In the dynamic and ever-changing world of logistics and transportation, protecting your shipments is crucial. At Claisy, we understand the unique challenges you face when shipping your goods or those of your customers. The immediacy of the Internet and ever-faster deliveries mean that you need to anticipate anomalies and resolve them as quickly as possible.
That's why we've put together a comprehensive guide to parcel insurance, to help you navigate this complex field and ensure the safety of your shipments, anywhere in the world.
Ad valorem or parcel insurance is therefore a necessary element to bear in mind for any company or individual shipping goods. Whether you're sending a large volume of goods, or if they're fragile or valuable, adequate coverage can make the difference between a successful delivery and a major financial loss.
In this article, we'll take an in-depth look at the different aspects of parcel insurance to help you make informed choices and protect your shipments.
Types of Ad Valorem / Parcel Insurance
There are several types of parcel insurance, each offering different levels of protection. Here's an overview of the options available:
- National Insurance
- Standard coverage: Ideal for routine shipments, this coverage includes basic protection against loss and damage. However, it includes specific liability limits and exclusions, so it's often necessary to be accompanied and not hesitate to ask questions specific to your concerns.
- Premium cover: For enhanced protection, premium cover offers additional benefits such as higher compensation or no deductible, and faster processing times (within 48 hours with Claisy, for example). It is often subject to strict eligibility conditions.
- International Insurance
- Standard coverage: Similar to national coverage, but with geographical limits (usually at least countries at war or under embargo). Some countries may be excluded, and it's essential to check these restrictions before shipping: once again, it's best to ask beforehand.
- Premium coverage: Offers extensive protection for international shipments, with additional benefits tailored to global logistics challenges (again, please check conditions for war-torn and embargoed countries).
Commodity Types and Specific Considerations
The type of goods you ship greatly influences the type of insurance you need:
- Fragile or high-risk goods : Items such as high-tech equipment or works of art require special packaging and insurance coverage. Use recommended materials to minimize the risk of damage (specialists like Raja offer a wide range of affordable solutions).
- Expensive goods: High-value items, such as jewelry or expensive equipment, require extra protection. Be sure to declare the exact value of your goods and choose coverage that protects against theft and loss. Above all, make sure that nothing about the value of the contents appears on the outside of the package (including the packing slip).
You can find details of the coverage and prices of the main parcel insurances in our dedicated article.
Claims Process
In the event of loss or damage, the claims process can sometimes be complex and time-consuming. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the process efficiently:
- Claim deadline: Respect the deadline for submitting your claim and provide all required documents, including proof of shipment and damage. The opening of a claim is often requested within 2 days of receipt of the parcel or when the delay is abnormally long for a loss. Documents must then be provided as soon as possible, but regulations are less restrictive on this deadline.
- Claim refusal: Understanding the common reasons for refusal can help you avoid the pitfalls. In France, you can always contact the insurance ombudsman or the one defined in your contract.
Compensation and payment terms
Compensation depends on a number of factors, including the declared value of the goods and the circumstances of the damage. To maximize your compensation :
- Amount of compensation: Carefully document the value of your goods and keep all necessary proof. The list of documents required in your conditions is generally not exhaustive: don't hesitate to keep as many items as possible.
- Payment terms: Deadlines can vary, but are often indicated in the contractual documents you have signed. If they are not respected, recourse exists in the event of delay. Remain proactive in your communications with the insurer or its delegate.
Shipping and Logistics
The choice of carrier and tracking technologies play a crucial role in protecting your parcels:
- Choice of carrier: Compare the reliability and costs of different carriers. Customer reviews and loss statistics can be very instructive: don't hesitate to ask your colleagues too, especially those located nearby, even if they don't have the same activity.
- Parcel tracking: Use tracking technologies to monitor your shipments in real time. In the event of an anomaly, quickly contact the carrier and/or your customer to resolve the incident: your customer experience will be all the better for it.
In conclusion, parcel insurance is an essential investment for anyone shipping goods. Read our 2025 parcel insurance price analysis in our dedicated article. And by understanding the different coverage offers, cargo-specific considerations, and claims processes: you can protect your shipments effectively, proactively and thereby minimize financial and image risks.
At Claisy, we're here to support you every step of the way, to ensure that your shipments arrive safely at their destination: don 't hesitate to contact us for a demonstration.
