Why Standard Carrier Coverage Is Not Enough for Valuables
Standard carrier liability is built for ordinary parcels. For high-value items it often falls far short: many carriers apply special limits or exclusions to jewelry, precious metals and other items of extraordinary value, and their basic liability is usually a small fraction of what such a shipment is worth.
Declared value is also not the same as insurance. Declaring a value tells the carrier what you say the shipment is worth, but it does not guarantee that the full amount is paid if something goes wrong. Full-value insurance is a separate layer of protection that covers the declared value of the shipment, up to $150,000 with Unival.
That gap is why jewelers, dealers and galleries in Los Angeles ship valuables with a provider that treats insurance and secure handling as one service.
Why Los Angeles Shippers Choose Unival
Los Angeles has a dense wholesale jewelry trade centered on Hill Street, Olive Street and Broadway, roughly between 5th and 8th Streets. Unival is headquartered in that district, so we understand how the local trade ships and what it expects from a provider.
For more than 15 years we have focused on secure, insured transport for high-value goods. You work with a team based in Los Angeles, and every shipment gets the same attention to chain of custody, documentation and delivery confirmation. Read more about our secure transportation.
Insured Shipping Options by Shipment Type
Different goods carry different risks. The table shows what typically matters most for each type of shipment leaving Los Angeles.
| Shipment | Typical sender | What matters most |
|---|---|---|
| Jewelry and loose diamonds | Dealers, jewelers, retailers | Accurate declared value, signature at delivery |
| Gold, silver and bullion | Metals dealers, refiners | Tamper-evident packaging, documented handling |
| Fine art and collectibles | Galleries, collectors | Careful packing, condition records |
| Luxury watches | Dealers, collectors | Serial number records, signed delivery |
| Electronics and medical equipment | Technology and healthcare companies | Careful handling, end-to-end tracking |
Every shipment is insured for its declared value, up to $150,000. Learn how full-value insurance works before you ship.
What Affects the Cost of Insured Shipping in Los Angeles?
The price of an insured shipment has two parts: the shipping itself and the insurance on the declared value. These factors change the total:
- Declared value: the higher the value, the more coverage is needed.
- Destination and speed: local, domestic and international deliveries are priced differently.
- Handling requirements: signature rules, packaging and pickup arrangements are part of the service.
Because every shipment is different, we quote it before it moves. Get a quote with your item type, value and destination.
Shipping From Los Angeles to the Rest of the US and Abroad
Insurance only helps if the shipment can reach the buyer, dealer or gallery on the other end. From Los Angeles we ship valuables across the United States and internationally, using major carrier networks combined with Unival's own coverage and secure handling.
Delivery time depends on the service and the destination. For international shipments, accurate customs paperwork, including a commercial invoice with the correct value and description, prevents delays and supports any later insurance claim.
How to Prepare a High-Value Shipment
Good preparation prevents most disputes. Before you ship, check the following:
- Keep the invoice, appraisal or other proof of value for the item.
- Photograph the item and record serial numbers, certificates or grading reports where they exist.
- Declare the full, accurate value. Under-declaring can reduce what is paid out in a claim.
- Use plain, sealed packaging with no mention of the contents on the outside.
- Make sure the recipient is available to sign for the delivery.
