Shipping Insurance Cost + Save 54% on Labels
ShipWave offers up to 54% off shipping labels AND integrates affordable third-party insurance. Protect your packages while keeping costs low through volume-aggregated discounts.
How much does shipping insurance cost?
Shipping insurance costs $0.80-$2.70 per $100 of declared value with carriers, while third-party insurers charge $0.40-$1.00 per $100. USPS includes $100 coverage with Priority Mail and Ground Advantage. For packages over $100 in value, third-party insurance through Shipsurance or U-PIC saves 50-70%.
Compare Shipping Rates
Real rates through ShipWave - save up to 54% vs retail
| Carrier | Service | Price | Delivery Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | $200 declared (add'l $100) | $2.70 | Above included $100 | |
| UPS | $200 declared (add'l $100) | $3.25 | Above included $100 | |
| Third-party | $200 declared | $1.00-$1.50 | 50-60% cheaper | Cheapest |
| Carrier | $500 declared | $10-$14 | Full carrier coverage | |
| Third-party | $500 declared | $3.50-$5.00 | 60-70% savings |
$200 declared (add'l $100)
$200 declared (add'l $100)
$200 declared
$500 declared
$500 declared
* Prices shown are discounted ShipWave rates. Actual rates vary by exact dimensions, weight, and origin/destination.
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Carrier Insurance Rates Compared
Each carrier has different insurance pricing:
USPS: $2.70 per $100 above included coverage (max $5,000 for Priority Mail)
UPS: $3.25 per $100 above included $100 (no maximum)
FedEx: $3.00 per $100 above included $100 (no maximum)
For a $500 package, carrier insurance costs: USPS $10.80, UPS $13.00, FedEx $12.00. These rates add up for valuable shipments.
Third-Party Insurance Savings
Third-party insurers offer coverage at 40-70% less than carriers:
Shipsurance: ~$1 per $100, available through many shipping platforms
U-PIC: $0.65-$0.85 per $100 depending on volume
InsureShip: $0.50-$0.80 per $100 with volume discounts
For a $500 package, third-party insurance costs $3-5 vs $10-13 with carriers. Policies cover the same perils with similar claims processes.
When Insurance Makes Financial Sense
Insurance is smart when:
1) Item value exceeds $100 (above included coverage)
2) Items are fragile or damage-prone
3) Products can't easily be replaced
Skip insurance when:
- Item value is under $100 (use included coverage)
- You're shipping 100+ packages and self-insuring is cheaper statistically
- Items are low-value and easily replaced
Pro Tips to Save More
Use included coverage first
USPS Priority Mail, UPS, and FedEx all include $100 coverage at no extra cost. For items worth $100 or less, additional insurance is usually unnecessary.
Compare third-party rates
Third-party insurance saves 50-70% on valuable packages. ShipWave integrates third-party options at checkout.
Document everything for claims
Take photos of items and packaging before shipping. Keep receipts proving value. Documentation speeds up claims.
Understand coverage exclusions
Most policies exclude inherent defects, improper packaging, perishables, and prohibited items. Read policy terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
- USPS insurance costs $2.70 per $100 of declared value above included coverage. Priority Mail includes $100 free. For a $300 package, additional insurance costs $5.40 (covering the $200 above included).
- Insurance is worth it for packages over $100 in value that can't be easily replaced. For $100+ items, third-party insurance at $0.50-$1 per $100 is affordable peace of mind.
- Third-party insurers like U-PIC and InsureShip offer rates of $0.50-$0.85 per $100 - about 70% less than carrier insurance.
- For carrier insurance: File online through the carrier's website within 60 days. For third-party: File through the insurer's portal. All claims require tracking number, proof of value, and photos of damage.
- Yes, UPS declared value coverage covers loss, damage, and theft. Standard coverage is $100. Additional coverage costs $3.25 per $100 of declared value.
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Real-Time Rates
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Volume Discounts
The more you ship, the more you save with our tiered pricing.
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Hear from Our Customers
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Sarah Johnson
Saved $2,400Handmade Crafts Co.
"ShipWave has saved us thousands on shipping costs. The interface is so easy to use, and the savings are incredible. Highly recommend!"
Mike Chen
Saved $5,600Tech Gadgets Store
"As an e-commerce business, shipping costs were killing our margins. ShipWave changed everything - we now save 45% on every shipment."
Lisa Rodriguez
Saved $1,800Boutique Fashion
"The rate comparison feature is amazing. I can see all options at once and choose what works best for each customer. Game changer!"
David Thompson
Saved $8,200Home Goods Direct
"Customer service is outstanding and the platform never goes down. We process hundreds of labels weekly without any issues."
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