Although FedEx has an excellent reputation in the shipping industry, life is unpredictable, and it’s nice to know that your shipments are protected should anything go wrong.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about FedEx’s insurance program, including why it’s not exactly insurance, what it does (and does not) cover, how much it costs, and how it works!
Are FedEx Packages Insured In [currentyear]?
FedEx doesn’t offer shipping insurance as of [currentyear]. Instead, the company provides declared value to offset costs if a package is lost, stolen, or damaged. All packages come with $100 worth of coverage in the shipping price. If the package’s value is higher, customers can purchase additional coverage. Coverage is priced according to the package’s declared value.
Understanding how FedEx’s coverage works can be a bit complicated, so be sure to follow this guide for assistance!
How Does FedEx Insurance Work?
Like most third-party shipping companies, FedEx always includes declared value coverage in its shipping contracts.
That said, declared value coverage refers to the maximum amount of money the shipping company will pay the shipper if any damage occurs to the parcel during the shipping process.
At FedEx, the declared value coverage is $100. As such, FedEx will reimburse a shipper up to $100 should anything happen to the package.
Here, the important words are “up to.” So, if the value of your items is less than $100, FedEx will only reimburse you for the value of the damaged items.
For example, if a $10 coffee mug breaks, then FedEx will only pay $10.
However, if you’re shipping a package with a declared value of more than $100, you should purchase additional insurance coverage.
How Do I Insure A FedEx Package?
Taking advantage of FedEx’s coverage is easy. With that, when dropping off a package to be shipped, simply fill out the value section on the shipping form.
Further, if the total value of the shipment is worth less than $100, you don’t need to do anything else, as coverage is automatically included when you purchase shipping services.
But, if your package is valued at more than $100, fill in the value and pay the appropriate amount of additional shipping fees.
How Much Does It Cost To Insure A Package With FedEx?
FedEx offers the first $100 of declared value coverage for free. Further, below is a table of coverage prices for packages with a higher declared value.
| Value of contents | FedEx Insurance Cost |
| Up to $100 | $0 |
| $100.01 to $300.00 | $3 |
| Every additional $100 value over $300 | $1.25 |
Also, adding more coverage to a package can be done online or in person at a FedEx Office location.
What Does FedEx Insurance Cover?
FedEx’s declared value coverage helps offset the cost if a package is lost, stolen, or damaged during the shipping process.
Are There Things FedEx Insurance Doesn’t Cover?
FedEx’s coverage does not protect goods from any damage resulting from fire or natural disasters.
Clearly, such events are outside FedEx’s control, and thus the company does not cover them.
Also, it does not cover goods that get damaged or go missing upon arrival at the receiver’s doorstep.
Again, such instances are outside FedEx’s control and cannot be included in the coverage.
Moreover, if your goods are damaged or go missing after delivery, a third-party insurance policy like homeowner’s or renter’s insurance is another route to pursue.
In addition to these scenarios, FedEx does not provide full coverage for certain high-value items that exceed the maximum liability coverage.
That said, this amount is set at $1,000 for things such as:
- Artwork (e.g., paintings, drawings, sculptures, vases)
- Film (including photographic images, negatives, and slides)
- Antiques, furniture, tableware, glassware
- Plasma screens
- Jewelry and furs
- Precious metals
- Stocks, bonds, cash letters, or cash equivalents (stamps, traveler’s checks, lottery tickets)
- Collector’s items (coins, stamps, souvenirs, and memorabilia)
- Guitars and other musical instruments (over 20 years old and customized)
How Do I File A FedEx Insurance Claim?
FedEx’s online portal makes filing a claim easy. With that, here are the steps you need to take:
Step 1: Complete The Online Claim Form
The first step is completing an online claim form through FedEx, which you can do by following these steps:
- Enter your tracking/PRO number
- Select your claim type
- Complete the online claim form
Step 2: Add Supporting Documents
Drag and drop documents from your computer to your claim. Supporting documents can include:
- Scan of FedEx Airbill, Ship Manager print out, or FedEx Ground Pickup Record
- Photos of the packages and damaged contents
- Serial number(s) of damaged or lost merchandise
- Copy of retail invoice/receipt
- Itemized repair invoice or statement of non-repair
Step 3: Submit Your Online Claim Form
Review your information, submit the claim form, and print the case number page for your records.
Step 4: Schedule An Inspection Or Complete Your Own
FedEx will notify you if your claim requires an inspection. For this reason, you should keep the shipment’s original packaging until your claim is resolved.
If conducting your own package inspection, download and complete the Inspection Report. Then, upload and attach any digital images of your shipment’s packaging or content.
After that, submit online or email the completed report to the email address listed on the form.
Step 5: Track The Status Of Your Claim
Log in to check the status of your claim online or to request email updates.
Also, a few other notes about filing a claim: documentation is not required for claims with a declared value of less than $100.
Additionally, you must file Express claims within 21 calendar days after delivery of the shipment. In comparison, you must file Ground claims no later than 60 days after the delivery date.
After making your claim, the resolution is usually completed within a week, and approved claims receive reimbursement for the declared value shortly after.
To know more, you can also read our posts on FedEx delivery instructions, does FedEx deliver to PO boxes, and does FedEx leave packages in the rain or snow.
Conclusion
FedEx’s shipping coverage is easy and affordable to access. For most casual shippers, the free coverage is more than enough to cover any damage that may result from the shipping process.
Moreover, filing a claim is simple, and resolution is quick, typically only taking a week.
