Comparison
FedEx Insurance vs CIO Cargo Insurance
Understand the differences between FedEx declared value (not true insurance) and CIO Cargo Insure Online — compare costs, coverage limits, exclusions and claims handling.
Couriers
FedEx
Global express courier offering Declared Value coverage as an add-on to shipments.
About FedEx
- Overview
- FedEx Corporation is a US-based multinational delivery services company specialising in overnight and express shipping.
- Headquarters
- Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Countries served
- 220+ countries and territories
- Services offered
- Express parcel, freight, ground, international priority, FedEx Trade Networks (customs brokerage).
- Typical users
- E-commerce sellers, SMEs, enterprise shippers, healthcare and high-tech industries.
Insurance overview
| Coverage type | Declared Value (not true insurance) |
|---|---|
| Maximum coverage | USD 1,000 default; up to USD 50,000 declared value for most parcels |
| International coverage | Yes |
| Domestic coverage | Yes |
| Claims process | File online within 60 days (US domestic) or 21 days (international). Proof of value and damage documentation required. |
| Major exclusions | Jewellery, cash, antiques, fine art, perishables, improperly packaged items, consequential loss. |
Premium comparison
| Shipment value | FedEx cost | CIO cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD 1,000 | USD 39.00 | USD 5.00 | Save USD 34.00 (87%) |
| USD 5,000 | USD 195.00 | USD 22.50 | Save USD 172.50 (88%) |
| USD 10,000 | USD 390.00 | USD 45.00 | Save USD 345.00 (88%) |
| USD 25,000 | USD 975.00 | USD 112.50 | Save USD 862.50 (88%) |
| USD 50,000 | USD 1950.00 | USD 225.00 | Save USD 1725.00 (88%) |
| USD 100,000 | Not covered (over limit) | USD 450.00 | CIO covers full value |
Indicative estimates based on published carrier rate cards and a CIO illustrative rate of 0.45%. Actual premiums depend on commodity, lane and risk; request a live CIO quote for binding figures.
Why businesses choose CIO
| Feature | FedEx | CIO |
|---|---|---|
| Independent insurance | ||
| Multi-carrier coverage | ||
| Door-to-door protection | ||
| International shipments | ||
| Freight coverage | ||
| Parcel coverage | ||
| API integration | ||
| White-label available | ||
| Instant certificates | ||
| Cargo specialists |
Coverage comparison
What FedEx covers
Declared Value (not true insurance) up to USD 1,000 default; up to USD 50,000 declared value for most parcels.
Excludes: Jewellery, cash, antiques, fine art, perishables, improperly packaged items, consequential loss.
What CIO covers
All-risk cargo insurance on a door-to-door basis (Institute Cargo Clauses A), with limits up to USD 5M+ per shipment subject to underwriting.
Includes general average, war & strikes (extension), and shipments across all major couriers, freight forwarders and modes.
Common claims examples
Lost package
FedEx outcome
Compensation up to declared value, after investigation period and proof of value — often denied without purchased coverage.
CIO outcome
Full insured value paid, subject to ICC(A) and policy terms, typically settled within days of documented loss.
Water damage in transit
FedEx outcome
Often excluded unless attributable to carrier negligence; weather and force-majeure events commonly declined.
CIO outcome
Covered under all-risk cargo terms, including weather-related incidents and concealed damage.
Theft during transit
FedEx outcome
Covered only with purchased declared value and provided packaging requirements were met; routinely contested.
CIO outcome
Theft and pilferage included as standard under ICC(A) with broad door-to-door cover.
Misdelivery
FedEx outcome
Liability limited to convention caps (Warsaw / Montreal / CMR) unless declared value purchased.
CIO outcome
Insured value paid, with the insurer pursuing recovery against the carrier on your behalf.
Handling damage
FedEx outcome
Frequently excluded when packaging is deemed insufficient by the carrier; burden of proof on shipper.
CIO outcome
Covered subject to reasonable packaging standards; expert surveyors handle damage assessment.
Warehouse incidents (pre-shipment)
FedEx outcome
Not covered — carrier liability starts on pickup and ends at delivery.
CIO outcome
Covered under door-to-door extension including limited storage and consolidation periods.
FedEx insurance FAQs
›Is FedEx insurance worth it?
FedEx Declared Value is convenient but capped and excludes many high-value categories. For shipments above USD 1,000, independent cargo insurance such as CIO is usually cheaper and broader.
›What is the maximum FedEx declared value?
Most FedEx services cap declared value at USD 50,000 per shipment, with lower limits for certain categories like jewellery (USD 1,000).
›Does FedEx insurance cover theft?
FedEx may cover theft only if the package was properly packaged, the loss is reported within the deadline, and the item is not on the excluded list. Coverage is discretionary.
›Does FedEx cover international shipments?
Yes, Declared Value is available internationally but limits and exclusions vary by destination and service level.
›Is cargo insurance better than FedEx insurance?
Independent cargo insurance like CIO offers true all-risk coverage, door-to-door protection, fewer exclusions and a separate claims path that does not depend on proving carrier negligence.
Protect your shipments beyond carrier liability
Get instant cargo insurance quotes with CIO Cargo Insure Online — independent, multi-carrier, door-to-door.