24 July 2026 · 4 min read
Parcel insurance in the UK: what is actually covered
Default cover is often £20. Here is when to buy more — and when not to.
Default cover by courier
Royal Mail Tracked 48: £20. Evri standard: £20. DPD: £50. Parcelforce: £150 most services.
What is never covered
Glass, fluids, cash, jewellery beyond declared low value, and inadequate-packing rejections.
When extra is worth it
Always for items over £100, anything fragile, anything one-of-a-kind. Premiums are 1–3% of value.
FAQ
Can I claim without buying extra insurance?
Yes, up to the default cap. Most low-value claims succeed if you have proof of value.
Does insurance cover delays?
No — delays are separately compensated, capped at the service fee.
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