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.
- Conventional insurance (carrier): 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.
The 7 Essential Reasons to Subscribe to Ad Valorem Insurance
Reason n°1 : You are compensated for the ACTUAL value of your shipment
This is the fundamental benefit. Ad valorem insurance ignores the weight of the parcel and focuses on its declared value.
- Concrete example: You ship a luxury watch in a package weighing 400g and worth €20,000.
- Without Ad Valorem: Basic insurance reimburses 0.4 kg * 23 €/kg = 9.20 €.
- With Ad Valorem: You are compensated up to €2,000
Thedifference is abysmal: €19,990.80. This is the only insurance that respects the true value of your possessions, so consider it seriously.
Reason no. 2: Total protection against the 3 major risks
The journey of a parcel is full of pitfalls. Ad valorem insurance is a unique shield against :
- Loss: Parcel mislaid in a sorting center, switching error...
- Theft: From warehouse theft to the scourge of "porch pirates
- Breakage (Damage): Shocks during handling, crushed parcel...
You no longer have to worry about which risks are covered. The main ones are.
Reason no. 3: Serenity for shipments of valuable or sensitive items
Some items are simply impossible to send with basic insurance.
- Jewelry, Luxury, Fine Watchmaking, Leather Goods
- Electronics, HiFi and High-Tech (smartphones, computers)
- Works of art, collectors' items, prototypes
For all these goods, whose value is well over a few hundred euros, ad valorem insurance is not an option, it's an obligation if you want to ship with peace of mind.
Reason no. 4: Fast reimbursement and simplified management
In the event of a problem, your worst enemy is time!
- Carrier insurance: Waiting for their (very) long internal investigation to be completed, filling in complex forms...
- Ad valorem insurance (via a specialist): The procedure is digitalized and designed for you. You declare your claim in just a few clicks, and compensation is often paid out in just a few days, allowing you to immediately ship a product back to your customer.
Reason no. 5: Essential safety for international shipments
Sending a parcel abroad multiplies the risks and legal complexities involved. A good ad valorem insurance policy takes care of disputes in any destination country, so you don't have to navigate the maze of local laws and procedures.
Reason no. 6: Protect your image and customer loyalty
For an e-tailer, a delivery dispute is a moment of truth.
- Without Ad Valorem: You either have to absorb the loss, or enter into a dispute with your customer. Either way, your reputation and margin suffer.
- With Ad Valorem: You can immediately say to your customer: "No problem, I'll send you a new product right away". You turn a sticking point into proof of your professionalism.
Reason no. 7: Personalized coverage tailored to your needs
Unlike carriers' rigid offers, specialized ad valorem insurance solutions (like Claisy) offer great flexibility. You can choose the exact amount to cover, insure unique or fragile goods, and benefit from sliding-scale rates if you're a professional with high volumes.
Basic insurance vs. Ad Valorem: The face-off
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.