Guide to DHL Express shipping insurance for businesses in New Zealand

As a business owner, you understand the importance of offering reliable and secure shipping when sending your products to your buyers, customers, and clients. However, packages can sometimes be lost, damaged, or delayed in transit despite your best efforts due to unforeseeable circumstances.

In such situations, your customer faces a loss and your business could also suffer. If you are unable to provide a suitable replacement promptly, your brand credibility may be affected, impacting long-term success. Shipping insurance for your shipments offers a way to protect both your business and your customers.

Typically offered by postal, courier, logistics, or last-mile delivery companies, shipping insurance covers losses incurred while a shipment is in transit. While the specific terms of a shipping insurance policy vary by carrier, it generally protects the exporter by shifting liability to the carrier for unexpected events.

As a leading international logistics and last-mile delivery carrier, DHL Express offers optional shipping insurance to give business owners peace of mind and protection against potential losses.

What is shipping insurance?

Shipping insurance provides financial protection against the physical loss or damage of goods during transit. Opting for this insurance helps businesses safeguard their shipments' monetary value, especially when shipping fragile items and to prevent damage, ensuring peace of mind and reducing potential financial setbacks from unforeseen shipping incidents.

While standard carrier liability covers only a portion of a shipment's value, shipping insurance allows for coverage up to the declared value. This offers comprehensive protection, a key consideration for various items, including those involved in complex processes like shipping perfume internationally. It's essential to note that certain exclusions may apply, such as damages resulting from inadequate packaging or inherent defects in the goods.

How does DHL Express shipping insurance work?

DHL Express shipping insurance includes coverage in the event of loss or damage during transportation. It is separate from our standard liability, which covers only part of the value of your shipment in the event of direct loss or damage while in transit, at no extra cost to you. 

How to get DHL Express shipping insurance

• Select "Protect Your Shipment": During the booking process on MyDHL+ or other DHL platforms, choose the 'Protect Your Shipment' option to indicate you want to add-on DHL Express shipping insurance.
• Declare shipment value: Accurately input the total value of your shipment, matching the amount on your commercial invoice.
• Automatic cost calculation: All costs will be automatically processed by our on-site calculator, making the process seamless and fuss-free for you.

Once your shipment is underway, you can conveniently track your DHL package progress via MyDHL+ or our online tracking tools. In the event that anything happens to your shipment when it is in transit, you can proceed to file a claim with DHL Express and receive compensation up to the declared value of your shipment. DHL Express will then reimburse you for the respective amount accordingly. Do note that you will still have to communicate with your buyer or customer about the loss, and make alternative arrangements for service recovery with them separately.

How much does DHL Express shipping insurance cost for New Zealand businesses?

The DHL Express shipping insurance premium is either NZ$25 per shipment or 2.5% of the insured value, whichever is higher.

Examples:

• Shipment valued at NZ$500: 2.5% equals NZ$12.50. Since this is below the minimum premium, the cost would be NZ$25.
• Shipment valued at NZ$2,000: 2.5% equals NZ$50. As this exceeds the minimum, the insurance cost would be NZ$50.

This straightforward pricing structure ensures businesses can easily anticipate insurance costs, aiding in budgeting and financial planning.

How to file a DHL Express shipping insurance claim

To file a claim for a lost or damaged DHL Express shipment, you must first contact customer service within 30 days of the shipment's acceptance date. You can do this either online through the DHL Express website or by emailing your local DHL Express customer service team. You will need to provide your Air Waybill (AWB) number and other relevant information to initiate the claim. Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. Contact DHL Express customer service

Initiate the claim within 30 days of the shipment's acceptance date. You can file the claim online on the DHL Express website or by contacting them via email or phone. Provide your AWB number and other relevant details. 

2. Gather supporting documentation

• Photos: Take clear photos of the damaged goods and packaging from multiple angles. 
• Invoices: Include copies of purchasing or sales invoices for the damaged goods. 
• Weight details: Provide the weight details of the damaged or missing goods. 
• Claim forms: If the claim is initiated online, you may be prompted to fill out a claims form. 

3. Submit the claim

Provide all requested information and documentation to DHL Express. Their customer service representatives will typically acknowledge receipt of your claim within a few business days and begin processing.

What are the benefits of DHL Express shipping insurance?

The benefits of DHL Express shipping insurance are multifold, and include:

• Peace of mind: With our shipping insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that your packages are protected while in international transit and that you won't be held financially responsible for any damage or loss.
• Fast claims processing: In the event of a loss or damage, we offer a fast and efficient insurance claims process, which can help your business quickly recover its losses and avoid any unnecessary delays for service recovery.
• Affordable rates: We offer competitive rates for shipping insurance, making it an affordable option for businesses of all sizes. Our shipping insurance is also an integrated feature within the all-in-one MyDHL+ tracking platform, making it easy for business owners to keep tabs on all of their shipments simultaneously.

Getting DHL Express shipping insurance offers your business protection, peace of mind, and financial reimbursement in the event of loss or damage during transportation. This is especially critical for small and medium-sized businesses, which can be greatly affected by even a single delayed or lost shipment. By taking advantage of DHL’s shipping insurance, you can focus on growing your business and fulfilling your customer's needs instead, knowing that your shipments are protected throughout their transit journey.

Secure your shipments with DHL Express New Zealand

When you use DHL Express shipping insurance, you're not just protecting your goods—you’re investing in customer trust, business resilience, and long-term success. Whether you're shipping high-value electronics, sensitive documents, or e-commerce products, securing your shipments with international shipping insurance is a proactive step toward protecting your operations. Let DHL Express handle the risks while you focus on scaling your business.

Open a DHL Express business account today and enjoy integrated shipping tools, secure delivery, and optional insurance for peace of mind on every shipment.