We know how critical it is for businesses to ship freight with confidence. While delays and damage are rare, having the right protection in place can save time, money, and operational stress. That’s why we offer the option to add freight insurance during the booking process giving shippers full coverage and peace of mind when it matters most.
In this article, we break down how freight insurance works, what it covers, and how to file a claim if needed.
What Is Freight Insurance?
Freight insurance is an optional service that covers the full declared value of your shipment in the event of damage or loss. It differs from standard carrier liability, which often only reimburses a small portion of the value and requires proof of negligence.
Insurance simplifies the process by providing full coverage regardless of fault making it easier to recover your losses quickly and efficiently.
Learn more about our freight insurance services.
Why Add Insurance to Your Shipment?
While not mandatory, freight insurance is highly recommended — especially for high-value or fragile goods. Here’s what it offers:
- 100% coverage of your shipment’s declared value
- Faster claims processing, often resolved in under 30 days
- No need to prove fault or go through lengthy investigations
- Simple documentation and support throughout the process
You can add insurance during the final step of booking on GoShip Start a shipment and see real-time pricing that includes your optional coverage.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of freight insurance depends on the shipment’s value, product type, and specific handling requirements. Insurance pricing is calculated instantly during the booking process, so you’ll see full transparency before you confirm the shipment.
Please note: some items are excluded from coverage, including cash, high-value art, perishable goods, alcohol, plants, live animals, and hazardous materials. You can review the full non-covered items list here.
How to File a Freight Claim
In the rare case your shipment arrives damaged or missing, here’s how to submit a claim through GoShip’s process:
- Notify us promptly – Claims must be filed within 9 months of delivery.
- Prepare documentation – You’ll need:
- Bill of lading (BOL)
- Delivery receipt or POD
- Original invoice
- Any repair estimates
- Photos of the damage and packaging
- Bill of lading (BOL)
- Submit the claim online – The process is fast and requires minimal paperwork. Once submitted, you’ll receive automated status updates.
Full instructions are available in our freight claims guide.
Is Insurance Right for You?
If you’re a business shipping products you can’t afford to lose, insurance is a smart investment. It’s particularly valuable for:
- Businesses shipping delicate or high-value freight
- E-commerce brands handling customer deliveries
- Companies on tight timelines where delays could be costly
Whether you ship once a week or every day, freight insurance ensures that unexpected issues don’t disrupt your operations or cash flow.
GoShip makes it easy for businesses to book, track, and protect freight all in one place. With instant quotes, national carrier coverage, and optional insurance, our platform offers complete control over your shipping experience.👉 Get started now and see how GoShip simplifies logistics for over 36,000 satisfied customers.