Shipping Insurance

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

† Cost savings are based on a comparison of all Cover Genius shipping protection versus published carrier rates for FedEx, UPS, DHL, USPS, UPS, Old Dominion, DHL, XPO Logistics, Estes Express Lines, YRC and TForce Freight as of June 27, 2022. Time savings are based on average resolution times (i.e., the duration from initial filing to completed payment) for all XCover shipping protection claims as of May 31, 2022, (sample size = 868) compared with the industry average time including payment settlement (min. 6 days) and period to acknowledge a filed claim. Select carriers are displayed above. Carrier pricing based on published rates for US domestic and international shipping as of July 1st ,2022, and August 1st, 2020. Total Shipping Protection pricing based on the rate and dates shown in the terms of coverage displayed in your Shipment Defaults. Claims resolution data provided by Cover Genius as of July 1st, 2022, and September 3rd, 2020 (sample size = 100).

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) 

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. 

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.

With thousands of positive reviews on leading review platform TrustPilot, XCover has been a hit with shippers worldwide. Here are just a handful of comments from customers:

“I do a lot of shipping with USPS, FedEx and UPS. This is the first company that actually honors their obligation to pay claims in an honest and timely manner.”

“XCover is the perfect solution for… sellers. As a long time eBay seller (20+ years) I have seen first-hand how awful the [carrier] claims process can be. I’ve started insuring more parcels this past year simply because I am now confident in the claims process with XCover. Fast and seamless – couldn’t be happier!”
– Connor Gleason

“We use it on everything over $25 now. [My carrier] has been extremely unpredictable lately and this insurance has saved us lots of losses. Works for Smartpost too!”

More TrustPilot Reviews

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. 

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. 

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.