Are you about to ship a piece of fine jewelry, a work of art, high-end electronic equipment, or any other valuable item? Your concerns are entirely 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 a high-value shipment for up to €100,000 is no longer just an option—it’s a business necessity. But navigating between inadequate basic shipping insurance, 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, costume jewelry retailers, and art galleries. We break down each available option, analyze the actual costs, and provide you with the tools you need to ship your valuable goods with complete peace of mind.
🎯 What you'll learn:
- Why basic carrier insurance leaves you vulnerable to losses of more than 95% of the value
- Comparison of insurance for valuables, jewelry, art, luxury items, and more in 2026
- A Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Package Insurance for Your Shipment
- Real-world examples with ROI calculations tailored to your profile
The Trap of Basic Cargo Insurance: 95% Loss "Guaranteed"
The first thing to keep in mind: All carriers include "shipping insurance" by default, which is actually a financial trap when it comes to valuable items.
This flat-rate compensation is based on weight, not on actual value. It is a system designed for document shipments, not for your valuable items.
Real-Life Examples That Back Up This Figure
The Deadly Calculation
For any item whose value exceeds 25 times its weight in kilograms, basic shipping insurance leaves you vulnerable to a near-total loss. However, most high-value items (technology, jewelry, art, watches) have a value-to-weight ratio well above €25 per kilogram.
Conclusion: Relying solely on basic insurance for a valuable item means accepting a loss of 95% or more in the event of a claim.
Real Solutions for Insuring High-Value Packages
To be compensated for the full value of your items, you must purchase additional shipping insurance for high-value packages that covers all delivery risks. Here is a comprehensive overview of your options:
Option 1: Ad Valorem Cargo Insurance
"Ad Valorem" (value-based) insurance is offered directly by most carriers. You declare the actual value of the shipment and are compensated based on that value in the event of a claim. However, you will need to provide a significant amount of documentation and be prepared to wait, as reimbursement typically takes more than two months.
And be careful: even the slightest oversight ( no receipt, no photo of the packaging, etc.) or a mistake on your part (a box deemed too flimsy or unsuitable) will result in your claim being immediately rejected, and you will not be entitled to compensation.
Finally, one last thing to keep in mind: make sure your luxury item is covered by your shipping insurance! Or rather, make sure your item isn't listed among the exclusions in your shipping insurance policy!
You can also find all our analyses of the major carriers (UPS, Royal Mail, FedEx, etc.) as well as each carrier’s exclusions in our ad valorem insurance atlas by clicking here or on our interactive parcel insurance comparison tool here !
Option 2: Specialized Commercial Package Insurance
To ensure the safe shipment of high-value items, specialized cargo insurers offer customized solutions tailored to your products.
Benefits of Specialized Package Insurance Solutions
- Limits : €50,000 to €250,000, depending on the insurer
- Extensive coverage: All types of items, even those excluded elsewhere
- Dedicated expertise: Teams specializing in high-value shipments
- Fast claims settlement: 48 hours to 25 days, depending on the insurer and whether they require a Carrier investigation
- Carrier Compatibility Carrier Compatible with all Carrier models Carrier to be verified)
Benchmark: What type of shipping insurance should I use to ship a valuable package?
Guide: How to Choose the Right Insured Shipping in 4 Steps
Step 1: Assess Your Shipping Profile
Take a look back at the past 6 months:
- Average value of your high-value shipments
- Shipping frequency (occasional vs. regular)
- Types of items shipped (high-tech, art, jewelry, leather goods, vintage items, etc.)
- Destinations (domestic, international)
- Approximate monthly volume
Step 2: Identify Your Critical Needs
Step 3: Calculate the Actual Total Cost
Don't just focus on the cost of parcel insurance. Consider:
The actual cost of a shipment = Shipping cost + Risk cost (loss/damage)
- Direct costs of shipping insurance: Insurance premium + Carrier surcharge Carrier if premium service is required) + Any applicable processing fees
- Indirect costs of cargo insurance: Claims processing time + 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 insured shipments
- Measure: Simplicity, responsiveness, actual cost
- Compare: With your current solution
- Make a decision: Based on concrete data, not impressions
Real-World Examples: ROI Based on Your Profile
The Claisy Alternative: Simplicity & Performance
Given the complexity of carrier insurance and the limitations of Limits, Claisy offers a revolutionary solution for high-value packages insured up to €100,000, featuring a user-friendly interface that lets you track all your shipments.
Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping Insured Valuable Packages
Conclusion: High-Value Cargo Insurance: A Wise Investment
Properly insuring your high-value shipments isn’t an expense—it’s an investment in the long-term success of your business. Choose Claisy for a comprehensive solution that tracks your shipments and covers your jewelry, watches, and other luxury items. The small percentage you invest in insured shipments can save you thousands of euros in losses and protect your reputation with customers.
The 3 golden rules to remember for Parcel Insurance:
- Never opt for basic shipping insurance for items costing more than €100 (loss is virtually guaranteed)
- Always check the exclusions before signing up (to avoid unpleasant surprises)
- Prioritize flexibility over restrictive "all-in-one" solutions
To go further
ROI Study: London Jeweler Optimizes Its Delivery Protection
Background: High-end London jewelry store, 25 high-value shipments per month, average package value of €3,200
Before Claisy:
- Solution: Royal Mail external insurance for €2,500
- Challenges: 30% of parts are uninsurable, complex management, high costs
- Cost of package insurance: ~€800/month (shipping insurance + administrative time)
After Claisy:
- Solution: Single coverage for all items up to €100,000
- Result: 100% of parts protected, streamlined process
- Cost of cargo insurance: €480/month (0.60% Excluding VAT value + time savings)
Annual ROI: €3,840 in savings + complete security + 15 hours saved per month
Additional Resources
- Practical Guide: How to File a Dispute Effectively
- Shipping Insurance: Wine, Champagne, Spirits
- Insurance for shipments of luxury goods
- Insurance for Vintage and Luxury Watches