Are you about to ship an exceptional piece of jewelry, a work of art, premium electronic equipment, or any other valuable item? Your anxiety is justified. Between September and December 2024, more than 3.7 million packages were lost or damaged in France (according to eCommerce Nation), and valuable items are particularly at risk.
Insuring high-value parcels worth up to €100,000 is no longer optional—it's a business necessity. But navigating between inadequate basic insurance policies, complex "ad valorem" options, and specialized insurers can quickly become a costly headache.
👥 This guide is intended for professionals shipping goods valued at over €2,000: retailers , antique dealers, jewelers, and art galleries. We detail each available solution, analyze the actual costs, and provide you with the keys to shipping your most valuable goods with complete peace of mind.
🎯 What you will discover:
- Why basic insurance exposes you to losses of 95%+ of the value
- Detailed comparison of insurance solutions available in 2025
- Step-by-step practical guide to choosing the right protection
- Specific cases with ROI calculations based on your profile
The Deadly Trap of Basic Transportation Insurance: 95% Loss "Guaranteed"
First thing to remember: All carriers include default "insurance" that is actually a financial trap for valuable items.
This flat-rate compensation is based on weight, not actual value. It is a system designed for document shipments, not for your valuable possessions.
Concrete Examples That Hurt
The Killer Calculation
For any item whose value exceeds 25 times its weight in kilograms, basic insurance leaves you exposed to a near-total loss. However, most valuable items (technology, jewelry, art, watches) have a value-to-weight ratio well above €25/kg.
Conclusion: Settling for basic insurance for a valuable item means accepting a loss of 95%+ in the event of a claim.
Real Solutions for Insured Parcels
To be compensated for the actual value, you must purchase additional coverage for packages insured against all risks. Here is a comprehensive overview of your options:
Option 1: Ad Valorem Insurance for Carriers
Ad Valorem insurance ( based on value) is offered directly by most carriers. You declare the actual value and are compensated on that basis in the event of a claim. However, you will need to provide a significant amount of evidence and be patient, as reimbursement times regularly exceed 75 days.
And be careful, the slightest oversight (no invoice, no photo of the packaging, etc.) or fault on your part (box deemed too flimsy or unsuitable) will result in your claim being immediately rejected and you will not be entitled to compensation.
You can also find all our analyses of all carriers (UPS, Royal Mail, FedEx, etc.) in our ad valorem insurance atlas by clicking here or on our interactive shipping insurance comparison tool here!
Option 2: Specialized Professional Ad Valorem Insurance
For very high-value items or professionals with large volumes, specialized parcel transport insurers offer tailor-made solutions.
Benefits of Specialized Parcel Insurance Solutions
- Limits : €50,000 to €250,000 depending on the insurer
- Extended coverage: All types of objects, even those excluded elsewhere
- Dedicated expertise: Teams specializing in valuable assets
- Quick compensation: 48 hours to 15 days depending on the insurer and whether they request a Carrier investigation
- Carrier flexibility Carrier Compatible with all shippers
Detailed Comparison: Which Delivery Insurance Solution Should You Choose?
Practical Guide: Choosing the Right Insured Delivery Solution in 4 Steps
Step 1: Assess Your Shipping Profile
Analyze your last 6 months:
- Average value of your valuable shipments
- Frequency of shipping (occasional vs. regular)
- Types of items shipped (technology, art, jewelry, leather goods, vintage items, etc.)
- Destinations (domestic, international, specific)
- Approximate monthly volume
Step 2: Identify Your Critical Needs
Step 3: Calculate the Total Actual Cost
Don't limit yourself to the price of parcel insurance. Include:
The actual cost of shipping = Transportation price + Cost of risk (loss/damage)
- Direct costs: Insurance premium + Carrier surcharge Carrier if premium service is mandatory) + Any administrative fees
- Indirect costs: Time spent managing claims + Impact on cash flow (delays in compensation) + Opportunity cost (inability to use other carriers) + Impact on brand image
Step 4: Test and Measure
Recommended approach:
- Test phase: Try out the chosen solution on 5-10 shipments.
- Measure: Simplicity, responsiveness, actual cost
- Compare: With your current solution
- Decide: Based on concrete data, not impressions
Case Studies: ROI Based on Your Profile
The Claisy Alternative: Simplicity meets Performance
Faced with the complexity of carrier insurance and the limitations of Limits, Claisy offers a revolutionary approach for insured high-value parcels up to €100,000 with a simple interface that allows you to track all your shipments.
5 Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs When Insuring Parcels
Conclusion: High-Value Parcel Insurance, a Profitable Investment
Properly insuring your high-value packages is not an expense, it is an investment in the sustainability of your business. Choose Claisy for a comprehensive solution that tracks your shipments and covers your jewelry, watches, and other luxury items. The few tenths of a percent invested in insured packages will save you thousands of dollars in losses and preserve your customer reputation.
The three golden rules to remember:
- Never basic insurance for an item > $100 (loss almost guaranteed)
- Always check the exclusions before subscribing (to avoid unpleasant surprises).
- Prioritize flexibility over restrictive "all-in-one" solutions
Appendices
ROI Study: Parisian Jeweler Optimizes Delivery Protection
Context: High-end jewelry store, 25 shipments/month, average value €3,200
Before Claisy:
- Solution: Patchwork Chronopost external insurance for > €5,000
- Problems: 30% of parts uninsurable, complex management, high costs
- Total cost: €1,450/month (insurance + management time)
After Claisy:
- Solution: Single coverage for all items up to €100,000
- Result: 100% of parts protected, simplified process
- Total cost: ~$1,000/month (0.60% × value + time saved)
Annual ROI: €12,000 in savings + total security + 15 hours/month saved
Additional Resources
- Comprehensive comparison of carrier insurance policies
- Hub on ad valorem insurance: Solutions by Carrier, solutions, sector...
- Practical guide: Effectively reporting a transportation dispute
- Insurance for Wine, Champagne, and Spirits
- Luxury Goods Insurance
- Insurance for Vintage Watches and Luxury Watches