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From: Walt Vogdes
Remote Name: 24.19.109.15
Date: 08/05/2009
Time: 10:40:20 AM
Actually you did receive the insurance you paid for, it just wasn't insured by the carrier. If the seller does a good job of packing the item and has confidence that it will survive the sometimes rough handling of shippers, why should he not self-insure? The USPS, for one, will only pay if there is evidence that the package was damaged externally when it was delivered. If the item inside is broken, to bad, not their "fault." And just like the stereotypical insurance company, they look hard for any reason not to accept responsibility. If you pay for insurance by the shipper, there is no motivation for the seller to pack carefully - throw it in a grocery bag and if it gets there in one piece, good, if not, the buyer can wrestle with the shipper. If the seller self-insures, who do you think will take most care with the item, the seller/insurer who has everything to lose, or the shipper? I would personally rather take the guarantee of a reputable seller who will of necessity pack the item very carefully. Of course, this doesn't speak to the problem of "lost in the mail." If that is a concern, then the item should be shipped with tracking.