What Counts as a High-Value Parcel
A high-value parcel is defined by what is inside it, not by its size. If the contents are worth far more than a carrier will pay for a loss, the parcel needs more than a standard label. That often means jewelry, watches, gemstones, precious metals, small works of art, electronics and equipment, and medical supplies.
Parcels range from a single ring box to a server. Send the size and weight when you request a quote, and we will confirm the coverage and the price.
Carrier Declared Value vs Full-Value Insurance
Declared value on a carrier label is a limit of liability, not insurance. It sets the most a carrier will pay if it is at fault, and carriers publish their own caps for items of extraordinary value such as jewelry, watches and precious metals. At one major carrier, for example, the default limit for jewelry is $1,000 per package, and the carrier states that it does not provide insurance coverage.
Some carriers offer special programs with higher limits for enrolled shippers, under their own eligibility rules and terms. Whether you use one or not, the safest approach is to check the limit that applies to your goods before you ship, and to compare it with what the shipment is worth.
| Question | Carrier declared value | Unival full-value insurance |
|---|---|---|
| What the amount means | A limit on the carrier's liability | Insurance on the declared value of the parcel |
| Jewelry, watches and precious metals | Often capped at a small default per package | Insured up to $150,000 when declared and documented |
| Proof of delivery | Varies by service | Signed delivery, stored with your record |
| Tracking | Scan-based, varies by service | Tracked from pickup to signature |
Read more about how full-value insurance works, or see our overview of insured high-value shipping.
Parcel Services and Delivery Options
The service is chosen at booking, for each parcel. Overnight service is the usual choice when the contents are needed the next day, and two-day service suits parcels that can wait a little longer.
Every parcel is tracked from pickup to signature, and delivery requires a signature. Tell us how soon the parcel must arrive when you request a quote, and we will confirm which option fits. For goods that need the highest level of care, see our secure transportation.
Shipping Several Parcels at Once
If you ship several parcels together, give each one its own declared value, its own itemized list and its own record. That way each parcel is insured for what it holds, and any problem can be traced to a single parcel.
Send the number of parcels, their sizes and their values when you request a quote, and we will confirm the coverage and the price for the whole shipment.
What Affects the Cost of Insured Parcel Shipping?
The price has two parts: the shipping and the insurance on the declared value. The size and weight, the destination, the delivery speed and the declared value all change the total.
We quote each parcel before it moves. Get a quote with the contents, size, weight, declared value and destination.
How to Pack a High-Value Parcel
Careful packing and good records prevent most claim disputes. Before you ship, check the following:
- Keep the invoice, appraisal or other proof of value for the contents.
- Photograph the contents and record serial numbers, weights or certificates where they exist.
- Pack the contents so they cannot move, with a second box around the first for fragile or high-value items.
- Use plain, sealed packaging with no mention of the contents on the outside.
- Declare the full, accurate value. Under-declaring can reduce what is paid out in a claim.
- Make sure the recipient is available to sign for the delivery.
