I needed to ship a $80,000 vintage sports card to an auction house. I went to the Post Office to use Registered Mail, the “safest” method. The clerk told me, “We can only insure this up to $50,000 (or $25,000 depending on destination/context).” I was left with a $30,000 exposure gap.
Key Takeaways
- The Hard Cap: Even the safest government mail service has a hard insurance limit (usually $50k domestic, less for international). You cannot buy more from them.
- Gap Coverage: Your personal collectibles policy usually includes “Transit Coverage,” but you must check the limit. It might be $5k or $10k. You need to call and request a “One-Time Transit Increase” for this shipment.
- Private Armored Car: For items over $100k, companies like Malca-Amit or Ferrari Express (via PWCC/Goldin) are safer than mail.
- Auction House Labels: Often, major auction houses provide their own shipping labels that tap into their block insurance policy, covering the full amount.
The “Why” (Carrier Limits)
Carriers are logistics companies, not insurance banks. They cap their risk.
The Investigation: Covering the Gap
I looked for ways to ship a six-figure card.
1. USPS Registered Mail
- Limit: $50,000.
- Gap: You are self-insuring the rest unless you have outside help.
2. Collect Insure (Transit Extension)
- Feature: Standard transit limit might be $2,500.
- Action: I called to increase it.
- Result: They can boost it for a temporary premium, or if your total policy is large enough, it might already be covered.
3. FedEx Custom Critical
- Feature: High-value transport.
- Cost: Extremely expensive ($300+).
Comparison Table
| Shipping Value | USPS Reg Mail | Private Insurance | Armored/Courier |
| $20,000 | Covered | Covered | Overkill |
| $60,000 | Capped ($50k) | Full Coverage | Viable |
| $250,000 | Capped | Full Coverage | Recommended |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check Your Transit Limit: Log into your specialized insurance portal. Look for “Temporary Transit Limit.”
- Ask the Receiver: If sending to Heritage or Goldin, ask for their label. Their insurance is usually limitless for incoming consignments.
- Registered Mail: Use it. It is signed for by every single person who touches it. It travels in a locked cage.
FAQ
Can I split the shipment?
Yes. If you have two $40k cards, send them in two separate Registered Mail packages on different days.
[IMAGE: Photo of a USPS “Registered Mail” red sticker on a brown paper-taped box]