Courier & Parcel Insurance South Africa
Protect your shipment against loss, damage, and theft. UrgentGo offers declared-value cover on every delivery — from documents to high-value goods.
Parcel Insurance Options
Choose the level of cover that matches your shipment's value. All bookings include standard cover — upgrade for high-value goods.
Standard Cover
- Included at no extra cost
- Covers loss in transit
- Covers damage during handling
- Valid on all service types
- Claim via support team
Declared Value Cover
Most Popular- Declare your parcel's value at booking
- Full replacement value on loss
- Damage cover up to declared amount
- Fragile & high-value goods covered
- Priority claims processing
- Valid on same-day, overnight & weekend
Business Cover
For Accounts- Tailored cover for high-volume shippers
- Blanket policy across all shipments
- Cover up to R500,000 per consignment
- Dedicated claims manager
- Monthly reporting & claims dashboard
- API integration for automated cover
Items We Cover
General Parcels
Clothing, electronics, books, household goods, gifts, and general merchandise.
Documents & Contracts
Legal documents, contracts, certificates, and business correspondence.
Electronics
Phones, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices when properly declared.
Medical Supplies
Medical equipment, pharmaceutical products, and laboratory samples.
eCommerce Orders
Online retail shipments, returns, and marketplace fulfilment.
High-Value Goods
Jewellery, watches, and collectibles with declared value cover up to R50,000.
What's Not Covered
Prohibited Items
Firearms, narcotics, hazardous materials, and other prohibited goods.
Improper Packaging
Damage caused by inadequate packaging that doesn't meet our guidelines.
Perishables
Food and perishable goods unless booked on a cold-chain service.
Cash & Negotiables
Currency, cheques, vouchers, and negotiable instruments.
Not sure if your item is covered? Call us on 010 023 4832 before booking and we'll advise on the right cover for your shipment.
How to Make a Claim
If something goes wrong, we make the claims process as straightforward as possible. Here's exactly what to do.
Report Within 24 Hours
Contact our support team within 24 hours of the delivery date (or expected delivery date for lost parcels). Call 010 023 4832 or email support@urgentgocourier.co.za.
Submit Your Claim
Complete our online claims form with your tracking number, description of the damage or loss, and the declared value. Attach photos of damaged items where applicable.
We Investigate
Our claims team reviews your submission, checks tracking records, driver logs, and facility scans. Most claims are assessed within 3–5 business days.
Receive Your Payout
Approved claims are paid out within 7–10 business days via EFT to your nominated bank account. Business account holders receive priority processing.
Important: Claims Deadline
All claims must be submitted within 30 days of the shipment date as per our Terms of Service. Claims submitted after this period cannot be processed. Keep your tracking number and booking confirmation safe until your parcel is delivered and inspected.
Courier Insurance South Africa — What You Need to Know
When you send a parcel in South Africa, you're trusting a courier with goods that have real value — whether it's a business document, an eCommerce order, or a high-value item. Courier insurance (also called parcel insurance or shipment cover) protects you financially if your parcel is lost, stolen, or damaged in transit.
UrgentGo includes standard cover on every booking at no extra cost. For parcels worth more than R500, our Declared Value Cover gives you full replacement protection at just 1.5% of the declared value — one of the most competitive rates in South Africa.
Do I Need Parcel Insurance in South Africa?
While standard courier cover provides basic protection, it's often insufficient for high-value shipments. If you're sending electronics, jewellery, medical equipment, or business goods worth more than R500, declared value cover is strongly recommended.
For eCommerce businesses, parcel insurance is especially important — a single lost or damaged shipment can result in a chargeback, a negative review, and a lost customer. Our business cover options are designed to protect high-volume shippers with blanket policies and dedicated claims support.
Parcel Insurance vs. Courier Liability — What's the Difference?
Courier liability is the courier company's legal obligation to compensate you for loss or damage — but this is often limited to a low fixed amount (sometimes as little as R100–R200 per shipment). Parcel insurance, on the other hand, is a declared-value cover that pays out the actual replacement value of your goods.
UrgentGo's standard cover exceeds the industry minimum, but for full peace of mind on valuable shipments, Declared Value Cover is the right choice.
Packaging Tips to Protect Your Claim
- Use a sturdy, double-walled cardboard box for fragile items
- Wrap items individually in bubble wrap or foam padding
- Fill empty space with packing peanuts or crumpled paper
- Seal all seams with strong packing tape — at least 3 layers
- Label the box clearly with both sender and recipient addresses
- Mark fragile items with "FRAGILE" on all sides
- Keep your invoice or proof of purchase — you'll need it for a claim
Add Cover to Your Next Booking
Declare your parcel's value at checkout and we'll add Declared Value Cover automatically. Takes 10 seconds.
Get a QuoteRelated Services
Quick Cover Facts
- Standard cover: R500 — free on all bookings
- Declared value cover: 1.5% of value
- Max cover: R50,000 per shipment
- Business cover: up to R500,000
- Claims assessed in 3–5 business days
- Payout within 7–10 business days
Send with Confidence
Every UrgentGo booking includes standard cover. Upgrade to Declared Value Cover in seconds when you book — and ship knowing your parcel is protected.
Not sure if your item is allowed?
Check the Prohibited Items GuideCourier Insurance FAQs
Everything you need to know about insuring your parcel with UrgentGo.
Yes. Every UrgentGo booking includes standard cover of up to R500 at no extra cost. For parcels worth more than R500, you can add Declared Value Cover at 1.5% of the declared value when booking.