You've just wrapped a parcel. Whether it contains a product from your e-commerce store, a valuable gift or a crucial document, one question hangs in the air: "What if it never arrives? In the world of shipping, uncertainty is the norm. But resignation shouldn't be.
The biggest financial mistake shippers make is to trust the "basic" insurance included by carriers (whatever your activity). It's an illusory safety net. The only real protection for your goods isad valorem insurance. Still hesitating? Here are 7 compelling reasons that will transform your vision of shipment security.
Carriers are liable for between €23 and €33 per kilogram, which means that for a light but valuable parcel, compensation may be much lower than the actual value of the parcel.
What is Ad Valorem Insurance (and why it is NOT an Option)
Before diving into the reasons, let's understand what we're talking about.
- Classic insurance (Carrier): It compensates you by weight. A derisory lump sum (often ~€23/kg) that takes absolutely no account of what's in your box.
- Ad Valorem insurance: This indemnifies you "according to value" (which is what "ad valorem" means in Latin). You declare the actual value of your goods, and in the event of a claim, you are reimbursed on that basis.
It's the difference between receiving €5 for your lost smartphone, and receiving its actual purchase price.
Top 7 Reasons to Adopt Ad Valorem Insurance
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Compensation at ACTUAL value
Ad valorem insurance ignores weight and focuses on declared value. It's the only insurance that respects the true value of your goods.
Example: Watch worth €20,000 (400g) lost. Basic compensation: €9.20. With Ad Valorem: €20,000.
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Protection against the 3 major risks
Your shipment is covered against Loss (sorting error), Theft (warehouse, "porch pirates") and Breakage (handling).
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Serenity for valuables
For jewelry, luxury goods, high-tech or prototypes, ad valorem insurance is not an option, it's a must.
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Fast reimbursement & Simple management
Claim in just a few clicks and receive compensation in days, not months.
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Security for International
Good ad valorem insurance covers disputes regardless of the country of destination, with a unified tariff.
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Protecting Your Brand Image
You turn a problem into proof of your professionalism by immediately reshipping a new product.
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Customized, flexible coverage
Choose the exact amount you need to cover and benefit from rates tailored to your volumes, without being constrained by rigid tiers.
Basic insurance vs. Ad Valorem: The face-off
The face of parcel insurance
Ad Valorem Standard InsuranceCarrier)
⚖️ Compensation principle
By weight (e.g. 23€/kg). Unsuitable for real value.
📉 Limit Typical
Very low, often limited to less than €1,000.
❌ Risk Coverage
Limited, with many exclusives (luxury, high-tech...).
⏳ Disaster management
Slow and complex, often an administrative obstacle course.
Innovative Parcel Insurance (Specialist)
💎 Compensation principle
Based on the actual declared value of your merchandise.
📈 Limit Typical
Very high, up to €100,000 and more.
✅ Risk Coverage
Comprehensive: covers loss, theft, breakage, damage...
⚡ Disaster management
Simplified and fast, often digitized for express compensation.
Practical Checklist: The Insured Shipper's Good Reflexes
- Before shipping: Take out insurance before shipping. Always keep the purchase invoice or proof of value of your item.
- Packaging: Use neutral, sturdy packaging. Never mention the nature or value of the contents on the package.
- In the event of a claim: Take photos (if damaged), contact your insurer immediately and keep all documents (proof of deposit, e-mail exchanges, etc.).
In conclusion, choosing ad valorem insurance is not about "spending more". It's a decision to invest in the security of your assets, the peace of mind and the satisfaction of your beneficiaries.
Cut costs and choose a partner you can trust with Claisy
Stop wasting time and money on complex offers. Discover how Claisy integrates with your logistics to make it simpler and more profitable.
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Collaborative tool
Declare your parcels manually or import a simple CSV file.
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Free connectors
Integrate Claisy into your CMS in 1 click for 100% automated insurance.
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API & EDI
For customized needs and deep integration with your WMS or ERP.
❓ Questions about why you should take out Ad Valorem insurance
💡 What is Ad Valorem insurance?
Meaning "according to value", this is an insurance policy that covers your belongings up to their actual declared value. If you insure an object for €1,000, you'll be compensated on the basis of €1,000, not on a derisory weight-based lump sum.
⚖️ What's the difference with Carrier basic insurance?
Basic insurance has very low Limits (e.g. €23/kg), numerous exclusions (luxury, high-tech) and reimbursement times of +60 days. An ad valorem solution like Claisy offers high Limits , broad coverage and 48-hour payment.
💰 What is the return on investment (ROI) of parcel insurance?
ROI is immediate. The cost of insurance (e.g. 0.75%) is tiny compared to the cost of a claim: loss of goods + replacement cost + after-sales service time + customer dissatisfaction. A single claim avoided makes hundreds of insured shipments profitable.
⚡ How does insurance protect my cash flow?*
In the event of a claim, carriers reimburse within 60-90 days, tying up your capital. Fast insurance like Claisy reimburses you in 48-72 hours. So you can immediately reship an order without waiting and without impacting your cash flow.
⭐ What is the impact on my customers' satisfaction (NPS)?*
This is a major lever. A poorly managed dispute is the leading cause of dissatisfaction. By immediately replacing a lost or broken product through rapid compensation, you turn a problem into a positive customer experience that generates loyalty.
🤔 Why not insure myself?
Self-insurance is viable for very low values. But it becomes a major financial risk for high-value products, as you assume 100% of the loss. What's more, it doesn't cover claims peaks (e.g. Christmas period, strikes), which can weaken your business.
💍 What types of property are most affected?
This is essential for jewelry, luxury goods, electronics (new and reconditioned), works of art, collectors' items and prototypes, which are almost always excluded from basic warranties.
🚫 What are the mistakes to avoid?
Common mistakes that invalidate your coverage include underwriting after shipment, failing to retain proof of value (invoices), using improper packaging or declaring an incorrect value.
