Yes — FedEx includes a declared value of $100 by default on most shipments, functioning like basic insurance for loss and damage. For items worth more than $100, you buy additional declared value at checkout; for very high-value items, FedEx caps declared value (often around $1,000 for some categories and higher for others) and third-party insurers may offer better rates — see is shipping insurance worth it.
FedEx's $100 declared value is automatic. If a package is lost or damaged, FedEx pays up to the declared value. See what shipping insurance covers for exclusions and compare with USPS and UPS.
For filing, see do I need a receipt to file a shipping claim.
What It Means
FedEx Declared Value vs. Insurance
- Default declared value: $100 on most shipments (automatic).
- Additional declared value: buy at checkout for items above $100; fee scales with value.
- Declared value caps: FedEx caps declared value for some categories (e.g., art, jewelry, electronics) — check before shipping.
- Not technically insurance: but functions like it for loss and damage claims.
What's Covered
FedEx declared value covers loss and damage up to the declared amount — see what shipping insurance covers for exclusions (prohibited items, poor packaging, customs seizure).
Why It Happens
Why FedEx Uses Declared Value
FedEx uses "declared value" rather than "insurance" for legal and pricing reasons, but it functions the same for most shippers: you declare the item's value, pay a fee for coverage above $100, and FedEx pays up to that value if the package is lost or damaged. See is shipping insurance worth it for when to buy more.
How Long It Lasts
FedEx Insurance Windows
- Declared value: applies from pickup through delivery.
- Filing a claim: within 60 days of delivery or scheduled delivery.
- Payout: up to the declared value, minus exclusions — see how long to wait before reporting a lost package.
Should You Be Concerned?
Should You Be Concerned?
Be concerned if shipping items worth more than $100 without buying additional declared value — the default won't cover the full loss. Also note FedEx caps declared value for some categories (art, jewelry, electronics) and excludes prohibited items and poor-packaging damage — see coverage. If a package is delivered but not received, file promptly.
What You Can Do
What You Can Do
- Declare the full value at checkout — under-declaring caps your payout.
- Use third-party insurance for high-value or capped-category shipments.
- Keep the receipt and proof of value — see filing a claim.
- Package well — poor packaging can void a damage claim.
- Compare with USPS and UPS.
- File within 60 days — see how long to wait before reporting a lost package.
When to Contact the Carrier
When to Contact FedEx
If a FedEx package is lost or damaged, file a claim on FedEx.com within 60 days. If a claim is denied, contact FedEx support with the claim number — see do I need a receipt to file a shipping claim.