value

When necessary:

  • Shipments to high-risk areas (politically unstable countries)
  • Goods that are extremely sensitive to transport conditions (pharmaceutical products, fragile works of art)
  • Announced periods of carrier strikes

Verdict: Reserved for specific contexts where standard risk is insufficient. For 90% of shippers, traditional ad valorem is sufficient.

Type 4: Armored Transport with Integrated Insurance

How it works: For very high-value goods (>€100,000), conventional transport is no longer suitable. Armored transport services (Malca-Amit, Ferrari Group, Brink's) combine:

  • Dedicated armored vehicles
  • Armed security guards
  • Escorts and secure routes
  • Comprehensive insurance included without Limit

Cost: Several hundred to several thousand euros per shipment, depending on value and distance

Sectors concerned:

  • High-end jewelry (items >$100,000)
  • Major works of art (master paintings, sculptures)
  • Precious metals (gold, platinum)
  • Unique industrial prototypes

Verdict: A niche solution for ultra-luxury and stratospheric goods. If you regularly ship goods worth more than €50,000, check out our guide to cargo insurance.

The Deadly Trap of "Included" Insurance vs. Real Insurance

This is where 90% of shippers make mistakes and lose thousands of euros every year. There are two parallel worlds that are often mistakenly confused.

Universe 1: Basic Compensation (Included) = Illusion

What it is: The Carrier minimum legal liability, calculated by weight (€23/kg on average according to the CMR Convention on road transport).

What carriers tell you: "Your package is automatically insured up to X euros."

The hidden reality: This "insurance" only covers weight, not value. For 99% of modern products, this offers virtually no protection.

Quantitative demonstration:

The Reality of Weight-Based Compensation (CMR/Loti)

Product Type Value Weight Lump Sum Compensation Actual Loss (Your Cost)
iPhone 17 Pro Max 1 479 € 221g 5,08 € €1,473.92 ❌
Custom-made wedding dress 1 200 € 850g 19,55 € €1,180.45 ❌
Longchamp bag 650 € 380g 8,74 € €641.26 ❌
Tissot watch 450 € 95g 2,19 € €447.81 ❌
Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones 399 € 254g 5,84 € €393.16 ❌

For all these common products, basic coverage is a joke.

Universe 2: Ad Valorem Insurance (Optional) = True Protection

What it is: An additional option that you purchase in addition to shipping to declare the actual value of your goods.

How it works: You pay a proportional premium (0.75% to 2.5% depending on the insurer). In the event of a claim, you are compensated for the exact declared value.

Where to purchase it:

  • With the Carrier: La Poste/Colissimo, Chronopost, DHL, and UPS offer an ad valorem option (see our detailed guides: Colissimo, Chronopost, DHL, UPS, Mondial Relay)
  • With a specialized insurer: Claisy and other specialized brokers offer coverage that is separate from Carrier you retain the freedom to choose your Carrier).

Specialized insurer advantage:

  • Rates generally 30 to 60% cheaper than carriers
  • Limits (€100,000 vs. €3,000–7,600)
  • 10× faster compensation times (72 hours vs. 60-90 days)
  • Total flexibility (multiple carriers)

Complete Price List: How Much Does Insuring Your Packages Really Cost?

Here is the first transparent comparison table for the French market. We tested five major players on five representative values to give you a clear picture of the actual costs.

Parcel Insurance Comparison: Carriers vs. Claisy

Criteria Colissimo Pro Chronopost Pro DHL UPS FedEx Claisy (Alternative)
RateFlat-rate
in stages
Flat rate
, then >0.90%
1% min €121.05% min €12.051.5% min $90,75%
Limit5 000€20 000€50 000€40 000€45 000€100 000€
Minimum insurance value5€6€12€12€1,5€No minimum
Repayment period90+ days60-90j60-90j77j30-60j<5j
Luxury cover❌ Exclu⚠️ Limited⚠️ Conditions⚠️ Conditions920€ max✅ Complete

💎 Calculate Your Rate in 30 Seconds

Instantly compare Claisy vs your traditional carriers

Enter the value of your shipments and discover your actual savings. Free simulation, no obligation.

→ Access the Parcel Insurance calculator

How to Choose the Right Parcel Insurance for Your Business?

Now that you understand the mechanisms and costs, here is the four-criteria decision framework for choosing the optimal solution.

Criterion #1: Average Value of Your Shipments

Universal rule: If the value of the property exceeds 10× the cost of ad valorem insurance, it is always mathematically profitable.

Simple calculation:

  • Claisy insurance at 0.75% for parcels worth €200 = €1.50
  • Break-even point: $1.50 × 10 = $15 minimum value
  • Conclusion: For any package valued at over €15, insurance is cost-effective (even with a loss ratio of 0.1%).

Decision grid by value:

  • <50€ : Assurance forfaitaire transporteur acceptable (mais vérifiez ratio valeur/poids)
  • €50-200: Ad valorem recommended for fragile or high-value/heavy items
  • >€200: Mandatory ad valorem (too high a financial risk without protection)
  • >€5,000: Specialized ad valorem tax mandatory (transporters capped or out of play)

Criterion #2: Monthly Shipment Volume

Your volume influences the choice between Carrier insurance or a specialized insurer.

<50 colis/mois : Assurance transporteur acceptable pour simplicité

  • Advantage: A single invoice (transport + insurance)
  • Disadvantage: Rates are often less competitive

50-500 packages/month: Optimal range for specialized insurers

>500 packages/month: Specialized insurer required + negotiation of sliding-scale rates

  • Massive savings (€50,000-150,000/year possible)
  • Advanced API integrations with WMS/ERP
  • Dedicated account manager

Criterion #3: Type of Products Shipped

Certain products are systematically excluded or restricted by carriers.

Products that carriers refuse to transport:

  • Jewelry and watches >€5,000: ❌ Excludes DHL, UPS, FedEx
  • Works of art >€3,000: ❌ Excluded or capped
  • Refurbished products: ⚠️ Often refused or subject to strict conditions
  • Precious metals: ❌ Systematically excluded

For these products, a specialized insurer is the only viable option. Consult our watch and jewelry parcel insurance guide for specific strategies.

Criterion #4: Need for Flexibility Carrier

If you use only one Carrier: Carrier insurance may be sufficient.

If you use multiple carriers (Colissimo + Chronopost Mondial Relay urgency/destination): Separate parcel insurance is essential.

  • Avoid juggling between three different insurance policies.
  • Guarantees uniform protection regardless of the Carrier
  • Simplifies after-sales service management (single point of contact for compensation)

📊 Compare Your Situation for Free

Our experts analyze your profile and recommend the optimal solution.

Send us your monthly volumes and average values or visit our savings simulator. We will respond within 24 hours with a free personalized analysis.

→ Request a free analysis

Subscribing and Reporting a Claim: The 5-Step Process

Step 1: Subscribe at the Right Time (Before Shipping)

CRITICAL: Parcel insurance can only be taken out when you create your shipment, never after (especially after delivery to Carrier).

Where to subscribe:

  • Carrier : Via online interface when creating the label (option checked + declared value entered)
  • Specialized insurer: Automatically via CMS integration or manually on the dashboard

Deadline: You have until the package is handed over to Carrier. Once the package is in transit, it is not possible to subscribe retroactively.

Step 2: Declare the Fair Value (No More, No Less)

Value to be declared: The actual market value of the item, as evidenced by an invoice.

Special cases:

  • E-commerce sales: Sales price including tax (what the customer paid)
  • Professional shipping: Purchase value Excluding VAT sales margin
  • Used product: Observed resale value (marketplace screenshot, appraisal)
  • Gift: Equivalent retail value when new

Fatal errors:

  • Under-declaring to save a few euros on insurance → Partial compensation in the event of a claim
  • Overstating claims in an attempt to enrich oneself → Denial of compensation + risk of prosecution for fraud

Required proof: Always keep purchase or sales invoices, transaction receipts, or recent appraisals.

Step 3: Pack According to Professional Standards

Golden rule: Complete anonymity (no visible markings = no theft by "palpation")

High-value packaging:

  1. Product: Wrapped in bubble wrap (minimum 3 layers)
  2. Inner carton: Product box + foam padding (minimum 5 cm on all sides)
  3. Outer box: Neutral double-wall cardboard, no logo, reinforced adhesive tape 50 mm

Label: Generic neutral wording

  • ❌ "Rolex Submariner," "iPhone 17 Pro," "Bijouterie Dupont"
  • ✅ "Measuring instrument," "Electronic equipment," "Fashion accessory"

For products valued at over €2,000, consult our guide to packaging your high-value shipments.

Step 4: Keep All Proof of Shipment

Documents to be archived immediately:

  • Shipping slip (with tracking number)
  • Invoice or proof of value
  • Photos of the product before packaging (minimum 6 sides)
  • Photos of the packaged parcel (complete exterior)

Shelf life: Minimum 6 months after delivery (legal claim period)

Step 5: Report the Claim Promptly (Critical Timeline)

In the event of loss or damage, every day counts.

Carrier Timeline (Colissimo, DHL, UPS):

  • D+0 to D+3: Claim notification (online form + upload supporting documents)
  • D+3 to D+15: File review (document verification, contact with relevant liaison)
  • D+15 to D+45: Internal investigation (search for package if lost, assessment if broken)
  • D+45 to D+90: Validation and compensation (bank transfer)
  • Total time frame: 60-90 days on average

Claisy Timeline (Specialized Insurance):

  • Day 0: Online declaration (5 minutes, simple interface)
  • D+1: Automatic analysis + expert validation (AI + human)
  • D+2-3: Final decision
  • D+3-4: Compensation transfer
  • Total delivery time: 7-10 days maximum

Required documents for declaration:

  • Product invoice
  • Shipping slip (tracking number)
  • Photos of damage (if broken) or proof of non-delivery (tracking status)

Mandatory deadlines:

  • Damaged package: Report within 3 days of delivery (strict legal deadline)
  • Lost package: Report after 7 days without tracking update

In Which Cases Is Ad Valorem Insurance Non-Negotiable?

If you meet at least one of these criteria, NEVER leave without comprehensive ad valorem insurance.

1. Expensive and Lightweight Products (High Value/Weight Ratio)

Typical examples:

  • Jewelry and watches: €800–€50,000 for 50–200g → Ratio €4,000–€250,000/kg
  • High-end smartphones: €1,000–1,500 for 200–250g → Ratio €4,000–6,000/kg
  • Luxury leather goods: €600–3,000 for 300–800g → Ratio €750–10,000/kg
  • Electronic components: $500–$2,000 for 100–500 g → Ratio $1,000–$20,000/kg

Why this is critical: Compensation based on weight (€23/kg) is insignificant compared to the actual value. A piece of jewelry worth €5,000 weighing 80g would be compensated at €1.84 with Carrier liability.

2. Unique or Irreplaceable Products

Examples:

  • Original works of art (paintings, sculptures)
  • Collectibles (vintage cards, rare vinyl records, historical items)
  • Industrial prototypes (R&D, single samples)
  • Important documents (original signed contracts, diplomas, notarized deeds)

Why it's critical: There is no such thing as "replacement value." If the item is lost, no amount of money can fully compensate for it, but at least ad valorem insurance covers the declared market value and helps limit the financial disaster.

3. International Shipping (Outside France)

Increased risks:

  • International loss ratio: 2.3% vs. 1.1% nationally
  • Longer transit times (10-30 days) = greater exposure to theft/loss
  • Customs risks (blockage, excessive taxation, destruction for non-compliance)
  • Areas at political risk (strikes, civil unrest)

High-risk destinations (loss ratio >3%):

  • South America (Brazil, Argentina)
  • Sub-Saharan Africa
  • Some Southeast Asian countries

Recommendation: Comprehensive insurance recommended (vs. standard ad valorem) for destinations outside the EU/USA/Canada.

4. Volume E-commerce (Law of Large Numbers)

The math is simple: The more you ship, the more claims you'll have.

Probability calculation:

  • 100 packages/month × 1.5% loss ratio = 1.5 expected claims/month
  • 500 packages/month × 1.5% = 7.5 claims/month (90/year)
  • 1,000 packages/month × 1.5% = 15 claims/month (180/year)

Financial impact without insurance:

  • Average basket value €200 × 90 claims/year = €18,000 in losses
  • With Claisy insurance at 0.75%: $200 × 0.75% × 6,000 packages/year = $9,000/year
  • Net savings: €9,000/year (even when paying for insurance, you save 50%)

Risk transformation: Insurance transforms an unpredictable risk (which package will be lost?) into a predictable, budgetable cost (0.75% of shipping revenue).

5. Peak Season and Busy Periods

Alarming statistics:

  • Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Volumes up 250% compared to a normal week
  • Claims rate: +85% vs. quiet period (DPD Group 2024 study)
  • Delivery times: +40% (more time in transit = more risk)

Causes:

  • Saturation of sorting centers → rapid handling = breakage
  • Recruitment of poorly trained seasonal workers → routing errors
  • Opportunistic thefts (favorable period)

Peak Season Strategy:

  • If you usually insure >$200 → Lower to >$100 during November-December
  • Increase packaging padding (double protection)
  • Prioritize premium carriers (Chronopost Colissimo)

Check out our comprehensive guide to prepare for peak season in the best possible way.

🛡️ Protect All Your Shipments in 2 Minutes

100% automatic coverage of your shipments

Free integration with your CMS (Shopify, PrestaShop, WooCommerce, Magento). Every order is automatically insured for its actual value. No manual handling, no oversights.

→ Enable automatic protection for your shipments

Limitations and Exclusions: What Your Insurance Does NOT Cover

Even the best ad valorem insurance has its limits. Knowing the exclusions will help you avoid unpleasant surprises when you make a claim.

Standard Exclusions (All Insurers)

These exclusions are universal and apply to all parcel insurance contracts, whether carrier or specialized:

Goods prohibited by law:

  • Narcotics and illicit substances
  • Weapons and ammunition (excluding specialized channels)
  • Cash, checks, bearer securities (considered "securities")
  • Counterfeit products

Undeclared dangerous goods:

  • Lithium batteries >100Wh without IATA declaration
  • Flammable, explosive, corrosive products
  • Pressurized gas

Inherent defects in the goods:

  • Perishable goods without suitable insulated packaging
  • Food products that have passed their expiration date
  • Goods that deteriorate due to their very nature (e.g., fresh flowers)

Carrier Exclusions (Varies by Operator)

Please note: Traditional carriers exclude or severely restrict certain categories:

Jewelry and precious metals:

  • DHL: ❌ Excluded above €5,000
  • UPS: ❌ Excluded above €5,000
  • FedEx: ⚠️ Limited to $1,000 (approximately €950)
  • Colissimo: ⚠️ Limit of €5,000 (not specific to jewelry)

Works of art and antiques:

  • DHL/UPS/FedEx: ❌ Excluded or limited to €10,000
  • Require specialized transport beyond

Refurbished or used products:

  • Often ⚠️ Accepted under strict conditions (original purchase invoice required, difficult to provide)
  • Risk of compensation being refused if value is disputed

Luxury watches >$10,000:

  • Systematically ❌ Excluded or require armored transport

Claisy exclusions (Minimes)

Claisy accepts most products that are refused by carriers:

Accepted without limit:

  • Jewelry up to €100,000
  • Watches up to €100,000
  • Works of art up to €100,000
  • Refurbished products
  • Luxury leather goods

Exclusions Claisy (exhaustive list):

  • Cash and securities in circulation (industry standard)
  • Raw Materials
  • Undeclared dangerous goods
  • Products prohibited by law

For exclusive or ultra-premium products >€100,000, contact us for tailor-made solutions.

The Trap of "Non-Compliant Packaging"

42% of compensation claims (all carriers combined) are rejected due to "packaging not complying with standards."

Frequent reasons for rejection:

  • Reused or damaged cardboard (considered "weakened")
  • Calage insuffisant (<5 cm sur toutes faces pour fragiles)
  • Low-end packing tape (must be reinforced adhesive, 50 mm)
  • No double boxing for high value items (>€1,000)

Protection against this pitfall: Claisy is less strict about packaging than carriers (accepts standard professional packaging). Carriers often use this as a reason to refuse compensation.

6 Industry Profiles: What Insurance for Your Business?

Each sector has specific needs. Here are the recommendations by job type.

1. Fashion and Accessories E-commerce

Profile: Average value €80-300, volumes 100-1,000 packages/month, loss ratio 1.2-1.8%

Risks: Damage from humidity/heat, shipping errors, theft of premium brands

Recommended insurance: Automated ad valorem from €100. CMS integration essential (Shopify, PrestaShop) to avoid oversights on large orders.

Tip: Also offer free customer returns (items insured in both directions).

2. Jewelry and Watchmaking

Profile: Value €2,000–50,000, volumes 10–100 packages/month, maximum targeted theft risk

Risks: Theft by "palpation" (small, heavy, identifiable packages), catastrophic loss of cash

Recommended insurance: Specialized, minimum Limit ,000. Traditional carriers are unsuitable (systematic exclusions >€5,000).

Tip: Completely anonymous packaging (no mention of jewelry), neutral labels ("Measuring instrument"). Complete guide: Shipping insurance for watches & jewelry

3. Electronics and High Tech

Profile: Value €300-2,000, volumes 50-500 packages/month, loss ratio 2.1% (frequent breakage)

Risks: Fragile screens, targeted theft of premium brands (Apple, Samsung), rapid obsolescence complicates valuation

Recommended insurance: Ad valorem without exclusion for refurbished items. Check coverage for prototypes/test products if B2B tech.

Tip: Keep a record of the purchase price + margin for reconditioned items (otherwise the insurer may dispute the value).

4. Handicrafts and Unique Creations

Profile: Value €50-1,500, unique and irreplaceable items, volumes 20-200 packages/month

Risks: Total breakage of fragile items (ceramic, glass), difficulty justifying the value of unique creations

Recommended insurance: Comprehensive coverage with "declared value" acceptance without purchase invoice (you are a creator). Document your creations (professional photos, sales price history).

Tip: Professional custom packaging + "before packaging" photos to prove initial condition

5. Marketplace and Secondhand Sales (Leboncoin, TikTok Shop, eBay, etc.)

Profile: Private individual/semi-professional, value €30-1,800, legal liability until receipt by buyer

Risks: Frequent disputes regarding the actual condition of goods, difficulty proving second-hand value

Recommended insurance: Ad valorem from €200 (platformLimit ). Insurers accepting transaction screenshots as proof of value.

Tip: There is no seller protection on Vinted for items over €200, so you need to cover yourself. See the guide to secure shipping via Vinted.

6. Import-Export and International Trade

Profile: Import/export company, value €500-100,000, intermediate multiples, extended deadlines

Risks: Complex customs regulations, geopolitical risks in unstable areas, port strikes

Recommended insurance: Comprehensive insurance covering customs risks (destruction/blockage by authorities), strikes, and exceptional delays. Check the list of countries covered (conflict zones are often excluded).

Tip: Ensure customs clearance + return in case of refusal at the border. Resource: International freight insurance guide

FAQ: The 10 Essential Questions About Parcel Insurance

⚖️ What is the difference between "Declared Value" and " Carrier Liability"?
Carrier liability Carrier limited to weight (~€23/kg). If you lose a 2 kg computer, you will receive €46."Declared Value" (ad valorem) insurance reimburses you for the actual value (e.g., €2,000). This is a fundamental difference of 43× the compensation.
💎 Are jewelry, watches, and works of art covered?
  • With traditional carriers (DHL, UPS, FedEx): ❌ Excluded or capped at very low amounts (€1,000-5,000).
  • At Claisy: ✅ Fully covered up to €100,000 per package. Rolex watches, fine jewelry, paintings: all accepted.
📦 Do I need to use special packaging for high-value items?
Yes, two golden rules:
  • Anonymity: No visible branding (no Apple logo, Rolex logo, etc.). Plain box.
  • Double boxing: Product box + padding in a neutral outer box. Makes theft by "feeling" impossible.
🏷️ What should I write on the shipping label?
Be vague so as not to tempt thieves.
  • ❌ Avoid: "Rolex Submariner," "iPhone 15," "Cartier Jewelry."
  • ✅ Prefer: "Measuring instrument," "Electronic equipment," "Mr. Dupont."
📄 How can you prove the value of a used or refurbished item?
You don't have NOT Original invoice required. Acceptable forms of proof:
  • Certificate of sale/invoice for your customer sale.
  • Marketplace transaction capture (Leboncoin, eBay, Vinted).
  • Recent or historical expertise in similar prices.
⏱️ If my package is lost, how long will it take to receive compensation?
  • Carriers: 60 to 90 days on average (internal investigation + validation).
  • Claisy: 7 to 10 days maximum (AI analysis + transfer included).
Nine times faster to preserve your cash flow.
🌍 Does the insurance work internationally?
Yes, worldwide coverage (excluding war zones/embargo areas). Unlike carriers who change their Limits the country, Claisy guarantees the same protection (0.75%, Limit ) whether you are shipping to Lyon, London, or Tokyo.
🥊 What should you do if the Carrier to acknowledge the loss?
It's a classic nightmare scenario. With Carrier insurance, you're alone against the giant. With Claisy, we handle the dispute. We compensate you within seven days, and then we take action against Carrier. You're out of the conflict.
⏳ Can I insure a shipment after it has been shipped?
No, that's not possible. Insurance can only be taken out before the package is handed over to Carrier. No retroactive subscriptions are accepted.
Solution: Automate the process using our CMS modules (Shopify, PrestaShop) to insure each order as soon as it is confirmed.

Conclusion: Transform Your Risk into Operational Peace of Mind

Parcel insurance is not a cost incurred. It is a strategic investment in three pillars of your sustainability:

  1. Cash flow: Avoid losses of €400-2,000 per uninsured claim
  2. Reputation: Turn unhappy customers into loyal advocates (72-hour reshipment vs. 90 days)
  3. Peace of mind: Sleep soundly during Black Friday, international shipments, high-value shipments

The brutal truth: Carrier "included coverage" Carrier $23/kg) is a dangerous illusion for 95% of modern products. A lost smartphone = $4.60 in compensation. Stolen jewelry = $1.15. That's it.

The alternative: Genuine ad valorem insurance (based on the declared value) provides you with full protection. For 0.75% of the value with Claisy:

  • 100% actual value compensation
  • Limit €100,000 (vs. €3,000-7,600 for carriers)
  • 7-day delivery time (vs. 60-90 days for carriers)
  • 30-70% savings compared to carriers

Proven case studies:

  • retailer , 300 packages/month: Savings of $20,000/year (-77%)
  • retailer , 100 packages/month: Savings of $22,680/year (-67%)

The choice is simple: continue playing Russian roulette with your shipments, or control your risk with a predictable cost of 0.75%.

Now you know everything. You have the decision-making framework, the precise calculations, and the transparent comparisons. It's up to you to turn this knowledge into action.

💎 Parcel Insurance Calculator

Instantly compare Claisy vs. the ad valorem of your traditional carriers

DHL Express
€80.00 1.0% + €15 min
UPS Capital
€84.00 1.05% + €12 min
✨ Claisy Premium €60.00 0.75% • No minimum BEST CHOICE
💰 Your savings with Claisy
20,00€
compared to UPS (25% savings)

72-hour refund
🛡️ 0% deductible
Zero discount
✅ All products

* No strings attached!

Additional Resources Claisy

Carrier Guides (detailed analysis of rates, Limits, and delivery times):

Thematic Guides:

CMS guides (automatic integrations):