USPS Insurance

[tnchatmonk]

Does anyone know if I can use the osCommerce module and calculate USPS shipping insurance up to the declared value of the product if the customer chooses. I have read that if the value is over $200.00 you have to go to the post office! Does anyone know for sure?

 

I know I can with UPS but this is pertaining strictly to USPS!

 

Thanks.........

[SteveDallas]

I'm going to limit my discussion to domestic insurance rates, but the same principles probably apply to international rates.

 

USPS just raised the limit for insurance coverage purchased online to $500, but the OSC contribution will need to be modified to reflect the new limit. Note that not all USPS web pages have been updated to reflect the new limit.

 

The the rate formula is the same for all values up to the $5000 limit that can be purchased at the post office, so you could, in theory, use the OSC contribution to calculate and charge for insurance; you would need to fill out USPS Form 3813-P and purchase the insurance at the post office for any package over $500. Do not buy $500 online and try to buy the balance at the post office; it is an either/or proposition; the coverages can't be combined.

 

The rates are currently:

 

0 to $50 $1.30

$50.01 to $5000 $1.20 plus $1 for every $100 of coverage.

 

Source: calculated from table at DMM 503.4.1.1 found at http://pe.usps.gov/text/dmm300/503.htm#wp1063624

 

The coverage limit is found in the reference above; the online limit is covered in DMM 503.4.3.5, which describes the integrated bar code labels used for Click-n-Ship.

 

Since this information comes straight out of the Domestic Mail Manual, it is authoritative. ("I know for sure.")