[skydriver]

How many of you purchase insurance when you buy diecast from either a member here or ebay. Given the choice, I will decline it and take my chances. Over the years have always declined insurance when given the option. I figured I have saved more $ in insurance costs even if I had to purchase the item again.

Recently, I won a Corgi 1:144 B-52 ebay auction and because of a past situation with the seller, they sent me the plane and did not charge me for the shipping. Granted it did not have a box, but for $30.00 I felt it was well worth it.

When it arrived, the box was damaged, and 2 of the engines and one of external gas tanks had come off. No big problem, as I figured a little super glue and some patience and it would be as good as new. Other than that, the plane was in excellent shape. But, they did send it insured.

A few days later, I was in the post office and asked the postman if it was worth me making a claim. HIs response was if I could fix it, I am better off doing that. Otherwise, I would have to bring in the box, the plane, and the broken parts to make a claim. They would then take the plane, parts, and the box and ship it off to a claims adjuster, where it could take up to 3 months to get an answer. He also told me that they would do whatever possible to not pay a claim.

So, what are your thoughts about insurance. I can only assume that the seller wants to include it to cover them. But if given the option what would you do?

[brunowbe]

I personally do not opt for insurance, but I do tend to always choose USPS Priority (or Express, not sure which one it is) Mail when given the option because it already has insurance included in the price (and because it's always quicker and usually cheaper than the other guys; UPS, Fed Ex, DHL).

[weiwencheng]

I have learned to just use priority mail. Insurance payments are a hassle. Being a former UPS employee, the only way you could get them to pay insurance was if an actual UPS store employee packed your box, and even then they would blame the store location and make you go through them to get a refund. It was left up to individual stores if they wanted to refund shipping. Working for them for 5 years I never saw them pay an insurance claim for a private party.

[STARMAN 352ND]

If it's a high value collectible i'll get the insurance for it...Just to be save.
JP