How to Insure Valuables Shipped by Mail

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: January 16, 2023 References

When shipping valuable items by mail, it's always a concern that the items will get to the recipient damaged and broken. Everyone has a story about a damaged item they've received in the mail. You can protect yourself from this concern by purchasing insurance for valuables you choose to send in the mail. It's a straight-forward process and will help ease your worries over shipping valuable items.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Insuring an Item Shipped By Mail

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Utilize Priority Mail Express. Priority Mail Express is a great option if you’re looking to send something speedily. Priority Mail Express guarantees delivery in 1-2 days and also insures your item for up to $100. Request Priority Mail Express at your local post office when mailing your item and you will receive a mailing receipt and a confirmation when the package has been delivered.^{[1]
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- If your item is worth more than $100 dollars, you can purchase additional insurance to cover the remainder of the item’s value.
- Priority Mail Express also gives you the option of making the recipient sign for the package, so you have additional confirmation of receipt.
- Priority Mail Express begins at $27.25 and can be accessed online or at your local post office.^{[2]
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Insure using Registered Mail. Registered Mail is the safest way to send and insure your valuable item. Request Registered Mail at your local post office to receive a proof of mailing and the date and time of each attempted delivery. Registered Mail also allows you to insure your item to up to $50,000.^{[3]
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- The fee to insure your item is based on the value of the item. To get a better idea of how much your item will cost to insure, call your post office.
- Combine Registered Mail with First Class Mail Parcel to have your valuable item send more speedily.
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Utilize First Class Mail Parcel with insurance. If you’re looking for a thrifty solution, try using First Class Mail Parcel and adding insurance on top of that. First Class Mail offers delivery times between one and three days and is open to any envelope or package weight up to 13 ounces. While at the post office, ask to add insurance to cover the value of your item.^{[4]
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- Prices for First Class Mail Parcel are based on size, shape and weight, so this option is best used with a smaller package.^{[5]
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- Because this is a cheaper option, it is not recommended for items worth more than $5,000 or items with strong sentimental value.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Insuring a Document Shipped by Mail

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Utilize Priority Mail Express. If you’re looking to send an important document (like a title or a deed) in a hurry, Priority Mail Express may be your best option. The service provides next day delivery for many locations, official confirmation that the document was sent and notification that the document was delivered.^{[6]
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- Priority Mail Express gives you the option to track your document’s progress either online or by phone.
- Priority Mail Express also gives you the option to request a copy of the recipient’s signature.
- Prices for Priority Mail Express envelopes are based on the weight of the envelope and the distance the document is expected to travel.
- This is the most expensive option for insuring and sending a document.
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Combine Priority Mail with Signature Confirmation Service. This is a great option if you’re looking to mail your document quickly but a little more cheaply. Your document will arrive between one and three business days and tracking information is available online or by phone. And using the Signature Confirmation Service guarantees you a copy of the recipient’s confirmation signature.^{[7]
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- Priority Mail starts at $6.45 and additional costs are based on weight and zone.^{[8]
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Combine First Class Mail with Certified Mail and a Return Receipt. If you’re looking for a good balance of thrifty and speedy, this is it. By sending your mail First Class, you ensure your document will arrive between one and three business days. You will also receive proof that the document was mailed and a receipt that it was delivered along with the recipient’s signature.^{[9]
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- First Class Mail starts at $0.60.^{[10]
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- Add Certified Mail and the Return Receipt for an additional $6.47, or $4.52 if you select an electronic confirmation.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Insuring Documents and Items Sent Overseas

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Use Global Express Guaranteed Insurance. Global Express allows you to send your package or document anywhere in the world (with a few exceptions.) It covers your item up to $100 and additional insurance can be purchased to cover your item up to $2,499.^{[11]
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- Your item or document will be covered if it gets lost, damaged or if the document needs to be reconstructed in some way.
- If you are sending a package, the weight must not exceed 70 pounds.
- Global Express starts at $59.95 for packages.
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Use Priority Mail International Insurance. This option allows you to insure your valuables for up to $200 at no additional charge and covers loss, damage or missing contents. Depending on the size of the box and the shipping location, Priority Mail International Insurance will cost you between $0.00 to $28.75 plus $2.95 per $100.00 or fraction thereof over $900 in declared value.^{[12]
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- Insurance is not available for envelopes or Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes.
- Check online before shipping, as different countries have different insurance limits.
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Use Priority Mail Express International Insurance. This option functions similarly to the Priority Mail International Insurance, except with faster delivery. You are covered up to $200 for loss and $100 for document reconstruction and the cost will fall somewhere between $0.00 to $28.75 plus $2.95 per $100.00 or fraction thereof over $900 in declared value.^{[13]
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- Delivers to 180 different countries.
- The package or envelope should arrive between three and five business days.^{[14]
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Community Q&A

Question

What kind of protection do I get when I insure a package?

Donagan

Top Answerer

Only the assurance that you'll be compensated monetarily for the declared value of the insured item should it be lost or damaged.
Question

How can I find a courier with add-on insurance?

Community Answer

Almost all carriers offer add-on insurance. You'll have to call or check online to see the maximum insured rate.
Question

Can you insure cash if it is sent internationally?

Community Answer

It is not a good idea to send cash by mail and cash cannot be insured in the mail, either domestically or internationally. Instead, send money orders or a personal check, both of which can be insured.