First Class Mail Insurance: Is It Worth It? | Easyship Blog
Maybe your like
Instantly Save On Shipping- Up to 91% off shipping rates
- Compare 550+ courier services
- Volume discounts for everyone
- Start for free, ship in minutes
Instantly Save On Shipping- Up to 91% off shipping rates
- Compare 550+ courier services
- Volume discounts for everyone
- Start for free, ship in minutes
📦 45 days to go! Find the best Black Friday/Cyber Monday Shipping RatesRich text description
Sign-Up
📦 45 days to go! Find the best Black Friday/Cyber Monday Shipping RatesRich text description
Sign-Up Up to 91% OffCreate an accountfalse Up to 91% OffCreate an account
Up to 91% OffStart shipping with exclusive discounts
- test
- test
- test
Up to 91% OffStart shipping with exclusive discounts
- test
- test
- test
Connect to Shopify
Start with Free Plan
Shipping Insurance
Enterprise Sales
Compare
Carriers
Chat with an Expert
Get a Quote
550+ Courier Services
100+ Tech Integrations
Calculate
Shipping
Tax & Duties Calculator
Shipping
Guides
Upcoming Events
Success Stories
Chat with
an Expert
Start 14-Day Free Trial
Connect to Shopify
Up to 91% off Labels
Shipping Insurance
Enterprise Sales
Compare
Carriers
Chat with an Expert
Get a Quote
550+ Courier Services
60+ Tech Integrations
Calculate
Shipping
Tax & Duty Calculator
Shipping
Guides
Upcoming Events
Success Stories
Chat with
an Expert
Start 14-Day Free Trial 
Jules3 min readMar 17, 2023Key pointsKey Points:
- All letters or parcels sent through First Class Mail are insured against loss or damage
- USPS First Class Mail offers up to $5,000 of shipping insurance for its customers
- First Class Mail insurance can go a little further in helping you recoup the cost of replacing damaged or lost items, which means you’ll be better able to protect your items
As a savvy online retailer, you probably already know that insurance gives you peace of mind when sending packages to customers. Having “just in case” coverage ensures you’re protected if your packages go missing or get damaged. Most courier services offer some type of protection, but First Class Mail insurance gives you a little something extra.
Here’s what you need to know about how this particular service covers you, its limitations and costs, and how to file for claims should the need arise.
Is First Class Mail Insured?
Yes. All letters or parcels sent through First Class Mail are insured against loss or damage. Should the worst happen, you’ll be covered. However, there are a few caveats you should be aware of:
- You shouldn’t insure your items above their value.
- Liability fees will be applied.
- Postage fees will also be levied.
- You’ll have to present the insured package to a retail employee at a specified post office or carrier store.
Which Couriers Offer First Class Mail Insurance?
Most of the major carriers offer some type of insurance for their First Class mail services. The exact type, though, will depend on different factors. Below, you’ll find more details of getting insurance for First Class Mail products with three different couriers.

USPS
This American carrier’s First Class Mail service has long been the most popular and cost-effective way of sending light packages, letters, envelopes, and postcards within the US. The insurance coverage for this service can be up to $5,000, but the exact amount will differ depending on which particular service you use and the value of your package. For example, USPS Priority Mail Express offers up to $100 coverage, while Priority Mail shipments can only be insured for up to $50.
FedEx
Another popular choice for domestic First Class Mail and First Class Mail International insurance, FedEx’s offerings are geared towards helping customers offset the costs associated with the loss, damage or theft of a package. They offer basic coverage of $100 for all packages, but you can purchase additional insurance for higher-value shipments. Before you ship, though, you should be aware of the following:
- You need to let the courier know the total value of the shipment.
- The first $100 of coverage is free for most FedEx services.
- Keep all your receipts in case they’re required as proof for claims.
- The insurance you choose should tally with the value of your package.
- Broken items that can be repaired will not automatically be replaced.
DHL
This global courier also offers First-Class Mail insurance products that cover the total value of each package. However, you should also know that:
- Customers are offered financial protection against damages or loss of packages due to external causes.
- Under DHL Express, packages are covered from the point of shipment to the point of delivery.
- DHL doesn’t bear liability for damages as a result of unsuitable or insufficient packaging.
Third-Party Couriers
While you can, of course, use the First Class Mail international insurance coverage provided by your chosen courier, it’s important to remember that you can also choose to organize your insurance through reputable third-party providers. For example, Easyship offers its customers insurance coverage of up to $10,000 and also deals with most claims within a week, which is faster than most other couriers.
How Much Does The Service Cost?
They say you have to be in it to win it, and that’s certainly the case with insurance. It’s likely that you will have to pay a little extra to ensure your package is covered throughout its journey. Each courier calculates these costs differently, but it’s usually a combination of product value, destination, mode of transportation, and service. Below, you’ll find a brief cost breakdown for different types of First Class Mail insurance.
USPS
- Merchandise of up to $50: $2.10
- Merchandise of up to $100: $2.60
- Merchandise of up to $200: $3.30
- Merchandise of up to $300: $5.50
- Merchandise of up to $400: $6.75
- Merchandise of up to $500: $8.00
- Merchandise of up to $600: $9.25
- Merchandise of up to $1000: $9.25 and an additional $1.25 per $100 value or fraction thereof over $600 in declared value
FedEx
- SameDay and SameDay City:$3 for shipments worth up to $300; additional $1 per $100 value for items valued over $300. Maximum declared value is $2,000.
- U.S. Express Package: $3 for shipments valued up to $300; additional $1 per $100 for shipments valued over $300.
- U.S. Ground: $3 for shipments valued up to $300; additional $1 per $100 for shipments valued over $300.
DHL
This particular courier offers its customers the option of limited shipment insurance. Some of their rates include:
- Up to $25/kg for shipments being transported by air
- Up to $12/kg for shipments being transported by road
You can also find out more about its shipment insurance right here.

8 Steps to Making a First Class Mail Insurance Claim
If you make a lot of shipments, you’ll inevitably have a few parcels that get lost or damaged in transit. It’s at this trying time that a solid understanding of how to file a First Class Mail insurance claim comes in handy. If you find yourself in this unenviable position, here’s how to get through it in one piece:
- File your tracking or label number.
- Prove the value of your package with a sales receipt.
- Provide a paid invoice or paid bill of sale.
- Get a statement of value or an estimate of the cost of repairs from a reputable dealer.
- Try and get a credit card billing statement.
- Get printouts of all online transactions bearing the purchaser’s name, seller’s name, price, item descriptions, transaction dates, and proof of transaction.
- Provide proof of insurance, which includes original shipping receipts or printed online records.
- Prove any damage with clear, detailed photos.
Don’t forget that for almost all insurance claims for damage, you’ll need to show the original (damaged) package and hold onto it until the claim is settled.
Protect Your Shipments (And Yourself) with First Class Mail Insurance
You may not think it’s important, especially for shipments of products that aren’t particularly valuable. But, insurance can be a life-saver if things go wrong. First Class Mail insurance can go a little further in helping you recoup the cost of replacing damaged or lost items, which means you’ll be better able to protect your bottom line.
Easyship offers a range of insurance options, from courier solutions to its own third-party option, and best of all, you can even select how to calculate exactly the insurance you need, so you’ll never pay more than you have to.
First Class Mail Insurance FAQ
How does first class mail insurance work?
All letters or parcels sent through First Class Mail are insured against loss or damage up to $100.
Can you file a claim for first class mail?
Yes, you can file a claim for first class mail with mailing couriers.
Does Easyship offer insurance for first class mail?
Yes, Easyship offers up to $10,000 of shipping insurance for domestic and international deliveries.
TABLE OF CONTENTSKey Points:
- All letters or parcels sent through First Class Mail are insured against loss or damage
- USPS First Class Mail offers up to $5,000 of shipping insurance for its customers
- First Class Mail insurance can go a little further in helping you recoup the cost of replacing damaged or lost items, which means you’ll be better able to protect your items
By submitting the form, you agree to receive marketing emails from Easyship.
Save up to 91% on Shipping. Try for free.Effortlessly compare 550+ courier services with one global account. Instant discounts. Start in minutes.
Start Your Free PlanHow Easyship Works
Shipping Internationally? Unsure What Tariffs or Duties Apply?Try our FREE Tax & Duty CalculatorTrying to stay up to date on the latest cross-border shipping and import requirements? Get an instant estimate of all applicable taxes and duties for every country across 220+ global destinations or sign up and take advantage of our in-built HS Code lookup tool.
Calculate Tax & Duties Instantly (Free Tool)
Ready to Stop Overpaying for Shipping?Try our FREE Shipping Rate CalculatorLooking for the cheapest way to ship a package? Get an instant shipping quote and compare rates from 550+ courier services across the United States, Canada, UK, Australia, and more. Simply add your package size and delivery location, and you'll find the best deal in seconds.
Calculate Rates Instantly (Free Tool)Get in touch with us now and our shipping consultants can give you a detailed quote and additional info to help with your campaign.
Get in touchFind the guaranteed cheapest rates for any courier in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discount rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ couriers at a glance.
GET RATE QUOTES FREEFind the guaranteed cheapest rates for any courier in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discount rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ couriers at a glance.
GET RATE QUOTES FREEWe believe simple pricing is the best pricing. Get a quote with a simplified pricing structure and no hidden fees.
Contact usWe provide the necessary tools needed to keep you on budget for shipping and to safely deliver your product to backers around the world.
Learn moreNeed to estimate your shipping duties & taxes? Our calculator can give you an idea of what to expect.
TRY IT NOWCompare 550+ courier services with one global account. Start in minutes.
GET STARTED FOR FREEReceive a personal cost estimate for your crowdfunding campaign from our trusted global fulfillment partners. Easyship is a certified Indiegogo partner.
GET FREE QUOTESave up to 74% on UPS shipping rates by shipping with Easyship. You can run a quote and generate your first shipments in literally minutes!
SHIP WITH UPS TODAYGet instant access with volume-discounted shipping rates. Save up to 89% off on USPS, UPS, FedEx, and more. Easyship is free for 50 shipments each month.
SIGN UP FREE TO SAVELet Easyship connect you to the largest shipping and fulfillment network on Earth. You’ll find trusted partners for all things logistics. Guidance is free from our global shipping experts.
ASK AN EXPERTExplore the powerful features that 100K+ merchants use to ship smarter, not harder. Shipping automation, live rates at checkout, live duty and tax – all free to try with Easyship.
EXPLORE ALL FEATURESCreate your free Easyship account to streamline shipping and save with discounted rates. No hidden fees. No minimums. Just savings.
CREATE YOUR FREE ACCOUNTUse our guided walk-through to build the perfect shipping policy for your eCommerce business.
CREATE YOUR POLICY FREEWith 550+ pre-negotiated shipping services available with discounts of up to 91%, you can save time & money today when you integrate your Shopify store with Easyship
REGISTER FOR FREEEasyship is free to use for 50 shipments every month. You’ll save big on our discounted shipping rates up to 91% off, and save time with smart automation. Signup is fast and free.
CREATE YOUR FREE ACCOUNTFollow the easy path to fulfillment success. Easyship’s free fulfillment checklist provides a proven step-by-step so you can ship at scale without the guesswork.
VIEW THE CHECKLISTSave up to 89% off all shipping rates. Easyship offers the guaranteed cheapest volume-discounted rates on the market from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ global couriers.
SIGN UP TO SAVEExplore the innovative features that 100K+ merchants use to ship smarter, not harder. Shipping automation, live rates at checkout, live duty and tax – all free to try with Easyship.
EXPLORE FEATURESRegister for an Easyship account today and you will gain access to the cheapest rates, instantly.
REGISTER FOR FREEWhat exactly does it cost to ship cross-border? Use the free duty and tax calculator from Easyship to view accurate import costs for any shipment to anywhere.
USE FREEFind the guaranteed cheapest rates for any courier in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discount rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 550+ courier services at a glance.
GET A FREE QUOTEFind the guaranteed cheapest shipping in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discounted rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ global couriers at a glance.
COMPARE RATES FREEGet an instant estimate of the cheapest shipping rates with our free calculator tool.
GET FREE RATE QUOTESSave up to 91% off shipping with Easyship’s discount courier rates. Create your free account to save instantly on 550+ courier services, including USPS.
CREATE YOUR FREE ACCOUNTGet help from our global shipping experts on warehousing, global shipping and to connect with our network of trusted 3PLs.
GET FREE SHIPPING TIPSRegister for an Easyship account today and get 30-days access to a Premier plan with access to Pre-generated Return Labels.
Generate Return Labels TodayFind the guaranteed cheapest rates for any courier in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discount rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ couriers at a glance.
GET RATE QUOTES FREELearn how the leading brands offer free shipping, calculate costs, and ship on a budget for the holidays in our free shipping guidebook.
LEARN MOREUse Easyship’s free shipping policy generator to formulate your perfect holiday shipping policy for returns, tracking, and more. Just follow the prompts and you’re done!
GET YOUR SHIPPING POLICYLearn how to ship internationally without missing a step. Our case studies show you proven tactics for shipping worldwide from Easyship users who did it right.
READ CASE STUDIESRelated Articles
No items found.Related Articles
Industry News2026 Tariff Changes Explained: IEEPA, Section 122, and Rising Import Costs
February 26, 2026
Industry NewsTikTok Shop Reverses U.S. Shipping Mandate: What U.S. Sellers Need to Know
February 23, 2026
Carrier GuidesFedEx vs. UPS: What Is Cheaper FedEx or UPS?
February 23, 2026Get the latest shipping news, expert guides and invites.
By signing up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Easyship. Unsubscribe at any time.
Tag » How Much Is Usps Insurance
-
Shipping Insurance And Delivery Services - USPS
-
Extra Services Fact Sheet - About USPS Home
-
What Does Insurance Cost? - FAQ | USPS
-
International Insurance & Extra Services - USPS
-
What Is USPS Shipping Insurance & Why You Need It - Shipware
-
How Much Is USPS Insurance? - AllAboutCareers
-
How Much Does USPS Insurance Cost 2022
-
How Much Is USPS Insurance? | ReadyCloud
-
Comparing The Cost Of Shipping Insurance
-
What Is Shipping Insurance, How Much Does It Cost, And Is It Worth It?
-
[PDF] Postal Premium Rates For The Federal Employees Health Benefits ...
-
Usps Insurance - Singapore - Etsy
-
Is Shipping Insurance Worth It? A Cost-Benefit Analysis - Shippo
-
What Are The Best Alternatives To USPS Shipping Insurance? - Route