Stamps.com Insurance Asking For Buyer To Fill Out Form. What If They Don't?

[mozartbach1971]

I just filed a missing package claim with Stamps.com insurance and it appears they have a completely new insurance. Previously all I would need to do is send them a copy of the Ebay dispute, however now this insurance company sent me a link and said the buyer has to fill out the form.  What if the buyer just ignores this?  Will I lose out on the claim?  The buyer is from Mexico.

[gurlcat]

This won't work in every scenario, but whenever possible I would ask the buyer to fill out that form BEFORE issuing them a refund.  You can't tell them the refund is contingent upon their cooperation with the form, but it doesn't hurt that some will assume it is, so .... let them.  😁

[duffy4444]

   If you need to use them, give them what they want... contact your buyer and take it from there one step at a time.

   I've been using stamps.com for all of my shipping needs for the last 18 years, and have found them to be totally reliable.

Cheers, Duffy

[mozartbach1971]

I actually already refunded the buyer because they opened up a item not received case so I had no choice in the matter.

[dhbookds]

need to ask stamps what happens........since they are the ones issuing the insurance....  Ebay would have nothing to do with the insurance part.......

[duffy4444]

Hmmm... since you already refunded the buyer, it's all over and the buyer just may not cooperate because they don't have to.

    Your next step may have to be asking the buyer to pay you for it when it does arrive, as chances are the item has only been delayed and will show up eventually (Murphy's Law happens all the time).

Sorry...

Cheers, Duffy

[mozartbach1971]

Hmmm... since you already refunded the buyer, it's all over and the buyer just may not cooperate because they don't have to.

Sorry...

Cheers, Duffy

Well, didn't it appear I had no choice in the matter if they opened up a dispute?  No matter what the buyer did they could have won the case whether or not they filled out the form?  

[12345jamesstamps]

'from Mexico'...what if buyer only writes and reads Spanish? 'buyer just ignores this'? Probably...

[mozartbach1971]

need to ask stamps what happens........since they are the ones issuing the insurance....  Ebay would have nothing to do with the insurance part.......

I believe they use a third party insurer. The last time I asked Stamps.com a question about their insurance they told me to contact the insurer.  I guess I may have no choice but to contact them to see if anything can be done about this.

[gurlcat]

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@mozartbach1971 wrote:

I actually already refunded the buyer because they opened up a item not received case so I had no choice in the matter.

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Yeah I meant in future scenarios.  Now that you know about this change. 

[iamalwaysright]

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@mozartbach1971 wrote:

I just filed a missing package claim with Stamps.com insurance and it appears they have a completely new insurance. Previously all I would need to do is send them a copy of the Ebay dispute, however now this insurance company sent me a link and said the buyer has to fill out the form.  What if the buyer just ignores this?  Will I lose out on the claim?  The buyer is from Mexico.

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Yes, you will lose out. I’ve had other insurance companies do this before and you’re at the mercy of the buyer to fill it out.

[iamalwaysright]

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@gurlcat wrote:

This won't work in every scenario, but whenever possible I would ask the buyer to fill out that form BEFORE issuing them a refund.  You can't tell them the refund is contingent upon their cooperation with the form, but it doesn't hurt that some will assume it is, so .... let them.  😁

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The problem with this sometimes depends on how much time needs to pass before the insurance company deems the package as lost, otherwise your claim would be denied because you filed it “too soon”. I recall the insurance company I used to use said 45 days must pass before I can file a claim for international shipments. 

So if that international buyer files an INR in under 30 days, ebay would ultimately force you to refund the buyer well before 45 days comes around. The buyer would then escalate and get their refund. A week or so later when 45 days hits, you then file the insurance claim and the buyer is never heard from again so your affidavit is unsigned. Thus your insurance claim denied.

[iamalwaysright]

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@mozartbach1971 wrote:

I actually already refunded the buyer because they opened up an item not received case so I had no choice in the matter.

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Right. Unfortunately just the flaw in the system as I mentioned. That’s why I never pay to insure packages anymore.

[iamalwaysright]

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@mozartbach1971 wrote:

need to ask stamps what happens........since they are the ones issuing the insurance....  Ebay would have nothing to do with the insurance part.......

I believe they use a third party insurer. The last time I asked Stamps.com a question about their insurance they told me to contact the insurer.  I guess I may have no choice but to contact them to see if anything can be done about this.

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I think the company I used in a similar situation is U-pic. And when I spoke to them years ago about this they pretty much said they don’t care about eBay’s time windows. It is what it is.

Package insurance is a (dare I say it) scam.

[wastingtime101]

Stamps.com switched to ParcelGuard back in October. They sent out an email to all stamps.com subscribers with links to the terms. Different coverage, different policy.

You can see terms on ParcelGuard's website here including:

Pay special attention to the following coverage exclusions and conditions:

6. During the claims process, a claim statement/affidavit signed by the recipient (or intended recipient) will be required. This is a form document provided by Shipsurance that allows the recipient (or intended recipient) to indicate loss or damage. (Condition B, 3, d)

and:

3. In case of loss or damage to the covered package the following must be completed:

a) The Insured will file immediate notice of non-delivery, damage, or shortage with the Carrier and with Shipsurance;

b) The recipient will take proper exceptions on the delivery receipt when any loss or damage is apparent at the time of delivery;

c) The Insured will complete a Shipsurance claim form and provide all required documents to Shipsurance within one hundred and twenty (120) calendar days from the date of shipment. If the Carrier has liability and their remittance (Carrier's claim check and stub) or response has not been received by the Insured within the 120 day timeframe, all other claim paperwork must be received by Shipsurance within one hundred and twenty (120) calendar days from the date of shipment.

d) A complete claim submission must include a Shipsurance claim form, a copy of the carrier's tracer form, a copy of the invoice, photos of damaged goods and packaging, a repair estimate, a claim statement signed by the recipient (or intended recipient), and any other documentation requested by Shipsurance. Failure to complete the claim form and follow all claim instructions could lead to non-settlement of claim.

e) If the shipment is sent by the United States Postal Service (USPS) or consolidators, complete claims must be submitted and received by Shipsurance within one hundred and twenty (120) calendar days of the shipment date. If the claim is for loss the Insured must wait twenty (20) calendar days (Domestic shipments) or 40 calendar days (International shipments) before filing claim with Shipsurance.