We've partnered with shipping insurance provider XCover (owned by Cover Genius) to give you a better insurance experience, protect your bottom line, and keep your customers happy. Here's what you get:
- Easy claims: File a claim in an online portal and track its status the whole way through.
- No minimum fees: Coverage costs as low as 1.25% of your package value, so insuring a $10 package costs pennies.
- Porch piracy covered: Protect packages from theft, even after they're delivered.
- Global coverage: Ship anywhere in the world with peace of mind.
- Branded packages covered: Protect your shipments while you build your brand.
| Note: See the details on our insurance offerings through XCover below. |
This guide covers how to guarantee coverage, which items can and can't be insured, and how to file a claim if something goes wrong. For step-by-step instructions on adding insurance to a package, see Adding insurance to a package in Shippo.
| Note: We strongly recommend reviewing XCover's terms of service before adding insurance to a shipment, especially the section titled Key things to know about your XCover protection. |
How much does it cost to insure my package?
Insuring a package costs 1.25% of the insured value for shipments within the same country, plus the cost of postage. For example, insuring a $240 package with a $10 label costs $3.13. Cross-border shipments cost 1.50% of the insured value, with no minimum fee.
| Note: XCover updated the US terms and conditions of the Shippo Total Protection program, effective March 1, 2024. |
Packaging requirements
For your package to be covered by XCover, you must adhere to the following packaging requirements:
Your box must have at least 2″ (5 cm) of approved cushioning (e.g. EPE foam, moldable foam, air pillows) between the item and all six walls; craft paper, newspaper, clothing and loose cardboard are not accepted. Multiple items must be individually wrapped with 2″ spacing so they do not touch. Items over 10 lb (4.5 kg) must ship in a double-walled corrugated box with impact-resistant EPE foam at all corners. Electronics and fragile items must use a box-in-box method with 6″ (15 cm) cushioned clearance. Jewelry and high-value items must ship in a plain, unbranded box with no seller logos. The box must be sealed with 2″ plastic tape in an “H” pattern across all seams top and bottom (duct tape, masking tape, string and twine are not accepted). Transport labels and customs documents must be secured on the exterior in a clear, self-sealing plastic sleeve. Trading cards/collecting cards not in a rigid/watertight case are not covered.
Can my item be insured with XCover?
Shipping insurance language can get confusing fast, so let's clear it up.
Most items can be insured right from Shippo. To guarantee coverage, though, some items need specific packaging or a signature on delivery, and a few items can't be insured at all.
Before you purchase a label with XCover, confirm that your item is eligible. Some items only qualify for coverage with a signature and a tracking number.
Items that aren't insured
Most items can be insured through XCover, but a few can't. Some common examples are below. Several other items have coverage sub-limits, so see XCover's detailed terms and conditions for the full list.
- Perishable items, except wine. This includes food, pharmaceuticals, plant matter, and chemicals.
- Laptops, LCDs, and TVs aren't covered for damage.
- Precious metals and stones (including diamonds, gems, crystals, pearls), cash, bullion, securities, and documents; digital goods; standalone lithium batteries and dangerous goods under ICAO PI 966/968 (eBikes, eBoards, eScooters); items containing psilocybin, including mushrooms.
- Claims resulting from illegal activity, like shipping contraband goods.
See XCover's terms and conditions for more detail.
Items that require a physical signature to be insured
- Laptops, LCDs, and TVs
- Jewelry and watches valued at $250 or more (also requires a tracking number)
Are any markets or countries restricted?
Yes. Coverage depends on both the origin and destination country. See XCover insurance: coverage and country restrictions for the full list.
Filing a claim for a lost or damaged shipment
Packages insured by XCover
Filing a claim for a lost or damaged shipment is easier than ever. If something goes wrong with an insured shipment, start your claim directly from our web app.
- Go to your Shipments page in the Shippo web app and click the shipment tied to the insurance purchase.
- In the Shipment detail sidebar, click File a claim.
- Complete the claim form on the XCover website.
| Note: First-time XCover users need to activate their account first. It's a quick step that makes future claims hassle-free. Find the XCover confirmation text or email in your inbox and click the secure link to activate your account, then follow the setup instructions. Learn more in How do I activate my XCover account? |
What to do if XCover can't insure my item
XCover has more requirements than most carriers, so any company shipping with XCover runs into similar limitations. The good news: carriers have their own insurance requirements, so you may have other coverage options.
| Note: If XCover can't insure your item, your best option is to purchase your label directly through a carrier, like USPS, UPS, or DHL. |
| Carrier | Service | Included coverage limit |
|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | International | Weight in kilograms × SDR value × 22 |
| FedEx | Domestic | $100.00 |
| FedEx | International | $100.00 |
| Purolator | Domestic | $100.00 |
| Purolator | International | $100.00 |
| UPS | Domestic | $100.00 |
| UPS | International | $100.00 |
| USPS | Domestic - Express Mail | $100.00 |
| USPS | International - Express Mail | $200.00 |