Le parcel shipments, documents and pallets by express courier are always insured, as required by law. In some cases it may be of interest to the sender to add additional insurance to his parcel, document or pallet.
So, let's look at the cases and how this supplementary insurance mechanism works for express delivery in Italy and abroad.
Supplementary shipping insurance
Italian law provides that all shipments are covered by insurance up to a certain value. Specifically, Article 1693 of the Civil Code states that the courier is liable for loss of and damage to the shipment. Its liability extends from the moment of collection until delivery.
Exceptions are cases where the damage or loss occurs due to force majeure. These causes include:
- earthquakes;
- storms;
- fires;
- other natural events.
Cases where the packaging of the parcel is the primary cause of the damage or where the damage or loss is caused by the actions of the sender or recipient also fall within the exceptions.
How high is the statutory reimbursement?
The law stipulates that the courier reimburses 1€ per kilo shipped in case of loss or damage to the transported goods. However, the total reimbursement with insured express courier by law cannot exceed 80€.
The Geneva International Convention regulates international transport. Even in the event of damage or loss of your international shipping you will be entitled to a refund. The compensation will be 8.33 SDR (Special Transport Duty) per gross kilogram of shipment.
When and how to insure your shipment?
If you ship valuable goods, the compensation provided by law in case of damage or loss will not be sufficient. In some cases it is therefore advisable to dispatch a parcel using a express courier with insurance.
If your shipment falls into the following categories, consider purchasing additional insurance:
- very high value goodsMake sure, however, that the goods you send or receive are not among those that cannot be insured.
- articles whose value is easy to proveYou must prove the value of the goods in order to claim compensation. Keep any receipt, invoice or document proving the value.
- delicate goods: if your shipment includes very fragile items or articles, choose an insured express courier.
What types of supplementary insurance?
Carriers offer different formulas for insuring your shipment. Supplementary insurance generally provides one of the following options:
- insurance with excessThis formula provides for reimbursement only if the damage exceeds a certain value. For example, with an excess of 100€ and a damage of 80€, you will not receive any reimbursement;
- ad valorem insurancewith this option, the policy will cost a percentage of the value of the shipment. You will, however, be reimbursed 100% of the insured value of the goods;
- single premiumSingle premium solutions provide a refund per kilogram of goods shipped. The reimbursement will be higher than the one required by law (1€/kilogram of goods, to a maximum of 80€).
If you are considering insuring your shipment by express courier, please pay attention to the contents of your shipment. Certain types of items, such as goods of unusual value, valuable materials or cash, cannot be insured.
Even if you buy supplementary insurance, remember to packing your goods with care. Improper packaging may prevent you from receiving compensation in case of damage or loss of the shipment.
Receipt of shipment and signature with reservation
A procedure related to supplementary insurance and the transport document is the signature with reservation. If you receive a shipment, you have the right to accept a package subject to a reservation. You must specify this intention on the transport document accompanying the parcel, in the vicinity of the signature.
According to Article 1698 of the Civil Code, if you accept a package without reservation you release the carrier from any liability for the shipment.
By notifying the express courier of the signature with reservation, you can instead claim compensation in the event of damage to the shipment.
This procedure is very important for all parties involved in the transport of a parcel. In case of signature with reservation:
- the sender shall generally have no liability in the event of damage to the shipment;
- the purchaser may claim compensation for damages and possibly receive a refund;
- the transporter may have to pay a refund for damage to the parcel.
