When you ship expensive guns how is the best way to insure it. My understanding is that UPS insurance is a scam .

I've always insured them for their full replacement value. How is it a scam?

quote:

Originally posted by Use Enough Gun:
I've always insured them for their full replacement value. How is it a scam?

IMO, it is a scam because they simply do not pay when your shipment is lost or damaged! The common phrase is "IT'S NOT OUR FAULT"!

MacD37:
I have done some research on UPS's policy limits for parcel insurance. Apparently, there are a number of different limits of coverage depending on where you mail your package and the contents of the parcel. I spoke with a representative of UPS after reading their policy. I did this for other purposes but the conversation was interesting. I just mailed a $15k rifle through UPS overnight and insured it for $5k. I was informed that at the $5k level the parcel is hand carried through. My understanding is that any additional insurance would be of no value nor would you be compensated for loss as it exceeds the limits of UPS policy limits. However, it is my experience that UPS will gladly allow you to insure to any amount you wish above that which they cover.

Once I have it in writing from UPS I will post their policy here as it may benefit our members on future shipments.

Dutch

I was told face-to-face by two UPS employees, that UPS makes every effort to deny claims. If an item arrives broken, UPS will tell the recipient that the package was inadequately prepared. Only if a UPS store packs the thing, will UPS honor their "guarantee". They are indeed, a "scam".

quote:

I was told face-to-face by two UPS employees, that UPS makes every effort to deny claims. If an item arrives broken, UPS will tell the recipient that the package was inadequately prepared. Only if a UPS store packs the thing, will UPS honor their "guarantee". They are indeed, a "scam".

I've read of too many instances where the item was indeed packed by a UPS store (who charged me $168 for a cardboard box and bubble wrap for a leather gun case) and yet they STILL denied the claim due to "inadequate packing."

their policy is to initially deny EVERY claim. Their drivers are specifically prohibited from accepting shippments that are not adequately packed, but their default position seems to be, sell the insurance, then force you to hire a lawyer to enforce the policy or negotiate down when they destroy your property.

THAT is a scam!

Bob

The insurance sold by the US Postal Service is no better. It may be worse.

I have yet to have to file a claim with the USPS. I think I averaged one a year with UPS before I finally figured this out and switched.

Rich

Gents:
I read your comments and here is what I have done to put my mind at ease: I insure my firearms with a company that deals only in collections. I use Eastern Insurance in Pembroke, Mass. I don't believe their rates have gone up in ten years. Speak to Jack Richardson--he's the owner and a firearms guy. Anyway, my guns and rifles have insurance while flying, hunting, driving, AND mailing via "secured mail" (meaning a signature is required).

When I go to FEDEX, UPS (if they merged would the new company be known as FEDUP?) or the USPS I mail and insure for a small amount just to have an "insurance" sticker on the box. If a claim arises, I don't have to bother with the crap they all give (it took six months for a claim at the USPS on a box of my .600 books that didn't arrive in Kansas). For USPS I always mail registered (where each person that handles the package has to sign for it and it is in a safe when not in transit).

No problems so far. I'm sure the insurance company would be easier to deal with than the three above mentioned mailing services.

Cheers,
Cal

ups denied a claim on a broken gun stock.

I opened package up in the parking lot, I went right back in when I found the problem. The counter jerk said it was not packed right, I informed her that it was pack the same way that it went out, and that they had approved it then.

Couple days of fighting I was told that the shipper would have to file the claim, I called the gunsmith who refused to get involved. Said it would be a waste of time.

I did some snooping and foud that they just won't pay their claims with out trying every trick in the book to run you off.

If you are haveing a package shipped to you that you own, then prepay shipping and insurance, that way they can't claim you are not the shipper. If they refuse to process and pay the claim, then go to the state attny general and file a criminal complaint of insurance fraud, bring pages of internet posting of the bs, and then push hard to something gets done.

JD

UPS sucks, and to make it worse, they know they will never be liable for any damage, so they drop, abuse, and dent just about every package.

They are the worst.

I have filed a claim with the US Postal Service. I had no problems and they paid the claim very quickly.

DLN

Ernest

I've found it simpler and easier to insure my guns with Collectables Insurance Co.

I ship FedEx, direct signature required, serial number of gun in the reference box with no insurance. Guns to/from gunsmith's during the year just about covers the premium cost.

I've been told that they have never denied a claim.

Thanks every one! I think that I am going to go with collectables.

els:
Check prices if you can. I used to be with Collectables but their prices went up 40% in two years. They insure stamps, coins, old cars, etc.. and too many losses (such as hurricane Katrina) caused my gun cost to rise greatly. I switched to Eastern Insurance. Call Jack Richardson (they are on the web in Pembroke, Mass.)
Just food for thought....
Cal

PS. Also, check the exclusions on CI. They may not cover an accident when hunting and/or shooting.