Shipping insurance covers the declared value of goods against loss or damage during transit. Whether it is worth purchasing depends on the value of the goods, the carrier's standard liability, and the cost of cover. Here is a clear explanation of how it works.
Standard Carrier Liability vs. Insurance
All couriers have standard liability limits — this is not insurance, it is the maximum they will pay under their standard terms without additional cover. Most carriers' standard liability is €10 to €12 per kilogram for economy services and €100 to €1,000 flat for express services (depending on the carrier and route). If your parcel is worth more than this, standard liability will not cover your full loss.
Shipping insurance is an additional product — either offered by the carrier, by the booking platform (Cargosender), or by a third-party insurer — that covers the full declared value of the goods up to a maximum, in exchange for a premium.
What Is Typically Covered
Comprehensive shipping insurance covers: total loss (parcel confirmed lost by the carrier), partial loss (some items damaged or missing), and physical damage to goods. It covers events that occur during transit — after collection and before delivery.
What Is Typically Excluded
Most shipping insurance policies exclude: inherent vice (goods that spoil or deteriorate naturally), inadequate packaging (goods damaged because packaging was insufficient — this is why correct packaging matters), fragile goods without appropriate packaging, electronics damaged by electrostatic discharge, cash, documents (these have no inherent commercial value to insure), and perishable goods.
How to Make a Claim
Document the damage immediately — photograph the packaging (both inside and outside) and the damaged goods before moving anything. Report the claim within the timeframe specified in the policy — typically 24 to 72 hours of delivery for damage, or promptly upon receiving confirmation of loss from the carrier.
Is It Worth It
For shipments below €100 in value, the cost of insurance (typically 1 to 3% of declared value) may not be worthwhile relative to the carrier's standard liability, which usually covers goods up to this value. For shipments worth €200 to €500+, insurance is generally worth the cost. For high-value goods — electronics, jewellery, artwork — insurance should be treated as mandatory rather than optional.
