Shipping Insurance

Full coverage, no headaches

Protect your shipments with coverage for loss, damage, and package theft. With Total Shipping Protection, the award-winning shipping insurance powered by our partner XCover, you get:

• 20% cheaper compared to carrier insurance††
• Quick and easy claims filing
• Covers total order value & shipping costs
• Instant payout of approved claims
• No deductibles

XCover easily and quickly paid my insurance claim and was a pleasure to deal with.

I highly recommend this insurance company. XCover is the best of the best!

What is shipping insurance?

Shipping insurance is additional peace-of-mind coverage provided by an insurance agent to compensate shippers for issues occurring during transit, including:

• Damaged goods
• Stolen parcels
• Lost shipments

It goes beyond the basic protection provided by carriers, offering comprehensive coverage and streamlining the claims process for faster payouts.

What is Total Shipping Protection for parcel shippers?

Total Shipping Protection is third-party shipping insurance available to parcel shippers using the Descartes XPS Ship platform to print shipping labels. It provides:

• Coverage for loss, damage or theft
  • Covers up to $10,000
  • Any carrier
• Reimbursement up to the full sale price (order value) if damaged, lost, or stolen during transit
  • Coverage includes shipping costs
  • Zero deductible

Learn more about what’s covered in the Terms and Conditions.

Full Coverage Shipping Insurance for UPS, USPS, FedEx, and More

As a third-party shipping insurance provider, Total Shipping Protection provides full coverage for all carriers and shipments. That means you never have to deal with carriers’ claims processes.

• Quick and easy way to make claims for any carrier, all in one place
• Pays approved claims instantly—no waiting for carriers to declare a loss or make a claim
• Covers damages, losses, and theft — even if you can’t prove the carrier was at fault

Shipping Insurance FAQs

Which items can’t be insured with Total Shipping Protection?

Total Shipping Protection does not cover the following items:

• Animals
• Antiques
• Arms, ammunition, military equipment, or any similar items subject to the Arms Export Control Act
• Artwork
• Automobiles, motorcycles, or other motorized vehicles
• Bulk and Break Bulk Cargoes
• Bullion
• Cannabis and related products, whether natural or synthetic, including but not limited to hash, hemp, edibles, or items containing Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
• Cash
• Cigars, cigarettes, tobacco or tobacco products
• Standalone computer chips, hard drives, CPUs or circuit boards
• Credit cards
• Documents of any nature, including without limitation bonds, deeds, manuscripts, securities or plans
• Furs, skins, or hides
• Hazardous, restricted or controlled items
• Items containing Psilocybin, including but not limited to mushrooms and extracts
• Lithium Batteries, including eBikes, eBoards, or eScooters
• Perishable foodstuffs and other temperature-sensitive items
• Plants
• Solar panels
• Standalone precious metals or stones
• Stamps
• Treasury notes

For the complete list of what is covered by Total Shipping Protection, please review XCover’s policy terms.

How does Total Shipping Protection compare to carrier coverage?

On average, Total Shipping Protection is 20% cheaper, and the claims resolution is 20 days faster than standard coverage from carriers†. It’s the first shipping protection globally that entirely removes carriers from the claims process. Claims are processed immediately by our partners at XCover, and you no longer need to go back to the carrier to make claims under $100 or prove the carrier was at fault for damages.

Carrier Coverage vs. Total Shipping Protection

What's the Total Shipping Protection price?

Compared to carrier coverage, Total Shipping Protection is 20% cheaper on average (based on 2020 data)†.

• Rates for domestic shipments = 1.25% x (order value + shipping cost)
• Rates for international shipments = 1.5% x (order value + shipping cost)

How do I sign up for Total Shipping Protection?

The first step is to create a Descartes XPS Ship account. When you log in, Total Shipping Protection is already accessible in your Descartes XPS Ship account and can be controlled through the Account Settings > Insurance Settings > Total Shipping Protection page. Here’s an example of how to add shipping insurance to a shipment.

How do I make a package insurance claim?

To make a claim, visit the History page and follow the steps below. Please ensure you make a claim within the appropriate claim window which you can find in the Insurance Hub.

1. Visit the shipment details by clicking the details icon.
2. Scroll to the Packages section and locate the File a Claim link. You will be redirected to our partner XCover.com.
3. Simply log in to XCover using your Descartes XPS Ship email address. If it’s your first time visiting, you’ll be prompted to log in using your Descartes XPS Ship email address and create a password.
4. Enter the information to support your claim. The online claim form will guide you through this process.
5. Once all information has been entered click “Submit”.

Alternatively, visit xcover.com/claim directly and follow these steps:

1. Log in to XCover.com with your Descartes XPS Ship email address. If it’s your first time visiting, you’ll be prompted to log in using your Descartes XPS Ship email address and create a password.
2. Enter the information to support your claim. The online claim form will guide you through this process.
3. Once all information has been entered click “Submit”.

If your claim is approved, XCover will send you an email and — if possible — a text message with a link to enter your bank details for payment.

What is third-party shipping insurance?

Third-party shipping insurance is offered by an insurance agency rather than a shipping carrier. This type of insurance provides more comprehensive coverage beyond carrier liability, including protection against package theft. For example, Total Shipping Protection by XCover protects shipments in transit and offers porch piracy protection. This insurance allows for quicker claims processing and higher payouts, ensuring that reimbursements are provided even if the loss or damage is not due to the carrier’s negligence. The compensation reflects the total value of the shipment plus shipping costs, helping to minimize financial losses.

What is package theft insurance in parcel shipping?

Package theft insurance, i.e., porch piracy insurance, is purchased by the shipper and covers parcels stolen during transit or after they have been delivered. In contrast, carrier liability coverage does not protect a package after the shipment is listed as “delivered” by the carrier. Package theft insurance would be used to make a claim in the event of porch piracy instead of filing a claim on the homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies—and meeting the $500-$2,000 deductible, which often isn’t worth it. Porch piracy insurance is an extension of customer service for ecommerce businesses because it reduces stress and financial loss for the customer in the event of parcel theft. It also protects the business from losing money on replacing and reshipping the stolen order.

Does parcel shipping insurance cover package theft and porch piracy?

Free liability coverage offered by carriers does not usually cover theft unless you can prove it occurred during transit and was due to carrier negligence. However, some third-party shipping insurance, such as Total Shipping Protection by XCover, covers theft during transit, including parcel theft (porch piracy) and lost packages. It’s cheaper than carrier declared value coverage and covers a broader range of losses.

How to Apply Shipping Insurance to Orders in XPS Ship

Try an interactive demo to add insurance to a single shipment in XPS Ship:

XPS - Add Insurance (Method 1) - Oct 15, 2024.