Are FedEx packages insured? (all you must know)
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Despite FedEx’s reputation in the shipping industry, life is unpredictable and it’s good to know that your shipments are protected should anything go wrong.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about the FedEx insurance program, including why it’s not exactly insurance, what it covers (and doesn’t cover), how much it costs, and how it works!
Are FedEx packages insured in 2022?
As of 2022, FedEx does not offer shipping insurance. Instead, if a package is lost, stolen or damaged, the company provides a declared value to offset the cost. All package shipping includes $100 worth of insurance. Customers can purchase additional insurance if the value of the package is higher. Coverage is priced based on the declared value of the package.
Understanding FedEx coverage can be a bit complicated, so be sure to follow this guide for help!
How does FedEx Insurance work?
Like most third-party shipping companies, FedEx always includes a declared value range in its contract of carriage.
That said, declared value insurance is the maximum amount the shipping company will pay the shipper if any damage to the package occurs in transit.
On FedEx, the declared value insurance is $100. Therefore, FedEx will reimburse the shipper up to $100 if anything goes wrong with the package.
Here, the important word is “up to”. Therefore, if your item is worth less than $100, FedEx will only reimburse you for the value of the damaged item.
For example, if a $10 coffee mug breaks, FedEx will only pay $10.
However, if you are shipping a package with a declared value of more than $100, you should purchase additional insurance.
How do I insure my FedEx package?
It’s easy to take advantage of FedEx’s reach. This way, you only need to fill out the value section on the shipping form when you check in a package for shipping.
Also, if the total value of the shipment is less than $100, you don’t need to do anything else because coverage is automatically included when you purchase shipping.
However, if your package is worth more than $100, please fill in the value and pay the appropriate amount of additional shipping.
How much does it cost to insure a package with FedEx?
FedEx provides free insurance on the first $100 of declared value. Additionally, below is a list of insurance rates for packages with a higher declared value.
| content value | FedEx Insurance Costs |
| up to $100 | $0 |
| $100.01 to $300.00 | $3 |
| Every additional $100 is worth more than $300 | $1.25 |
Additionally, additional coverage can be added to your package online or in person at a FedEx office.
What Does FedEx Insurance Cover?
FedEx’s declared value range helps offset costs if a package is lost, stolen or damaged in transit.
Is there anything FedEx insurance doesn’t cover?
FedEx coverage does not protect shipments from any damage caused by fire or natural disasters.
Obviously, such events are not within FedEx’s control, so the company does not cover them.
Also, it does not include damaged or lost shipments upon arrival at the recipient’s doorstep.
Again, such situations are beyond FedEx’s control and cannot be covered by insurance.
Also, if your shipment is damaged or lost after delivery, a third-party insurance policy such as homeowners or renters insurance is another avenue to seek.
Except in these cases, FedEx does not provide comprehensive coverage for certain high-value items beyond the maximum liability coverage.
That is, this amount is set to $1,000, for example:
- Artwork (e.g. paintings, drawings, sculptures, vases)
- Film (including photographic images, negatives and slides)
- Antiques, Furniture, Tableware, Glassware
- Plasma screen
- Jewelry and Fur
- precious metal
- Stocks, bonds, cash letters or cash equivalents (stamps, traveler’s checks, lottery tickets)
- Collectibles (coins, stamps, souvenirs and souvenirs)
- Guitars and other instruments (20+ and custom)
How do I file a FedEx insurance claim?
FedEx’s online portal makes it easy to file a claim. With it, here are the steps you need to take:
Step 1: Fill out the online claim form
The first step is to fill out an online claim form through FedEx, which you can do as follows:
- Enter your tracking/PRO number
- Choose your claim type
- Fill out the online claim form
Step 2: Add Supporting Files
Drag and drop files from your computer into your claim. Supporting documents can include:
- Scan FedEx air waybills, Ship Manager printouts, or FedEx ground records
- Photos of packages and damaged items
- Serial numbers of damaged or missing items
- Copy of retail invoice/receipt
- Itemized repair invoice or statement of non-repair
Step 3: Submit your online claim form
Review your information, submit a claim form, and print a case number page for your records.
Step 4: Schedule an inspection or complete your own
FedEx will notify you if your claim needs inspection. Therefore, you should retain the original packaging of the shipment until your claim is resolved.
If you do the packaging inspection yourself, please download and complete the inspection report. Then, upload and attach any digital images of your shipment’s packaging or contents.
After that, submit online or email the completed report to the email address listed on the form.
Step 5: Track Your Claim Status
Log in to check the status of your claim online or request an email update.
Also, some other notes on filing a claim: No documentation is required for claims with a declared value of less than $100.
Additionally, you must file a courier claim within 21 calendar days of the shipment’s arrival. By contrast, you must file a ground claim within 60 days of the delivery date.
After a claim is filed, resolution is typically completed within a week, and approved claims receive reimbursement of declared value shortly after.
To learn more, you can also read our posts on FedEx delivery instructions, whether FedEx delivers to PO Boxes, and whether FedEx leaves packages in the rain or snow.
in conclusion
FedEx shipping coverage is easy and affordable. For most casual shippers, free coverage is more than enough to cover any damage that may be caused in transit.
Additionally, filing a claim is simple and resolution is quick, usually within a week.
