Shipping Insurance for Gold & Silver Orders: What's Actually Covered?
Insurance details vary more by dealer than most buyers realize. Here's exactly what to confirm before you place an order.
Updated: July 2026Read time: 4 minBy: GoldBullionReviews Editorial Team
What Shipping Insurance Actually Covers
Reputable bullion dealers insure shipments for the full declared value against loss, theft, or damage in transit. This coverage typically extends from the moment the package leaves the dealer's facility until it's delivered and signed for — but the specifics (signature requirements, coverage caps, claims process) vary by dealer and are worth confirming before you buy, not after a problem occurs.
Why Signature Requirements Matter
Most dealers require an adult signature on delivery for orders above a certain value threshold, specifically because insurance coverage is often contingent on proof of proper delivery. A package left at your door without a signature, even if technically "delivered," can create complications with an insurance claim if something goes wrong between delivery and when you actually receive it.
Practical tip: Be available for delivery on the expected date, or use a shipping address where someone can reliably sign, particularly for larger orders. If you're not going to be home, most carriers allow you to arrange for delivery to a staffed facility instead.
What to Confirm Before You Buy
Whether the insurance covers 100% of the declared value or has a coverage cap
Whether a signature is required, and at what order value threshold
What the claims process looks like if a package is lost, damaged, or arrives with contents missing
Whether the packaging is discreet/unmarked — a security feature separate from insurance, but related to overall shipment safety
Compare shipping and insurance policies across dealers.
Reputable dealers insure shipments for the full declared value against loss, theft, or damage in transit, typically from dispatch until signed-for delivery. Confirm the specific coverage terms with your dealer before purchasing, since policies vary.
Most dealers require an adult signature for orders above a certain value threshold, since insurance coverage is often contingent on proof of proper delivery. Arrange to be available, or have the package held at a staffed facility if you won't be home.
File a claim with the dealer promptly — reputable dealers have an established claims process for insured shipments. Confirm what documentation you'll need (delivery confirmation, photos of damage) before an issue arises, not after.