French e-commerce surpassed the 160 billion euro mark in 2025, with more than 2.3 billion packages shipped each year. Behind these impressive figures lies a less rosy reality: nearly 3% of shipments are damaged (lost, stolen, or broken), and in 85% of cases, statutory compensation covers only a tiny fraction of the actual value.
You may have just experienced this scenario: a package containing a €2,500 MacBook Pro got lost in the logistics process. The Carrier compensates Carrier ... €46 (2 kg × €23/kg). Net loss: €2,454. And this is not an isolated case .
Freight insurance isn’t just an administrative formality—it’s a direct safeguard for your profit margins, cash flow, and customer relationships. This guide explains why Carrier standard coverage Carrier a financial trap and how to truly protect the value of your e-commerce shipments.
What is Cargo Insurance?
Cargo insurance, also known internationally as ad valorem insurance or Cargo Insurance, is a financial guarantee that covers the declared actual value of your goods during transit, regardless of the Carrier .
Unlike the Carrier legal liability Carrier which is limited to the weight of the package), ad valorem insurance compensates you based on the market value you declare: selling price, cost of goods, or invoice value plus shipping costs plus a markup (typically 10%).
What the Insurance Covers
- ✅ Total loss of the package during shipping
- ✅ Theft (partial or total), looting, disappearance
- ✅ Breakage and damage: damaged, crushed, or wet item
- ✅ Transportation accidents: collisions, derailments, fires
- ✅ General average (in shipping): contribution toward losses to save the rest of the cargo
What Standard Carrier Liability Carrier Not Cover
- ❌ The actual value of your products (a flat rate per kilogram only)
- ❌ High-value items (watches, jewelry, and high-tech items are often excluded)
- ❌ Fast claims processing times (60–90 days on average vs. 48–72 hours)
- ❌ Multi-carrier flexibility (one contract per Carrier)
Who Needs Transportation Insurance
- 🎯 retailers shipping high-value products (>€100 per package)
- 🎯 D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) brands selling watches, jewelry, leather goods, and high-tech products
- 🎯 Marketplace sellers (Amazon, eBay, Vinted, Catawiki, Chrono24) handling high volumes and/or high-value packages
- 🎯 B2B companies that transport industrial parts, prototypes, and professional equipment
Carrier Liability Carrier Ad Valorem Insurance: Costly Confusion
Most retailers the trap after the damage has been done. They thought they were "covered" because the Carrier insurance. A fatal mistake: the Carrier your property; it only covers its own legal liability, which is strictly capped by law.
Legal Limits on Compensation: The Weight Trap
Carriers are subject to international conventions that cap their liability based on weight, not value:
International Road Transport (CMR Convention)
Limit 8.33 SDR/kg (Special Drawing Rights)
Approximate equivalent: ~10–12 €/kg depending on the exchange rate
Real-life example:
You’re shipping a box of smartphones (5 devices × 200g = 1 kg total) worth €6,000.
Maximum CMR compensation: 1 kg × €12 = €12
Net loss: €5,988 💸
Air Transport (Montreal Convention)
Limit 22 DTS/kg
Approximate equivalent: ~26–28 €/kg
Real-life example:
A 3-kg industrial prototype worth €15,000 is lost in transit.
Maximum compensation: 3 kg × €28 = €84
Net loss: €14,916 💸
Domestic Shipping / Courier Services (Colissimo, Chronopost, DHL, UPS)
Limits depending on the Carrier terms and conditions Carrier
- Colissimo: €23/kg (generally capped at €5,000 with the declared value option)
- Chronopost : Low basic coverage, declared value option up to €7,600 (expensive)
- DHL Express: ~22 SDR/kg by default, limited declared value options
- UPS/FedEx: Limits , expensive and restrictive options
The reality is stark: for any product with a value-to-weight ratio exceeding €50 per kilogram (which covers virtually all modern e-commerce), the Carrier legal liability Carrier completely inadequate.
Ad Valorem Insurance: Covering the True Value
Ad valorem insurance works on a radically different principle:
You declare the value of your shipment (based on your customer invoice, selling price, or replacement value).
You pay a premium proportional to this value (generally 0.6% to 1%, depending on the type of product and destination).
In the event of a claim, you are compensated up to the declared value, with no Limit per-kilogram Limit .
Types of Warranties
"All Risks" (recommended for e-commerce): Covers loss, theft, breakage, and damage, except for the listed exclusions (inherent defects, defective packaging, willful misconduct)
"Named Perils": Covers only the events explicitly listed (fire, collision, sinking, etc.). Offers less coverage, and is therefore less expensive.
Deductibles: Some policies include a deductible (the amount you are responsible for paying), which typically ranges from €0 to €150, depending on the policy.
Limits package: Specialized ad valorem insurance providers (such as Claisy) offer coverage of up to €100,000 per package, which is more than enough for 99.9% of e-commerce shipments.
Carriers' "Comprehensive" Insurance: What You Really Need to Know
Most carriers (Colissimo, Chronopost, DHL, UPS, FedEx, GLS) offer "declared value" or "additional insurance" options. Are these options sufficient? Rarely. Here's why!
What Colissimo, Chronopost, DHL, UPS, and FedEx Actually Cover
Carrier insurance options generally Carrier as follows:
- Basic coverage (included): Limit (€23/kg for Colissimo; similar rates apply elsewhere)
- "Declared Value" option (for an additional fee): You declare a higher value for an additional fee
Limits, Deductibles, and Hidden Terms
Beyond cost and Limits, carrier options come with contractual pitfalls:
Limits Package: Even if you declare a high value, some carriers cap coverage at €1,000–€5,000 per package. If you regularly ship watches, computers, or professional equipment, you are underinsured.
Franchises / Minima : Certains contrats incluent une franchise de 100-500 € ou un "minimum de dossier" qui rend non-rentable la déclaration pour des sinistres <500 €.
Mandatory Advance Declaration: You must declare the value at the time of shipment. Failure to do so will result in only basic compensation. With high volumes, this is a significant operational burden.
Extremely Strict Documentation: Purchase invoice + sales invoice + photos taken before shipment + certificate of authenticity (for luxury items) + proof of shipment... It can take hours to put together the file.
Major Exclusions: The "Fine Print" That Can Be Deadly
Carriers systematically exclude or restrict certain categories:
- ❌ Jewelry, Watches: Often excluded or capped at €500–€1,000 (even with coverage)
- ❌ Precious metals, gemstones: Completely excluded
- ❌ High-value high-tech items: Computers over €2,000, smartphones over €1,000 are often subject to restrictions
- ❌ Art, Antiques: Excluded or subject to strict restrictions
- ❌ Prototypes, One-off samples: Difficulty in proving value
- ❌ Glass, Ceramics, Fragile: Covered only if professionally certified packaging is used
- ❌ Alcohol, Tobacco: Common exclusion
- ❌ Refurbished / Secondhand products: Value disputed
Strict Deadlines for Filing Claims:
Most carriers impose very short deadlines for filing a claim:
- Visible damage: Note specific details on the delivery slip + file a claim within 2–3 business days
- Hidden defects: Report within 7 days of receipt
- Total loss: Claim must be filed within 21 days of the scheduled delivery date
Once these deadlines have passed, no compensation will be available, even if you have purchased the insurance option.
Why Use a Specialized Third-Party Insurance Provider?
Given the limitations of carrier insurance, a growing number ofretailers B2B companies are turning to independent specialty insurers like Claisy. Here are the 5 key benefits.
1. Universal Multi-Carrier Coverage
The problem with shipping carriers: You have to purchase separate insurance for each Carrier Colissimo, Chronopost, DHL, UPS, FedEx, GLS, TNT, etc.). If you use five different carriers depending on the destination, you have to manage five contracts, five declaration processes, and five points of contact.
The third-party insurance solution: A single policy covers all your carriers. Do you ship with Colissimo on Monday, DHL on Tuesday, and UPS on Wednesday? Same coverage, same process, same point of contact.
Operational impact:
✅ Centralized disputes a single dashboard to track all your claims
✅ Unified process: same document checklist, same deadlines, same quality of service
✅ Simplified accounting: a single monthly/quarterly invoice
✅ Commercial flexibility: you can switch Carrier renegotiating your insurance
2. Rates Uncoupled from Transportation Costs
The problem with carriers: The cost of insurance is often a percentage of the shipping cost, not of the insured value. The paradoxical result is that the more you negotiate your shipping rates (which is in your best interest), the more expensive the insurance becomes in relative terms.
In addition, carriers charge flat rates per unit (e.g., €10 to cover €500), which become prohibitively expensive at high volumes.
The third-party insurance option: The cost is a direct percentage of the insured value (e.g., 0.75% at Claisy). It’s simpler, more predictable, and generally 30–60% cheaper for the same coverage.
Comparison Example
retailer profile:
- 100 packages per month
- Average value: €800 per package
- Total monthly shipment value: €80,000
Option A: Carrier Insurance Carrier Colissimo Declared Value)
- Cost: ~2% of the value = €1,600/month
- Annual cost: €19,200
- Limit package: €5,000 (insufficient for some shipments)
- Compensation processing time: 60–90 days
Option B: Specialized Insurance (Claisy)
- Cost: 0.75% of the value = €600/month
- Annual cost: €7,200
- Limit package: €100,000 (more than enough)
- Compensation processing time: 48–72 hours
Annual savings: €12,000 (62% cheaper) + claims settled 20 times faster + Limits higher Limits
3. Fast and Easy Claims Processing
The problem with carriers: The claims process is handled by the Carrier , which has an obvious conflict of interest (paying less = preserving its profit margin). Consequences:
- Long lead times: 30–90 days on average, sometimes up to 120 days during peak season
- Excessive documentation: The Carrier repeatedly Carrier additional documents in order to delay or deny compensation
- High rejection rate: Even a minor packaging defect, a reservation deemed "inaccurate," or a 24-hour delay... and your application is denied
- Lack of transparency: No online tracking, no visibility into progress
The solution involving third-party insurance:
- Insurer's Statement: Within 21 days of the scheduled delivery date
- ✅ 100% digital process: File your report online in 5 minutes via a dedicated dashboard
- ✅ Real-time tracking: You can see the status of your claim (documents received, under review, approved, compensated)
- ✅ Target processing time: 48–72 hours. For complete claims, compensation is paid via bank transfer within 2–3 business days (compared to 60–90 days with Carrier).
- ✅ Complete independence: The insurer has no ties to the Carrier, so there is no conflict of interest
- ✅ Dedicated support: A team available via email or chat to assist you in putting together your application
Concrete Business Impact:
💰 Cash flow preserved: You reimburse your customer on Day 1, and you receive payment on Day 3. Your cash flow remains unaffected for 3 months.
😊 Customer satisfaction: You can reimburse the customer immediately without waiting for reimbursement Carrier. A satisfied customer means customer loyalty and positive word of mouth.
⏱️ Time saved: Your teams no longer spend 5–10 hours per claim following up with the Carrier, compiling complex files, and negotiating compensation.
How to Choose the Right Cargo Insurance?
The transportation insurance market has become significantly more structured in recent years. Here is a practical checklist with 15 criteria to help you effectively compare quotes.
"Product" Criteria (What Is Covered)
- ✅ Accepted product types: Watches, jewelry, high-tech items, refurbished items, secondhand items, fragile items (glass/ceramic), art, prototypes, legal CBD, luxury leather goods ?
- ✅ Maximum value per package: €5,000? €10,000? €50,000? €100,000?
- ✅ Geographic coverage: National only? Europe? Worldwide? French overseas departments and territories?
- ✅ Modes of transport covered: Road, sea, air, rail, multimodal?
"Amounts & Limits" Criteria
- ✅ Limit package: Recommended minimum €10,000, ideal €100,000
- ✅ Limit : Important if you lose multiple packages in a single incident
- ✅ Limit : Some insurers cap the total coverage per year
- ✅ Deductible: €0 (ideal) or €50–€150 depending on your risk profile
"Process & Technology" Criteria
- ✅ E-commerce CMS integration: Native plugins for Shopify, WooCommerce, PrestaShop, and Magento
- ✅ Carrier APIs: Direct integration with your TMS/OMS to automatically process each shipment?
- ✅ Smart automation: Automatic activation based on a value threshold (e.g., automatically insure all packages over €150) or by destination (e.g., automatically insure shipments to the US/UK)?
"Complaints & Service" Criteria
- ✅ Reporting process: 100% digital with a user-friendly interface, or a PDF form to be emailed?
- ✅ Délai moyen de traitement : <72h (excellent), 7-15 jours (correct), >30 jours (à éviter)
- ✅ Quality of support: Is customer support responsive (email, chat, phone)? Is a document checklist provided? Is there real-time tracking?
- ✅ Contractual transparency: Clear terms and conditions, clearly listed exclusions, no hidden clauses?
Best Practices for Ensuring You Receive Compensation
Even with the best insurance in the world, a poorly prepared claim can delay or prevent you from receiving compensation. Here are the golden rules to maximize your chances.
Before Shipping: Packaging Is Your First Line of Defense
40% of claims denials are due to packaging deemed non-compliant. Investing in packaging pays off.
Professional Packaging Guidelines
📦 Suitable box:
- Double-wall corrugated cardboard (mini) for fragile items or items valued at over €500
- Triple-wall corrugated cardboard for highly fragile items or items valued at over €2,000
- Tight fit: no more than 5 cm of space around the product
🛡️ Internal protection:
- Multi-material cushioning: polystyrene chips + kraft paper + bubble wrap (at least 3 layers)
- Drop test: Drop the package from a height of 1.20 m. If it holds up, it’s OK. If not, reinforce it.
- Personal safety: Each fragile item must be packed separately before being placed in a box
🔒 Secure closure:
- Reinforced adhesive tape (at least 50 mm wide) applied all around (top, bottom, and corners)
- No string, no staples (which weaken the cardboard)
🎯 Visual neutrality:
- Never display Apple, Samsung, or Rolex logos on the box (it attracts thieves)
- Plain brown box, with no "High-Tech" or "Jewelry" labels
📸 Visual Documentation:
- Take photos of: Product before packaging (6 angles) + product in open packaging + closed box with label
- Keep these photos for at least 6 months
For more information, please visit our guide to packaging, which covers the different types of products
During Shipping / Upon Delivery: Reservations Protect Your Claim
30% of claims denials are due to missing or poorly worded reservations. Train your B2B clients or your logistics teams.
How to Make Effective Reservations
- ❌ Invalid note (too vague and therefore rejected by carriers): "Damaged package"
- ✅ Accurate description: "Cardboard dented in the upper right corner over a 15×10 cm area, 8 cm tear on the left side, sound of loose parts inside, torn plastic wrap"
Golden Rules for Reserves:
- Make sure to state your claim BEFORE signing: Once you’ve signed the claim form without reservation, you lose 80% of your chances of receiving compensation
- Be as specific as possible: Indicate the location (angle, side), provide measurements (in cm), and describe the issue (dented, torn, wet, unusual noise)
- Take photos immediately: Sealed package with visible damage (6 angles) + damaged contents once opened
- NEVER sign "subject to unpacking" on its own: Always include a detailed description, even if you haven't opened it yet
What Should You Do If the Delivery Person Rejects Your Claims?
Some delivery drivers, under pressure, refuse to wait for you to voice your concerns. Tactics:
- Write down any reservations yourself on the paper form + take a photo
- Simply refuse the package if there is obvious damage (your legal right)
- Contact Carrier customer service immediately Carrier within the hour) to report the delivery person's refusal + send a confirmation email with photos
In the Event of a Claim: Responsiveness and Methodology
Reporting Timeline (Standard Deadlines)
Visible damage:
- Stock status: In stock (available for delivery today)
- Insurer's response: Within 3 business days
Hidden defects:
- Insurer's statement: Within 7 days of receipt
- Reason: Damage not visible upon delivery (e.g., electronic component broken during transport indoors)
Total loss:
- Insurer's Statement: Within 21 days of the scheduled delivery date
⚠️ If these deadlines are missed, your claim will be automatically denied—even with the best insurance.
Checklist of Documents for a Complete Application
📋 Required documents:
- ✅ Purchase invoice (if you are a wholesaler) or Sales invoice (if you are retailer) → Proof of value
- ✅ Shipping label ( Carrier proof of shipment) → Proves that you have shipped the item
- ✅ Delivery receipt with reservations (if there is visible damage) → Serves as proof of the damage observed
- ✅ Photos: Damaged package (all 6 sides) + damaged contents (10–15 detailed photos) → Visual evidence
- ✅ Claim summary: Detailed description (what, when, how, damage observed)
📋 Additional documents (depending on the product type):
- ✅ Certificate of Authenticity (watches, luxury bags, art)
- ✅ Repair invoice (if the product is repairable and a quote has been provided)
- ✅ Proof of market value (for rare items: screenshot of market price, comparable sales)
Conclusion: Don't Let Transportation Be Your Achilles' Heel Any Longer
Freight insurance isn't an expense—it's a direct investment in your profitability:
💰 Margin protection: You no longer lose €2,000 on a claim settled for €46
💸 Cash flow preservation: Settlement in 48–72 hours vs. 60–90 days
😊 Customer loyalty: You can reimburse immediately without waiting for the Carrier
⏱️ Operational time savings: Digital process vs. endless disputes
📊 Accounting predictability: Fixed cost as a % of value vs. unpredictable claims
The companies that will succeed in e-commerce in 2026 are no longer those that ship the most packages, but those that manage their logistics risks from start to finish.
By shifting from an approach of "accepting the risks" ( Carrier liability) to one of "guaranteeing value" (independent ad valorem insurance), you turn a potential loss into a competitive advantage.
Are you shipping valuable items? Protect it with real insurance
To Go Further
Operational Guides
🤖 Automating Your Parcel Insurance (API, Webhooks, CMS)
🎄 Peak Season Guide: Securing Your Shipments During the Busy Season
📜 CMR Convention: Compensation and Legal Limits
🗺️ Parcel Insurance Encyclopedia (Decision-Making Hub)
E-commerce Solutions
🛍️ Best E-commerce Package Insurance for 2026: Comparison of
🔀 Package Insurance Comparison Tool: Find the Best Option