As a Belgian entrepreneur who has imported goods from China for over eight years—from delicate porcelain vases to heavy industrial machinery—I’ve learned that the question of shipping insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Early in my career, I skipped insurance on a sea shipment of €20,000 worth of textiles, only to face water damage from a storm in the Indian Ocean. That mistake cost me €5,000 in losses. Since then, I’ve developed a framework for deciding when insurance is a must and when it might be optional. Here’s what I’ve learned, broken down by shipping method and risk level.

The Two Faces of Shipping Risk: Sea vs. Air Freight

1. Shipping from China to Belgium by Sea: When Risks Linger Longer

Sea freight is my go-to for bulk goods, but it comes with unique risks:

• Transit Time: 30–45 days means more opportunities for damage (e.g., moisture in containers, rough handling at ports). My 2023 shipment of wooden furniture from Guangzhou to Antwerp was delayed two weeks by a port strike in Suez, and during that time, 15% of the pieces sustained minor scratches from shifting cargo.
• Container Risks: While FCL (full container) reduces mixing with other goods, LCL (shared container) increases the chance of damage from improper packing by other shippers. A 2024 LCL shipment of glassware from Xiamen arrived with three broken pieces—luckily, I’d purchased insurance that covered 80% of the loss.

2. Air Shipping from China to Belgium: Speed Doesn’t Eliminate Risk

Air freight is faster (3–7 days), but it’s not risk-free:

• Handling Intensity: Goods are moved more frequently—from trucks to planes to customs facilities. My 2025 air shipment of high-tech components from Shenzhen to Brussels had a cracked circuit board due to rough unloading at Brussels Airport.
• Weather Delays: While storms rarely damage air cargo, they can cause lengthy delays. In 2024, a snowstorm in Beijing delayed my air shipment by 48 hours, disrupting a product launch and costing €3,000 in rescheduling fees (which my insurance didn’t cover, highlighting the need for delay coverage).

Three Scenarios Where Insurance is Non-Negotiable

1. High-Value or Irreplaceable Goods

If your goods are worth over €5,000 or are unique (e.g., antiques, prototypes), insurance is mandatory. In 2022, I shipped a €30,000 shipment of diamond-encrusted watches from Hong Kong to Bruges. The all-risk policy I purchased covered theft, damage, and even a temporary customs hold due to paperwork errors—worth every euro of the €1,200 premium.

2. Fragile or Perishable Items

Porcelain, electronics, or temperature-sensitive goods (e.g., cosmetics, food) need coverage:

• Case Study: A 2023 sea shipment of 500 ceramic mugs from Jingdezhen to Antwerp had inadequate packing. Without insurance, I’d have lost €2,500 when 20% arrived chipped. With a marine cargo policy, I recouped 90% of the value.
• Pro Tip: Opt for “all risks” insurance, which covers accidental damage, not just total loss. It added €80 to my premium but saved me hundreds.

3. Long-Distance or Complex Routes

Shipments requiring transshipment (e.g., sea freight via the Suez Canal, air freight with layovers in high-risk regions) face higher odds of issues. My 2024 shipment from Tianjin to Zeebrugge via Rotterdam had a 2-day delay due to a dockworkers’ strike—the insurance didn’t cover the delay, but it did protect against potential cargo abandonment.

When Insurance Might Be Optional (But Proceed with Caution)

1. Low-Value, Non-Urgent Bulk Goods

For items like plasticware or low-cost textiles (value under €2,000), I sometimes skip insurance to save on premiums. However, I always:

• Use robust packing (double-walled boxes, foam inserts) to minimize damage.
• Factor in a 5–10% loss buffer in my pricing.

2. Shippers with Strong Carrier Relationships

If your freight forwarder has a proven track record of safe deliveries (like my partner, China Top Forwarder, who’s never lost a shipment in five years), you might take a calculated risk. But I still recommend at least basic coverage for peace of mind.

How to Choose the Right Insurance: My Step-by-Step Process

1. Understand Policy Types

• FPA (Free of Particular Average): Covers total loss or major damage (cheap but limited—avoid for fragile goods).
• WPA (With Particular Average): Includes partial damage from specified perils (e.g., storms, fire).
• All Risks: Broad coverage for accidental damage, theft, and natural disasters (my go-to for high-value items).

2. Calculate Coverage Adequately

• Insure for CIF value (goods + freight + insurance) to avoid undercoverage. For a €10,000 FOB shipment with €1,500 freight, insure for at least €11,500.
• Add a 10–15% buffer for potential price increases or replacement costs.

3. Check for Exclusions

• Most policies exclude “inherent vice” (e.g., wood warping due to humidity) or delays. For my 2025 shipment of leather goods, I purchased a add-on for mold damage during sea transit.

4. Use Tracking to Mitigate Risk

Even with insurance, shipping from China to Belgium tracking is essential. My forwarder’s real-time updates showed me when a 2024 container was rerouted due to Red Sea tensions, allowing me to confirm with the insurer that the new route was covered.

Why China Top Forwarder’s Insurance Services Stand Out

After testing multiple insurers and forwarders, I rely on China Top Forwarder for three reasons:

1. Tailored Policies for Every Need

• For sea freight, they offer marine cargo insurance covering up to €50,000 with a 2% deductible. For my 40-foot container of machinery (€45,000 value), the premium was €450—20% cheaper than standalone policies.
• For air freight, they provide “door-to-door” coverage that includes customs detention, a risk I faced in 2023 when a shipment of medical devices was held for 3 days (insurance covered the storage fees).

2. Seamless Claims Process

When a 2025 air shipment of smartphone screens arrived with 10 cracked units, their team:

• Submitted photos and a damage report to the insurer within 24 hours.
• Negotiated a 95% payout within 10 days (industry average is 3–4 weeks).

3. Risk Assessment Expertise

They analyze my goods’ HS code, route, and packaging to recommend the right coverage. For my 2024 shipment of lithium batteries (a high-risk item), they advised a specialized policy that included fire damage coverage—something standard policies often exclude.

Final Thoughts: Insurance as a Safety Net, Not a Luxury

Whether you’re shipping by sea or air, insurance is about balancing risk with your business’s tolerance for loss. Here’s my rule of thumb:

• Always Insure: High-value, fragile, or time-sensitive goods.
• Consider Carefully: Low-value bulk items—weigh the premium against potential loss.
• Never Skip Tracking: Even with insurance, real-time updates (like those from China Top Forwarder) help you address issues proactively.

Ready to Ship with Confidence?

If you’re tired of worrying about damaged goods or unexpected losses, partner with a forwarder that treats insurance as part of a holistic logistics strategy. China Top Forwarder combines competitive insurance rates, route-specific risk analysis, and seamless claims support to ensure your cargo is protected at every step.

Don’t leave your shipments to chance. Contact China Top Forwarder today for a personalized insurance quote and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your goods are covered—from China to your Belgian doorstep.