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# How Our Shipment Protection Works

Shipduo offers optional **Shipment Protection** that you can add to a shipment when you book it. If your goods are lost or physically damaged in transit, protection helps reimburse you beyond what the carrier's standard liability covers — so a damaged pallet doesn't turn into a write-off.
This article explains how protection works and how to turn it on.

## How It Works
* **It's optional and per-shipment.** You choose whether to add protection each time you book, and a small fee applies when you opt in.
* **It covers direct physical loss or damage** to your cargo while it's in the carrier's custody, from pickup to delivery.
* **Carrier liability comes first.** The carrier's standard liability is the first layer of recovery; protection covers the verified loss *above* that, up to the program limit.
* ***Coverage up to $250,000 per shipment.* **Standard protection includes coverage up to $10,000. For coverage above $10,000, please contact our team for approval and setup. Claims are paid up to the declared value or verified loss.
* **Deductible:** $0 if your declared value is $5,000 or less, and $300 if it's above $5,000.
* **Eligibility:** currently available for **LTL freight** shipments within the **U.S.** that are accurately described and properly packaged at booking.
> 💡 **Tip:** Some items and situations aren't covered (for example, delays, improper packaging, and certain restricted commodities). Review the full terms before you rely on coverage: [**Shipment Protection Policy**](https://shipifi.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/insurance-condition.pdf).

## How to Activate Protection
You add protection in the **Shipping Protection** panel while booking a shipment.
1. Start booking a shipment as usual.
2. In the **Shipping Protection** panel, select **Yes, I do want Protection**.
3. Under **What condition are your goods in?**, choose **New** or **Used** (this affects how value is calculated — new uses the invoice price, used uses actual cash value).
4. Select the **Category** that best describes your goods.
5. Enter the **Insured Value** — the dollar amount you want covered.
6. Finish booking your shipment. Protection is now attached.
> ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/f/8/1/5/f8152ba4a1e1a800/screenshot-0621-024500-pm_152d0m0.jpg)

> 💡 **Tip:** Enter an accurate insured value and goods description. Misdeclaring value, weight, class, or commodity can reduce or void a claim.

## If Something Goes Wrong
To keep a claim valid, report issues promptly and keep your packaging:
* **Visible damage or shortage:** note it on the delivery receipt at delivery and report within **48 hours**.
* **Concealed damage:** report within **5 calendar days** of delivery and keep the packaging for inspection.
* **Non-delivery:** report within **14 days** of the estimated delivery date.
Have your BOL, delivery receipt, photos, and proof of value ready. To start a claim, contact Shipduo Support.

## Troubleshooting
* **Don't see the protection option?** Protection is available for eligible LTL, U.S. domestic shipments. If you don't see it, check that your shipment meets eligibility or contact support.
* **Claim questions?** Review the [full policy](https://shipifi.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/insurance-condition.pdf) or reach out to Shipduo Support.