Why Do You Need Shipping Insurance for Luxury and High-Value Watches?

by | Feb 13, 2025 | Business Shipping

Shipping luxury watches isn’t just about delivering a product—it’s about ensuring a valuable investment arrives safely. This is why it is essential to secure dedicated shipping insurance for luxury and high-value watches.

Whether you’re a high-end watch retailer, auction house, or private seller, the risks of shipping high-value timepieces are significant. 

Theft, loss, and accidental damage are all real concerns, and even the most reputable couriers can’t provide foolproof protection. So, in this blog, we will be highlighting the benefits of shipping insurance for luxury watches and how Ship Simple can help.

The Risks of Shipping High-Value Watches

Luxury watches from brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Omega are prime targets for theft. Additionally, intricate craftsmanship and delicate watch mechanisms make these timepieces vulnerable to damage during transit. 

According to a recent study by the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA), cargo theft incidents involving luxury goods have increased by 25% in the past two years.

Beyond financial loss, losing a valuable watch shipment can be emotionally distressing, especially when dealing with rare or sentimental pieces. You see, sometimes, these watches are not just timekeeping devices—they are investments, family heirlooms, and status symbols. 

In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) revealed that package theft incidents in the U.S. cost businesses and consumers over $8 billion annually. Given these alarming statistics, relying solely on standard courier insurance is a risky move.

A single lost or damaged shipment could mean thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses, not to mention the emotional distress that comes with losing a rare or sentimental piece. 

Why Standard Courier Insurance Isn’t Enough?

Most couriers offer limited liability coverage, typically capping at $100 per package—a fraction of what luxury watches are worth. Even declared value insurance offered by couriers often comes with complicated claims processes, exclusions, and lengthy waiting periods. 

In 2022, a private seller shipped a vintage Rolex Daytona worth $120,000 to a buyer across the country. Despite using an express courier service, the package went missing. The standard courier insurance only covered $100, leaving the seller with a devastating financial loss. Had they used a specialized shipping insurance provider, they would have been fully reimbursed.

Such incidents make recovering losses difficult and unreliable. In contrast, a dedicated shipping insurance provider ensures a seamless and reliable claims process, offering full coverage for high-value shipments.

How Does ShipSimple’s Shipping Insurance Provide Peace of Mind?

ShipSimple offers comprehensive shipping insurance for luxury and high-value watches specifically designed for businesses and individuals. Our coverage extends up to $250,000 per shipment, providing peace of mind that standard courier options simply can’t match. 

With our seamless platform integration, you can quickly and easily add insurance to your shipments, ensuring complete protection.

Key Benefits of ShipSimple’s Shipping Insurance:

  • High-Value Coverage—Insure luxury watches up to $250,000.
  • Protection Against Loss—Secure full reimbursement for missing shipments
  • Damage Coverage—Get compensated for accidental transit damage.
  • Seamless Claims Process—Enjoy a quick and hassle-free claim with expert support.
  • Competitive Rates—Cost-effective insurance that ensures full protection.
  • Easy Integration—Add insurance with a few clicks through the ShipSimple platform.

Who Needs Shipping Insurance for Watches?

  • Luxury Watch Retailers & E-commerce Stores—Ensure secure customer deliveries, building trust and reliability.
  • Auction Houses & Collectors—Secure high-value sales and trades with full insurance coverage.
  • Private Sellers & Resellers—Avoid financial risks when shipping valuable watches to buyers.
  • Watch Repair & Restoration Services—Ensure safe returns of customer timepieces post-repair.
  • Jewelry and High-End Accessory Shops—Keep all shipments covered, including watches, jewelry, or luxury accessories.

How to Secure Your High-Value Watch Shipments?

Securing your shipments is easy with ShipSimple. When preparing your shipment, just take these extra steps to ensure maximum safety:

  • Use Tamper-Proof Packaging—Seal your package with tamper-evident tape to deter theft.
  • Require signature confirmation: Ensure recipients personally sign for high-value deliveries.
  • Choose trusted couriers with tracking: Opt for reputable shipping services with detailed tracking.
  • Always add comprehensive shipping insurance: Don’t leave expensive shipments unprotected.
  • Disguise Your Packaging: Avoid using labels or branding that indicate a high-value item is inside.
  • Double-Boxing for Protection: Place the watch box inside another shipping box with cushioning for extra safety.
  • Take Detailed Photos: Before shipping, click a photo of your watch and packaging to have proof of condition.

What to Do If a Shipment Is Lost or Damaged?

With ShipSimple’s insurance, filing a claim is straightforward and hassle-free. Here’s how it works:

  1. Report the issue—notify us as soon as possible.
  2. Provide necessary documentation—submit proof of value, shipping records, and images if needed.
  3. Claim Processing—We quickly review and process claims to ensure you receive compensation without unnecessary delays.

Unlike standard courier insurance, which may take weeks or even months, ShipSimple’s streamlined process ensures that claims are resolved within a few days, allowing businesses and sellers to move forward with confidence.

Don’t Take the Risk—Insure Your Shipments Today

Hopefully, you understand why shipping insurance for luxury and high-value watches is important.

Shipping high-value watches without proper insurance can cause significant financial and emotional stress. With ShipSimple, you can shop with confidence, knowing your timepieces are fully protected against loss, theft, and damage.

Sign up today and experience hassle-free, insured shipping for your luxury watch shipments!

FAQs

1. How Much Does Shipping Insurance for Luxury Watches Cost?

The cost of insurance varies based on the watch’s value, delivery location, and shipping method. ShipSimple offers competitive rates to ensure full protection without breaking the bank. Contact us now to get a free quote.

2. What Happens If My Insured Package Is Lost Or Stolen?

If your insured package is lost or stolen, you can file a claim with your insurance provider. Once approved, you will be reimbursed for the full or promised insured value of your watch.

3. Does Shipsimple Insurance Cover International Shipments?

Yes, ShipSimple provides coverage for both domestic and international shipments. However, certain restrictions may apply depending on the destination country.

4. What Documents Are Required to File a Claim?

Generally, you need proof of value (receipt/invoice), shipment tracking details, and, in case of damage, photos of the item and packaging.

6. Can I Insure Multiple Watches in One Shipment?

Yes, you can insure multiple watches within a single shipment if the total declared value is within the coverage limits.

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Mona Sohal

Mona Sohal

VP of Operations

A business professional with 15 years of industry experience in finance, insurance, technology, and logistics. For the past 7 years, I’ve been with ShipSimple, where I serve as the VP of Operations. My journey in the logistics tech space has been all about finding innovative ways to simplify shipping for businesses. I’m passionate about empowering business owners with the right tools and insights to help them grow and streamline their operations. I believe that by leveraging technology and smart solutions, we can make shipping easier and more efficient for everyone.

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