Relais Colis to grow since its acquisition by the Walden Group in 2022, establishing itself as a major player in parcel delivery to collection points for businesses in France, with a network exceeding 10,000 points since 2024 and more than 45 million parcels delivered in 2025. Relais Colis specifically Relais Colis small and medium-sized retailers with a promise of flexibility and proximity.
But when it comes to protecting valuable parcels, Relais Colis insurance, known as "Option Zen," quickly reveals certain structural limitations. Between a rigid tiered system, a Limit at €5,000, and numerous exclusions ( high-tech items, jewelry, watches), many professionals discover after a delivery dispute that this insurance is not suited to their actual needs.
This guide provides an in-depth analysis of Relais Colis insurance Relais Colis detailed rates, details of exclusions, and the opaque claims process. You will also discover modern alternatives for retailers. You can also consult our comprehensive comparison of parcel insurance policies and our Ad Valorem encyclopedia.
Relais Colis Positioning and Network
A Rapidly Growing Actor
Relais Colis experienced spectacular growth in recent years, according to E-commerce Mag:
- 6,500 pickup points in February 2023
- 8,000 points in summer 2023
- 9,000 points by the end of 2023
- Over 10,000 points since 2024
This growth of nearly 50% in one year positions Relais Colis a serious competitor to Mondial Relay ~11,000 locations) and the Pickup network (13,000 locations belonging to the La Poste group).
Focus on B2C Professionals
Unlike Mondial Relay targets both individuals and businesses, Relais Colis exclusively on B2C (business-to-consumer) professionals. This specialization is reflected in:
- Dedicated tools: new professional website, e-commerce modules, specialized customer service
- A collection service offered through a partnership with Ciblex (B2B express delivery)
- Strategic partnerships: 400 Auchan lockers, collaboration with Quadient
The Relais Colis Option Zen" Relais Colis Insurance: Detailed Analysis
How the Zen Option works
Relais Colis insurance Relais Colis accidental damage or loss of goods during transport, according to the official IPID (Information Product Insurance Document) issued by the insurer Tokio Marine Europe S.A.
Basic coverage:
- €20 automatically included in case of lost packages (without option)
- Paid Zen option for values over €100
- Compensation based on invoice value or supporting documentation provided
Complete Price List Ad Valorem Insurance Relais Colis
The system operates in predefined value increments, according to the official Relais Colis FAQ:
Source: IPID Relais Colis effect
⚠️ CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE SYSTEM BY STAGES
The tiered system creates significant tariff distortions:
- Parcel €350: pay €5 (i.e., 1.43% of the amount shipped)
- Parcel €351: pay €6 (i.e., 1.71% of the amount shipped) → +20% rate for a 0.3% increase in value
- Package €500: pay €6 (i.e., 1.20% of the amount shipped)
- Parcel €501: pay €7.50 (i.e., 1.50% of the amount shipped) → +25% rate for a 0.2% increase in value
These tariff jumps artificially penalize certain amounts and complicate budget predictability for retailers
Limit Parcel Insurance Limit : €5,000
The Limit is strictly limited to €5,000 per package according to Relais Colis official Relais Colis documentation.
Impact for professionals:
- E-commerce: MacBook Pro, servers, equipment >€5k = total overdraft
- Premium mode: Luxury coats, designer bags, collections >€5k = risk not covered
- Designer furniture: Exceptional pieces, high-end furniture = financial exposure
- Professional equipment: Tools, machines, specialized equipment >€5k = insufficient protection
This Limit of €5,000 puts Relais Colis same level as Colissimo B2B (€5,000), but well below the actual needs of the premium and B2B market.
Massive Exclusions: Products Not Covered
According to the official IPID document, the following items are systematically excluded from any coverage by Relais Colis.
Check out our guide to insurance for high-value shipments up to €100,000 per package to discover the solutions tailored to these sectors.
Complaint Process: Lack of Transparency and Lengthiness
Strict Reporting Deadline
According to the IPID document relating to Relais Colis insurance, the insured must:
- Report the claim within 3 days of becoming aware of it.
- Provide all necessary supporting documents
- Take all measures to limit the damage
Required Documents (Non-Exhaustive List)
Although not specified in detail, field experience shows that parcel delivery insurers generally require:
- Proof of deposit Relais Colis
- Purchase invoice for the shipped goods
- Photos before shipping (packaging + contents)
- Photos of damage if package is damaged
- Sworn statement
- Written correspondence with Relais Colis
- Potentially: independent expertise for high values
Refund Period
Although not officially communicated by Relais Colis, field reports indicate average delays of more than 60 days, similar to industry standards for insurance managed by external third parties.
For comparison:
- Colissimo: 60-90 days (see Colissimo insurance analysis)
- DHL: 60-90 days (see DHL insurance analysis)
- UPS: 77 days (see UPS insurance analysis)
Comparison: Relais Colis and Mondial Relay
Relay Points Comparison Table
Source: Mondial Relay: Detailed analysis
💡 DIFFERENTIATED POSITIONING
- Mondial Relay : Very low Limit but extensive network for individuals
- Relais Colis : Limit of Limit ,000 acceptable but massive high-tech exclusions
- Both: Not suitable for jewelry, watches, art, premium electronics
The Modern Alternative: Automated Parcel Insurance
Structural Limits of Zen Relais Colis
retailers four major obstacles:
- Limit ofLimit ,000 insufficient for premium products
- Massive exclusions (high-tech, jewelry, watches, art)
- Stepped pricing system creating price distortions
- Delays of 60+ days impacting cash flow
Principle of Parcel Insurance Automation
Automated parcel insurance offers a radically different approach:
Transparent pricing structure:
- Single rate of 0.75% of the declared value
- No tiers: exact proportional pricing
- No minimum collection
Universal coverage:
- Limit €100,000 per parcel (vs €5,000 for Relais Colis)
- High-tech covered: laptops, smartphones, servers
- Jewelry and watches: all categories without restriction
- Art and collecting: exceptional pieces protected
Operational efficiency:
- Refund within 48 hours (vs. 60+ days)
- 100% unified digital declaration
- Compatible with all carriers: Relais Colis, Mondial Relay, Colissimo, DHL, etc.
Comparison of Relais Colis Insurance Relais Colis Modern Solution
Conclusion: Relais Colis, Bon Carrier, Limited Ad Valorem Insurance
Relais Colis established Relais Colis as an Carrier for retailers with its network of over 10,000 pickup points and its B2C focus. However, Relais Colis insurance policy, "Option Zen," reveals major structural limitations:
The three critical obstacles facing Relais Colis :
- Limit ofLimit ,000 blocking for premium products
- Massive exclusions rendering the insurance unusable for high-tech items, jewelry, watches, and art
- Stepped pricing system creating price distortions and budgetary unpredictability
Pour les e-commerçants expédiant du textile et accessoires <5 000€, l'Option Zen peut convenir. Mais pour tous les autres secteurs (électronique, bijouterie, horlogerie, art, mobilier premium), cette assurance est inadaptée voire dangereuse car elle crée une fausse sécurité.
The good news: you can continue to ship with Relais Colis (an excellent network of pickup points) while benefiting from modern parcel delivery insurance with no exclusions. Automated solutions work with all carriers, allowing you to keep your current logistics while eliminating areas of risk.
To Go Further
Case Studies: ROI and Limitations
Case 1: Fashion E-commerce (Average Value €280)
Profile: Online clothing store, 150 packages/month
With Relais Colis Zen Relais Colis :
- Applicable threshold: €151–€350 = €5/package
- Monthly cost: 150 × $5 = $750/month
- Annual cost: €9,000
- Coverage: ✅ Textile covered (except haute couture/furs)
Limitation: Haute couture items >€5,000 not covered
Case 2: Electronic Marketplace (Average Value €800)
Profile: Tech reseller, 100 packages/month
Critical issue:
- ❌ EXCLUSIVE laptops
- ❌ Mobile phones EXCLUS
- ❌ Insurance unusable for 100% of the activity
Impact: Relais Colis Zen Relais Colis = €0 of actual protection despite possible payment
To Go Further
Deepen your understanding of parcel insurance with our expert guides:
- Comprehensive parcel insurance comparison: analysis of all solutions on the market
- Mondial Relay insurance Mondial Relay : direct competitor to Relais Colis
- Colissimo La Poste insurance: home delivery or pickup point alternative
- Insurance guide for your high-value shipments: jewelry, watches, art, premium equipment
- Automated parcel insurance with your CMS store: understanding the benefits
- Ad Valorem insurance solutions hub: comprehensive encyclopedia
- DHL Insurance: international solution
- UPS Insurance: Express Alternative