The declared value of a package represents our maximum liability in connection with the shipment of that package, including, but not limited to, any loss, damage, delay, or misdelivery relating to that shipment. As the shipper, it’s your responsibility to prove any actual damages. Exposure to and risk of any loss in excess of your declared value is assumed by you.

The amount you declare should reflect the total amount it would cost to replace or repair the items in your shipment. Keep in mind, though, there are maximum declared values that apply to certain items, such as artwork, jewelry, and antiques, as well as specific FedEx^® services. Use our service guide to learn more about maximum declared values.

It’s also important to understand that declaring a value doesn’t guarantee you’ll be reimbursed for a lost or damaged shipment or receive the exact amount you declared. First, you’ll need to file a claim in writing. Then, since every shipment is different, we thoroughly review and investigate each case to determine liability.

Here's some key info to consider:

• To be reimbursed, you must provide proof of loss or damage of goods.
  
• To be reimbursed, you must provide proof that FedEx is at fault.
• If you declare a value for items that are prohibited (e.g., firearms, cash or currency, tobacco products) and they are lost or damaged, you will not be reimbursed.
  
• No matter the amount you declare, our liability won’t exceed your shipment’s repair cost, its depreciated value, or its replacement cost—whichever is less.
  
• Any effort to declare a value more than the maximums allowed in the FedEx Service Guide is null and void. Our acceptance for carriage of any shipment with a declared value in excess of the allowed maximums doesn’t waive any provision in the service guide.
  
• No reimbursements are made for the misdelivery of information.
   

Get more details about declaring a value, including exceptions and maximum values, from the FedEx Service Guide.

The amount you pay to declare a value is based on the item or items you’re shipping (total value) and the type of shipping you choose (FedEx Express^®, FedEx Ground^®, or FedEx Freight^® service).

Declared value rates are incremental and depend on the amount you declare. The first $100 of value in your shipment is included in your shipping rate at no extra charge as part of our standard $100 limit of liability. Your declared value fees reflect any amount that exceeds that $100.

Payment for declared value is due at the same time you create your shipment and pay your shipping costs.

Direct Signature Required for declared value shipments of $500 or more

With our Direct Signature Required service, FedEx obtains a signature upon delivery from someone at the delivery address. If no one is there to sign for it, we’ll reattempt delivery at another time. Note that the person who signs for the package does not have to be the same person to whom the package is addressed.

Learn more about direct signatures. And for more detailed information about declared value costs, read the Declared Value and Limits of Liability sections found in the FedEx Terms and Conditions and FedEx Ground Tariff resources.

Your declared value should reflect the total amount it would cost to replace or repair the items in your shipment.

To enter a declared value on your shipment: