🛡️Insurance and claims in international shipping
Shipment insurance with Alfaris is optional and calculated as a percentage of the value you declare. It covers what the policy states by way of loss or damage in transit, and does not cover what is caused by the customer’s own packing or by undeclared contents. Four things protect your position: a true value, photos before packing, a numbered list, and a written remark at delivery.
- ✓Declare the true value
- ✓Photos before and after packing
- ✓A packing list and invoices
- ✓A remark on the delivery report
What insurance covers and what it does not
The policy is the reference. This is what cargo insurance policies usually provide.
| Usually covered | Usually not covered |
|---|---|
| Total loss of the shipment or of a package in it | Anything undeclared, or declared at less than its value |
| Breakage and damage from an accident or handling | Damage caused by the customer’s own inadequate packing |
| Damage from water or fire in transit | Defects that existed before shipping |
| Theft documented by a report | Prohibited items, cash and gold |
| — | Delay and its consequences |
| — | Natural deterioration: rust, or mould in furniture packed damp |
Four things that protect your position
They are prepared before the shipment is handed over, not after damage occurs.
Condition photos
Clear angles before and after packing.
Proof of value
An invoice or document supporting the declared value.
Packing list
Every piece or package with its number and description.
Notification deadline
Reporting within the time and in the way the policy states.
What to do if you find damage at delivery
The order matters, as signing without a remark weakens a claim.
- 01
Do not sign before checking
Go through the numbered list piece by piece.
- 02
Photograph the damage
The piece and its packing, before and after opening.
- 03
Write the remark
On the delivery report, with the piece’s number and the type of damage.
- 04
Notify the company
The same day, with the photos and the report.
- 05
Submit the documents
The invoice or proof of value, the list and the insurance policy.
- 06
Review
The claim is reviewed under the policy’s terms.
🫧Insurance does not make up for inadequate preparation
Policies usually exclude damage caused by inadequate packing. What the company packs falls within its responsibility; what the customer packs is recorded on the list as “packed by customer”.
- ✓Materials to suit the piece’s sensitivity
- ✓Corners and surfaces protected
- ✓Securing that prevents movement
- ✓Photos that document the packing
Do you need insurance?
Not every shipment needs it. It is advisable in these cases.
- ✓Sea freight and long routes
- ✓Cars, and high-value appliances and equipment
- ✓Antiques, glass and valuable pieces
- ✓Shipments that pass between more than one carrier
- ✓Commercial goods, at invoice value
Answers before you start your request
Is shipment insurance compulsory?+
No. It is optional, calculated as a percentage of the declared value and shown as a separate item in the price.
Is every shipment insured automatically?+
No. Insurance is requested at booking and written into the price. Without it, the carrier’s liability limits apply.
How is the amount of compensation set?+
By the policy, the declared value and its proof, the type of damage and the exclusions.
When should I report damage?+
At delivery, with a written remark on the delivery report and photos, and within the deadline in the policy.
Do photos matter?+
Yes, as they document the piece’s condition before packing and at delivery.
Does insurance cover delay?+
Mostly not. Cargo insurance covers loss and damage, not delay.
What if I packed my belongings myself?+
They are recorded on the list as “packed by customer”, and damage caused by their packing is usually not covered.
Can the car be insured?+
Yes, at its declared value, with photos from all four sides and a condition report before loading.
Ask for a price that includes the insurance option
Request a quote with protection options
Enter the route, cargo type and required services so we can prepare a clear shipping request.