Are you about to ship an exceptional piece of jewelry, a work of art, premium electronic equipment or any other precious good? The anxiety you're feeling is legitimate. Between September and December 2024, over 3.7 million parcels were lost or damaged in France (according to ecommerce nation), and valuables are particularly at risk.
Insuring a high-value parcel is no longer an option, it's a business imperative. But navigating between paltry basic insurance, complex "Ad Valorem" options and specialist insurers can quickly become a costly headache.
This guide is your complete roadmap. We detail every available solution, analyze the true costs, and give you the keys to shipping your most precious goods with absolute peace of mind.
🎯 What you'll discover :
- Why basic insurance exposes you to losses of 95%+ of value
- Detailed comparison of insurance solutions available in 2025
- A practical step-by-step guide to choosing the right protection
- Case studies with ROI calculations based on your profile
The Basic Insurance Death Trap: 95% Guaranteed Loss
First truth to remember: All carriers include "insurance" by default, which is in reality a financial trap for valuables.
This flat-rate compensation is based on weight, not actual value. It's a system designed for document shipments, not for your valuables.
Real-life examples that hurt
- Actual value: €4,000
- Weight: 300g
- Colissimo compensation: €6.90 (0.3kg × €23)
Actual loss :
3 993 € (99,8%)
- Actual value: €1,200
- Weight: 220g
- Chronopost compensation: €5.06
Actual loss :
1 195 € (99,6%)
- Actual value: €2,800
- Weight: 1.2kg
- GLS compensation: €27.60
Actual loss :
2 772 € (99%)
The Calculation That Kills
For any item whose value exceeds 25 times its weight in kg, basic insurance exposes you to almost total loss. Most valuable goods (tech, jewelry, art, watches) have a value/weight ratio well in excess of €25/kg.
Conclusion: if you only take out basic insurance for a valuable item, you'll lose 95%+ in the event of a claim.
Real Solutions 2025: Comprehensive Options Analysis
To be compensated for the actual value, you need to take out additional protection. Here's a complete overview of your options.
Option 1: Ad Valorem insurance for carriers
Ad Valorem" (value-based) insurance is offered directly by some carriers. You declare the actual value and are indemnified on this basis in the event of a claim.
Analysis of Insurance Offers by Carrier
Limit Ad ValoremUp to €1,000 maximum
CostVaries according to declared value
BenefitsExtended network, small object option (R1-R3)
LimitsVery lowLimit , 30-60 days lead time
Limit Ad ValoremUp to €5,000
CostPercentage of value (~1-2%)
BenefitsPremium service, fast delivery
LimitsImportant list of exclusions
Limit Ad ValoremUp to €50,000
Cost1 to 3% of the declared value
BenefitsGlobal network, advanced tracking
LimitsConditions vary by country
Option 2: Professional Specialty Insurance
Specialized insurers offer tailor-made solutions for very high-value items or professionals with large volumes.
Advantages of Specialized Solutions
- HighLimits : €50,000 to €250,000 depending on the insurer
- Extended coverage: all types of objects, even those excluded elsewhere
- Dedicated expertise: Teams specializing in high-value assets
- Rapid compensation: 48 hours to 15 days, depending on the insurer and if no Carrier survey is requested.
- Carrier flexibility: Compatible with all shippers
Detailed comparison 2025: Which solution to choose?
| Criteria |
Basic insurance |
Ad Valorem Transporteurs |
| 💰Cost |
Included(but not required) |
1-3% of value + premium service obligation |
0.5-1.5% of valueNo constraint |
| 📈Limit Maximum |
23-50€(weight package) |
1,000€ to 50,000€according to Carrier |
50 000€ à 250 000€Negotiable |
| ⏱️Time limit Compensation |
30-60daysComplex procedure |
30-90 Carrier survey |
48h-15 daysOptimized process |
| 🎯Covered items |
All(but a derisory amount) |
Important exclusions(luxury goods, art often excluded) |
All objectsSpecialized expertise |
| 🌍Geography |
According to Carrier |
VariableInternationalcomplex |
WorldwideUniform conditions |
| 🚚Carrier stress |
Carrier selected |
Specificcarrier Mandatory premium service |
Free choiceAll carriers |
| 👥Customer support |
Generalist Carrier service |
Generalist Carrier service |
Insurance expertsDedicated to valuable goods |
Practical Guide: Choosing the Right Solution in 4 Steps
Step 1: Evaluate your Shipping Profile
Analyze your last 6 months:
- Average value of your valuable shipments
- Shipping frequency (occasional vs. regular)
- Types of items shipped (tech, art, jewelry, vintage...)
- Destinations (national, international, specific)
- Approximate monthly volume
Step 2: Identify your Critical Needs
When to choose which solution?
📦
Choose Carrier Ad Valorem if :
- Your items are worth less than €2,000
- You accept the mandatory premium services
- Your items are not included in the exclusions
- You mainly ship nationally
🛡️
Opt for Specialty Insurance if :
- Your items are worth more than €2,000
- You want the freedom to choose your carriers
- If you ship luxury goods, art or "sensitive" objects
- You prefer rapid compensation
- You ship internationally
Step 3: Calculate Total Actual Cost
Don't limit yourself to the price of insurance. Include :
The real cost of a shipment = Cost of transport + Cost of risk (loss/damage)
- Direct costs : Insurance premium + Carrier surcharge (if premium service compulsory) + Any administration costs
- Indirect costs: Claims handling time + Impact on cash flow (compensation delays) + 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, real cost
- Compare : With your current solution
- Decide: Based on facts, not impressions
Case studies: ROI according to your profile
Case studies: ROI according to your profile
| Profile |
|
Antique dealer
Location: St Tropez
Average value €1,800, 15 parcels/month
|
Cost: €405/month
Analysis: High risk of exclusion.
|
Cost: €270/month
Analysis: Total coverage and Carrier freedom.
|
135/month savings + Total security
|
|
E-trade Tech
Location: Bordeaux
Average value €650, 45 parcels/month
|
Cost: €292/month
Analysis: 15% of uninsurable products.
|
Cost: €219/month
Analysis: 100% of products covered.
|
Savings of €73/month + 100% coverage
|
|
Art Gallery
Location: Monaco
Average value €4,200, 8 parcels/month
|
Cost: N/A
Analysis: Value > Transport Limits .
|
Cost: €252/month
Analysis: Only viable option.
|
Total security up to €250K
|
The Claisy Alternative: Simplicity meets Performance
Faced with the complexity of carrier insurance and the limitations of Limits, Claisy offers a revolutionary approach to high-value parcel insurance.
🎯 Why Claisy Transforms the Way You Manage Transportation Disputes
- 0.75% of value (vs. fixed steps)
- No Carrier constraints
- No mandatory premium service
- Same UK and international rates
- Up to €100,000 per parcel
- All products covered (luxury, art, tech)
- Identical worldwide protection
- Scalable as you grow
- Compensation in 48-72 hours (vs. 60+ days)
- Real-time tracking dashboard
- Dedicated English and French support
- 100% digital process
- Comprehensive REST API for custom integrations
- Webhooks for advanced automation
- Compatible with all UK carriers
-
Free connectors :
ROI study: Bijoutier Parisien Optimizes its Protection
Context: High-end jewelry store, 25 shipments/month, average value €3,200
Before Claisy :
- Solution: Chronopost patchwork + 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 objects up to €100,000
- Result: 100% protected parts, simplified process
- Total cost: €780/month (0.75% × value + time savings)
Annual ROI: €8,040 in savings + total security + 15h/month saved
5 mistakes to avoid
| ❌ Error to Avoid |
| Proud of Basic Insurance |
95%+ loss of value in the event of a claim |
Always take out ad valorem protection for any item > €100 |
| Neglecting packaging |
Compensation refused for "inadequate packaging |
Invest in professional packaging, photograph the process |
| Do Not Read Exclusions |
Discover that your object is not covered AFTER the loss |
Systematically check the list of excluded goods before underwriting |
| Waiting for the First Disaster |
Stress, financial loss and damaged customer relations |
Putting the right insurance in place BEFORE you need it |
| Under-valuing to save |
Partial compensation even with ad valorem insurance |
Declare actual value, save on rate not value |
Conclusion: High-value insurance, a profitable investment
Properly insuring your high-value parcels is not an expense, it's an investment in the future of your business. Investing just a few tenths of a percent saves you thousands of euros in losses, and preserves your customer reputation.
3 golden rules to remember :
- Never basic insurance for an item > €100 (near-guaranteed loss)
- Always check exclusions before taking out a policy (to avoid unpleasant surprises)
- Favoring flexibility over restrictive "all-in-one" solutions
Do you ship valuables and want to optimize your protection?
Optimum protection combines transparent pricing, high Limits , modern responsiveness and total operational freedom.
👋
Collaborative tool
Declare your parcels manually or import a simple CSV file.
🔌
Free connectors
Integrate Claisy into your CMS in 1 click for 100% automated insurance.
⚙️
API & EDI
For customized needs and deep integration with your WMS or ERP.
FAQ : Your questions about High Value Parcel Insurance
💎 What is the minimum value for ad valorem insurance?
From €100, basic insurance is insufficient. For any item whose value exceeds 50x its weight in kg (tech, jewelry, art), ad valorem is essential.
📱 Are Apple products still covered?
Beware of exclusions. Some carriers exclude "electronic devices". Tip: Specialized insurers systematically cover all tech products.
⚡ How long does it take to receive compensation?
- Carriers: 30-90 days
- Specialist insurers: 48h-15 days
🌍 Does my insurance work internationally?
Carriers often apply different rules. Specialized solutions generally offer the same worldwide conditions.
💰 Can I insure a second-hand or vintage item?
Yes, with proof of value (invoice, appraisal, certificate). Specialized insurers are more flexible about proof than carriers.
🎨 Are works of art and antiques insurable?
Partially with carriers (frequent exclusions), fully with specialists. Specialist insurance is almost compulsory for parts > €10,000.
🚚 Should I change Carrier for better insurance?
Not necessarily. Specialized insurance gives you the freedom to choose any Carrier and negotiate your rates freely.
⚖️ What happens if I undervalue my object?
It's a big risk. Compensation is limited to the declared value, even if the item was worth more. Always declare the real value.
📦 Does packaging influence my coverage?
Absolutely. Inadequate packaging is grounds for refusal of compensation. Use reinforced materials and take photos.
🔄 Can I change insurance during the term of my contract?
For professionals, yes, generally with advance notice. For individuals, the change is immediate, as the insurance is sent by mail.
Additional Resources
