Comparison
GLS Insurance vs CIO Cargo Insurance
Understand the differences between GLS additional insurance (declared value) and CIO Cargo Insure Online — compare costs, coverage limits, exclusions and claims handling.
Couriers
GLS
Pan-European parcel carrier with optional Cash Service and additional insurance.
About GLS
- Overview
- General Logistics Systems (GLS) is a European parcel delivery network operating across 40+ countries.
- Headquarters
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Countries served
- 40+ countries directly, worldwide via partners
- Services offered
- Parcel delivery, express, FlexDeliveryService, ShopReturnService.
- Typical users
- European e-commerce and B2B shippers.
Insurance overview
| Coverage type | Additional Insurance (declared value) |
|---|---|
| Maximum coverage | Up to EUR 15,000 with AddOnLiability |
| International coverage | Yes |
| Domestic coverage | Yes |
| Claims process | Notify GLS within 7 days for damage, 21 days for loss. |
| Major exclusions | Cash, valuables, perishables, improperly packaged goods. |
Premium comparison
| Shipment value | GLS cost | CIO cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD 1,000 | USD 15.00 | USD 5.00 | Save USD 10.00 (67%) |
| USD 5,000 | USD 75.00 | USD 22.50 | Save USD 52.50 (70%) |
| USD 10,000 | USD 150.00 | USD 45.00 | Save USD 105.00 (70%) |
| USD 25,000 | Not covered (over limit) | USD 112.50 | CIO covers full value |
| USD 50,000 | Not covered (over limit) | USD 225.00 | CIO covers full value |
| USD 100,000 | Not covered (over limit) | USD 450.00 | CIO covers full value |
Indicative estimates based on published carrier rate cards and a CIO illustrative rate of 0.45%. Actual premiums depend on commodity, lane and risk; request a live CIO quote for binding figures.
Why businesses choose CIO
| Feature | GLS | CIO |
|---|---|---|
| Independent insurance | ||
| Multi-carrier coverage | ||
| Door-to-door protection | ||
| International shipments | ||
| Freight coverage | ||
| Parcel coverage | ||
| API integration | ||
| White-label available | ||
| Instant certificates | ||
| Cargo specialists |
Coverage comparison
What GLS covers
Additional Insurance (declared value) up to Up to EUR 15,000 with AddOnLiability.
Excludes: Cash, valuables, perishables, improperly packaged goods.
What CIO covers
All-risk cargo insurance on a door-to-door basis (Institute Cargo Clauses A), with limits up to USD 5M+ per shipment subject to underwriting.
Includes general average, war & strikes (extension), and shipments across all major couriers, freight forwarders and modes.
Common claims examples
Lost package
GLS outcome
Compensation up to declared value, after investigation period and proof of value — often denied without purchased coverage.
CIO outcome
Full insured value paid, subject to ICC(A) and policy terms, typically settled within days of documented loss.
Water damage in transit
GLS outcome
Often excluded unless attributable to carrier negligence; weather and force-majeure events commonly declined.
CIO outcome
Covered under all-risk cargo terms, including weather-related incidents and concealed damage.
Theft during transit
GLS outcome
Covered only with purchased declared value and provided packaging requirements were met; routinely contested.
CIO outcome
Theft and pilferage included as standard under ICC(A) with broad door-to-door cover.
Misdelivery
GLS outcome
Liability limited to convention caps (Warsaw / Montreal / CMR) unless declared value purchased.
CIO outcome
Insured value paid, with the insurer pursuing recovery against the carrier on your behalf.
Handling damage
GLS outcome
Frequently excluded when packaging is deemed insufficient by the carrier; burden of proof on shipper.
CIO outcome
Covered subject to reasonable packaging standards; expert surveyors handle damage assessment.
Warehouse incidents (pre-shipment)
GLS outcome
Not covered — carrier liability starts on pickup and ends at delivery.
CIO outcome
Covered under door-to-door extension including limited storage and consolidation periods.
GLS insurance FAQs
›Does GLS offer additional insurance?
Yes, GLS offers AddOnLiability and Insurance options that raise the standard CMR / convention liability up to a declared value.
Protect your shipments beyond carrier liability
Get instant cargo insurance quotes with CIO Cargo Insure Online — independent, multi-carrier, door-to-door.