Holiday Shipping

So many families and friends live apart these days that most of us are forced to ship at least some of our holiday presents. And while the FedEx, UPS and the U.S. Postal Service are very reliable, they do offer shipping insurance, just in case of a mishap. So, should you buy it?

• If the contents of the package are less than $100 UPS and FedEx already protect you against loss or damage. The Postal Service only covers Express Mail.
• Read the fine print. Some shippers don't cover money or precious stones. Also, beware that they may cap the amount they insure on an item. For example, they cap artwork at $1,000.
• If you do insure and your package has a problem, make sure to file a claim immediately. All three carriers have cutoff dates for filing a claim.
• Make sure you have proof of the value of the item. Take a picture of the item and its receipt.
• If you do decide to buy shipping insurance and want to save some money, consider using a third party insurer like Stamp.com or Shipsurance. Many experts also suggest that third party shippers are easier to deal with if you do end up having to file a claim.

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