Comparison
ShipStation Insurance vs CIO Cargo Insurance
Understand the differences between ShipStation shipstation insurance (shipsurance) and CIO Cargo Insure Online — compare costs, coverage limits, exclusions and claims handling.
Shipping Platforms
ShipStation
Shipping software with built-in ShipStation Insurance via Shipsurance.
About ShipStation
- Overview
- ShipStation is a web-based shipping software owned by Auctane (Stamps.com), widely used by e-commerce sellers.
- Headquarters
- Austin, Texas, USA
- Countries served
- USA, Canada, UK, Australia, NZ and via courier partners
- Services offered
- Multi-carrier label printing, automation, order management, branded tracking.
- Typical users
- E-commerce sellers on Shopify, Amazon, eBay, Etsy.
Insurance overview
| Coverage type | ShipStation Insurance (Shipsurance) |
|---|---|
| Maximum coverage | Up to USD 10,000 per shipment |
| International coverage | Yes |
| Domestic coverage | Yes |
| Claims process | File claim via ShipStation insurance dashboard within 60 days. |
| Major exclusions | Cash, jewellery, perishables, fragile items without proper packaging. |
Premium comparison
| Shipment value | ShipStation cost | CIO cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD 1,000 | USD 8.50 | USD 5.00 | Save USD 3.50 (41%) |
| USD 5,000 | USD 42.50 | USD 22.50 | Save USD 20.00 (47%) |
| USD 10,000 | USD 85.00 | USD 45.00 | Save USD 40.00 (47%) |
| USD 25,000 | Not covered (over limit) | USD 112.50 | CIO covers full value |
| USD 50,000 | Not covered (over limit) | USD 225.00 | CIO covers full value |
| 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 | ShipStation | 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 ShipStation covers
ShipStation Insurance (Shipsurance) up to Up to USD 10,000 per shipment.
Excludes: Cash, jewellery, perishables, fragile items without proper packaging.
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
ShipStation 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
ShipStation 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
ShipStation 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
ShipStation 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
ShipStation 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)
ShipStation 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.
ShipStation insurance FAQs
›Is ShipStation Insurance worth it?
ShipStation Insurance is well-priced for parcels but limited in scope; high-value, freight or international cargo benefits more from independent cargo insurance.
Protect your shipments beyond carrier liability
Get instant cargo insurance quotes with CIO Cargo Insure Online — independent, multi-carrier, door-to-door.