There are three different processes for insurance claims, depending on what service and insurance you purchased. If you’re not sure which one your package has, just ask! We’re happy to help 😉

USPS Insurance (Ground Advantage, Priority Mail, & Priority Mail Express)

Priority Mail Insurance: Through Pirate Ship, all domestic Priority Mail services include $100 of free built-in insurance coverage from USPS.
- USPS Ground Advantage labels also include $100 of coverage.
- Priority Mail International and Priority Mail Express International services include $200 of coverage.

File USPS Insurance Claims with USPS: To process a claim for a USPS-insured service, such as a Ground Advantage, Priority Mail, or Priority Mail Express package that had a declared value of $100 or less, you’ll need to file the claim directly with USPS at https://www.usps.com/help/claims.htm.
- We’re happy to help answer questions, but cannot directly assist with the process. If USPS approves the claim, they will mail you a check.

Both Shippers & Recipients Can File: For Priority Mail and Ground Advantage claims, the shipper or recipient can file a claim with USPS through their portal.

Does USPS cover my postage as well as my product cost?

Whether or not USPS will compensate you for your product cost and the cost of your label will depend on the type of claim you file.

Missing Packages: USPS does provide compensation for the postage cost along with your product cost for missing package claims.
- When filing a missing package claim with USPS, there will be a field available in the claims form to declare your postage cost. There, you'll need to enter the value you paid for postage in Pirate Ship, and must use your Shipment page as proof of payment.

Damaged packages: For damaged package claims, USPS does not provide compensation for the postage cost.
- This is because USPS has fulfilled the underlying service that was paid for (transit and delivery of the package), even if the contents were damaged in the process.

To learn more about filing a USPS insurance claim, see our article: How do I file a USPS insurance claim?

UPS Carrier Liability

When you use Pirate Ship, every UPS label you purchase comes with $100 of carrier liability.

Use the InsureShield Claims Portal to file UPS Claims: If you need to file a claim for a lost or damaged UPS shipment, you can do so directly on the InsureShield Claims Portal.

Does UPS cover my postage as well as my product cost?

UPS Refunds Postage Costs: On top of paying out for your product cost, UPS will always also refund your postage cost regardless of whether you file a claim for a damaged or missing package.
- For example, you could claim $100 in product costs and receive a total payout of $110 if your label was $10.

How to submit a claim for a UPS shipment

To submit a claim for a UPS shipment, you’ll need to follow the prompts in the self-service InsureShield Claims Portal.
- For more info, check out our guide: How do I file a UPS carrier liability claim?

3rd Party Insurance (InsureShield)

File InsureShield Claims in the Claims Portal: All InsureShield claims must be filed through the self-service InsureShield Claims Portal.
- Only the Shipper Can File: For claims filed with InsureShield, only the shipper can file a claim as they are the individual who purchased the coverage policy.
- For a step-by-step process on filing an InsureShield claim, see our article: How do I file an insurance claim with InsureShield?

Shipsurance

Contact Our Crew to File a Claim with Shipsurance: If you covered your shipment through Shipsurance and need to submit a claim, you'll need to chat with our Support Crew and request a Claim Form. Click the chat icon to get in touch with us!
- For full details on how to fill out a Claim Form and the type of evidence you'll need to provide for missing and/or damaged shipments, see our article: How to request & fill out a Claim Form.