Compare the cost of a loss, included liability coverage, exclusions and the offered protection price. There is no universal 1–3% premium or threshold for every parcel. Fragile or irreplaceable goods can be excluded or capped: verify eligibility before paying.
What insurance covers (and doesn't)
Protection covers only the events, goods and amounts specified in its terms. Theft after delivery, damage, loss or delay are not automatically covered. Check the following exclusions in particular:
- Damage from insufficient packaging: poor packing gets the claim denied.
- Certain excluded categories: very high-value items, perishables, prohibited goods.
- Delivery delays: insurance covers loss or damage, not lateness.
- Undocumented losses: without proof of value and shipping, the claim fails.
Declared value is not insurance
This is the most common confusion. Declared value is for customs and sometimes sets the carrier's base liability limit, but it isn't full insurance. To actually be covered beyond base liability you must buy insurance (or added coverage) and declare the real value. Declaring a value without paying for coverage does not protect you.
Simple rule: if losing the parcel would hurt financially and you couldn't easily replace it, insure it. Otherwise, base coverage is often enough.
When insurance is worth it
| Shipment type | Insurance recommended? |
|---|---|
| High value | Compare potential loss, limit and price |
| Fragile goods | Check exclusions and packaging |
| Irreplaceable goods | Check eligibility and settlement basis |
| Low cost | Compare included coverage and affordable loss |
| International | Check destination, service and conditions |
How to win a claim
- Keep proof of value: invoice, receipt or order screenshot.
- Photograph the packaging and contents before shipping, and the damage on arrival.
- Report the loss or damage quickly: carriers impose deadlines (often a few weeks).
- Keep the damaged packaging, since the carrier may ask to inspect it.
Verdict
Choose protection around potential losses and applicable terms. Keep purchase, packaging and delivery evidence. Verify availability and cost for the specific service; an insurance option is not necessarily offered with every rate.