Declared value is not insurance coverage. The declared value of a package represents UPS's maximum liability for the package in the case of loss or damage. If no value is declared, UPS's maximum liability for loss or damage to a package or international shipment is US$100 (or the equivalent in local currency).
Shippers sending goods with values exceeding US$100 can choose to declare a higher value for the goods, up to certain maximum amounts and subject to restrictions, by paying an additional charge.
UPS is not liable for loss or damage to a package that is not properly packed to withstand the series of movements through the small package environment (as described in the UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions of Service (see Section on Responsibility for Loss or Damage). In such a case, even if the shipper declares a value for the package in excess of $100, UPS will not reimburse the shipper for the damage to the package. (Read these tips on how to properly pack a package.)
Limits on declared value and restrictions on UPS's liability (including for packages not adequately packaged as described in more detail below) are described in the UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions of Service, available at ups.com. For non-U.S.-origin shipments, please refer to the UPS Terms and Conditions of the origin country.
UPS uses a third-party vendor to manage the claims process for packages with values declared in excess of $100. This vendor adheres to the small package carrier industry standard ISTA 3-A packaging guidelines for analyzing the integrity of packaging and associated materials.
http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resources/ship/terms/service.html
http://www.ista.org/pages/procedures/testing-guidelines.php
We must receive notice of a claim due to damage (visible or concealed), delay (including spoilage claims), shortage, or failure to properly collect or deliver a C.O.D. payment within 14 calendar days after delivery of the shipment. We must receive notice of all other claims, including, but not limited to, claims for non delivery or misdelivery, within 30 days after the package was tendered to College Student Storage for shipment.
