Transit Insurance

UC San Diego Risk Management has several insurance programs covering shipments to or from the University.

Before you ship a package, review this page to select the right type of insurance based on the destination and value of your shipment.

UCSD offers 2 types of insurance programs:

• Automatic insurance which requires no enrollment forms.
• Underwritten insurance which requires an application and approval before coverage begins.

Note: Since each department is responsible for uninsured losses, be sure to check the limitations and exclusions of the insurance program you choose.

1. Automatic Insurance

Domestic Insurance: Shipments within the continental United States (not including Alaska or Hawaii) and Canada.

UCSD’s Domestic Transit Insurance is an automatic coverage with no required premiums from UCSD departments.  However, all of UCSD’s insurance programs assess deductibles on claims filed.  The deductible for UCSD’s Domestic Transit Insurance Program is $1,000, and is imposed by UCOP’s Third Party Claims Adjuster.  This expense can not be waived.  It is recommended to use the carriers insurance coverage for shipments that are valued under $1,000.

2. Underwritten Insurance

Foreign Insurance: All shipments going to the following countries require prior approval and a two-week notice:

Afghanistan, Angola, Cuba, Ethiopia, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Korea, Rwanda, Sierra Leone,  Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, and countries comprised by the former territories of USSR and/or the Federal Republic of  Yugoslavia and/or Republic of Serbia and any other country where their local legislation decrees insurance must be effected locally unless specifically declared and accepted by insurers prior to shipment.

• Shipments valued under $5 million require notice to Risk Management at least by the day of shipment. To submit your request:
  • Complete the Foreign Shipment Insurance form (PDF) (Word file).
  • Fax the form to (858) 534-5202 or email to ehsrisk@ucsd.edu.
• Shipments valued over $5 million require approval 3 weeks before the shipment date. Contact Risk Management, (858) 534-2454, for an estimate of the cost. To submit your request:
  • Complete the Foreign Shipment Insurance form (PDF) (Word file).
  • Fax the form to (858) 534-5202 or email to ehsrisk@ucsd.edu.

Note: Requests submitted with less than a 3-week notice cannot be guaranteed insurance coverage.

For all shipments, use the following procedures as backup in case of loss or damage to shipment.

1. Prepare an itemized list of items being shipped with their current replacement values in case of damage/loss. You may use a Shipping Memo.
2. Use correct packing materials (boxes are rated for weight of contents). 
3. It is a good practice to take photos of items prior to packing and once packed so you have verification of condition.
4. When shipment arrives, immediately check to make sure no damage was sustained during transit. If it is electronic or scientific equipment, please have it checked by a professional user to make sure it is working properly.
5. If any damage is discovered, do not discard packing material as it will be needed for the claim process. Contact the carrier and Risk Management immediately to file a claim as there is only a short window of time to file a claim with the carrier.