I found a shipper through Uship to transport a newly built strip built surfski (kayak) from Portland to San Diego. This is a piece of floating art. The shipper had great references and many happy customers after 10 years of experience. We agreed on a price and I opted to pay USHIP the EXTRA fee for insurance just in case there was damage or theft of this newly constructed boat. I know things happen in the best of circumstances so insurance seems like a good idea, right? Apparently wrong if you are dealing with USHIP. Unfortunately there was some damage and the shipper has proven to be a stand up guy and confirmed that the damage had occurred on his watch. Of course I am not happy about the damage but I did buy the insurance, filled out a Bill Of Lading upon dropping the item off at the shippers location and took before photos. So, I am covered, right? READ ON. When the surfski arrived I spotted the obvious damage, took photos, etc. The shipper has signed off acknowledging the damage on the Bill Of Lading and took full responsibility for it. The damage happened on his watch. So, no problem, right? Wrong! Danny at USHIP is probably a busy man since he repeatedly requested the same items via form letters for me to support my claim as if he hadn't taken the time to review them. The photos are clear and it is irrefutable that there was no damage at the time I handed the item over to the driver. The photos taken upon delivery show the new damage, the Bill Of Lading signed buy the trucker supports this finding. Well, much to my dismay, USHIP claims the damage was there before shipping. USHIP obviously has not reviewed the supporting evidence and sent me a form letter telling they won't pay the claim since the damage did not occur during shipping. Any reasonable person would be able to see the lack of damage shown on the before photo. This was a brand new item. So, don't waste your money on USHIP insurance. I will appeal this decision and hope that they take a closer look at this case. Let's hope it was an oversight and not a sleazy way to do business. They could take a lesson from the driver who admitted the damage, took responsibility and is willing to help me make the right.
UPDATE- I was told I could appeal their decision to not cover the damage. I went through the appeal process and was told I would have an answer within 72 hours. Well, it has been close to a month and it appears I am being ignored. I spoke to their Consumer Support line and was told I would have an answer by days end. That was a week ago. Clearly they have a policy to wear down the consumer in hopes that they won't have to pay a claim. I can honestly say I have no memory of dealing with a company with such sleazy tactics in many years. SKIP USHIP if you can. Buyer beware!