Overview
↑ Back to topShipping insurance is a key service that offers both sellers and buyers financial protection during transit. Shipping Insurance Manager is a WooCommerce plugin that allows store owners to offer shipping insurance packages during checkout. The plugin lets you create multiple insurance packages with customizable fees (either fixed or percentage-based), specify restrictions based on user roles, shipping classes, shipping zones, and membership plans (if WooCommerce Memberships is enabled). With a user‐friendly admin interface and compatibility with both Classic and Block Checkouts, this plugin is designed to enhance your customers’ experience and protect their orders during transit.
Requirements
↑ Back to topBefore installing the plugin, please ensure your environment meets the following requirements:
- WordPress: Version 6.0 or higher (recommended).
- WooCommerce: Version 7.0 or later.
- PHP: 7.2 or higher.
Optional:
- WC Memberships: Enables membership-specific restrictions on insurance packages.
- A compatible theme (or child theme) that supports WooCommerce styling.
Installation
↑ Back to top- Download the Plugin:
- Download the ZIP file from the plugin page.
- Upload the Plugin:
- Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard.
- Navigate to Plugins > Add New.
- Click the Upload Plugin button and select the ZIP file.
- Click Install Now and then Activate.
Usage
↑ Back to topThe Shipping Insurance Manager plugin offers functionality on both the admin area and checkout pages of your WooCommerce store.
Plugin Settings Overview
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Screenshot: Insurance package settings interface

Within the WooCommerce Shipping settings tab (WooCommerce > Settings > Shipping
), you will find a dedicated Shipping Insurance section. Here you can:
- Create Insurance Packages:
Use the interactive custom table to add, edit, or remove insurance packages. Each package can have:- Package Name & Description: What your customers see during checkout.
- Fee Type: Choose between a fixed fee or a percentage based on the order total.
- Amount: The cost of the insurance defined either as a fixed amount or as a percentage of the cart total.
- Restrictions: The “Restrictions” column (hidden by default) can be toggled with the Toggle restrictions button. Restrictions allow you to limit a package to specific:
- User roles (e.g., only registered customers with certain roles)
- Shipping classes (targeting specific product groupings)
- Shipping zones (geographically or zone-specific offerings)
- Membership plans (if WooCommerce Memberships is active)
- Enabled/Disabled State: Toggle whether a package is active.
- Additional Settings:
- Exclude shipping methods that should not be eligible for insurance (for example, Local Pickup).
- Link to a dedicated Insurance Terms page that displays terms and conditions. A link that opens in a new browser tab will appear on the checkout page.
Edit Popup Screen
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The Edit popup allows you to quickly modify the details of an insurance package from the settings interface. When you click the Edit button for a package, a popup window opens where you can adjust several settings:
- General Details:
- Package Name: Update the friendly name that appears to customers during checkout.
- Description: Edit the package description, which appears as a tooltip during checkout to offer additional context.
- Fee Settings:
- Fee Type: Choose whether the insurance fee is a fixed amount or a percentage of the cart total.
- Amount: Specify the cost of the insurance package. The popup automatically displays the correct currency symbol or the “%” sign based on the selected fee type.
- Restriction Settings:
- Shipping Zone: Set a shipping zone restriction so that the package is available only for orders in specific regions.
- Shipping Class: Choose shipping classes to limit the insurance package to particular product types.
- Role Restriction: Define which user roles the package applies to, such as restricting it to registered customers or other specific roles.
- Membership (if available): If WooCommerce Memberships is active, you can assign a membership plan restriction to the package.
- Popup Actions:
- Save: Click Save to update the package details. The changes are applied to both the visible text and the hidden fields in the custom table.
- Cancel/Close: Cancel or close the popup to discard any unsaved modifications.
Classic Checkout
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For stores using the classic WooCommerce checkout, the plugin modifies the checkout page as follows:
- Display Insurance Options:
A new section titled “Shipping Insurance” is added on the checkout page, listing the available insurance packages as radio buttons. The default option is “No Insurance.” - Dynamic Fee Calculation:
When a customer selects an insurance package:- Fixed Fee: The set amount is added directly.
- Percentage Fee: A fee is calculated as a percentage of the current cart total.
- Exclusion of Ineligible Shipping Methods:
The plugin verifies the chosen shipping method(s) against those excluded in the settings. If none of the selected methods qualifies, the insurance options will not be shown. - Session Handling:
The selected insurance package is saved in the WooCommerce session and later added as a fee during the cart totals calculation. This selection is also stored in the order meta data so that it appears on the order admin screen.
Block Checkout
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For stores using the Block Checkout experience, Shipping Insurance Manager is designed to display insurance options seamlessly. The frontend scripts, styles, and AJAX handling ensure that insurance packages appear correctly even within block layouts. (This section will be updated once full block checkout support is finalized.)
Order Overview
↑ Back to topWithin the WooCommerce admin dashboard, the plugin adds a custom Insurance column to the Orders list (Orders > All Orders
). This dedicated column displays the shipping insurance package selected by the customer for each order. Key points include:
- Insurance Column:
- The column shows the name of the chosen shipping insurance package.
- If no insurance option was selected by the customer, the column displays a dash (
-
).
- Sorting and Filtering:
- The Insurance column is sortable, enabling you to order your orders based on the selected package.
- A custom filter dropdown is available on the orders page to quickly filter orders by the specific insurance package chosen.
This streamlined view helps you efficiently monitor which orders include shipping insurance and review the related details at a glance.
FAQ
↑ Back to topWhat Is shipping insurance?
↑ Back to topShipping insurance provides coverage for the declared value of goods against damage, loss, or theft during transit. When shipments are insured, your business—and sometimes your customers—receive compensation for the full value of the products if something goes wrong during delivery. This protection not only mitigates financial risk but also builds trust with your customers.
How does shipping insurance work?
↑ Back to topThe process of shipping insurance involves several essential steps:
- Choosing a Provider:
Evaluate the value of your products and select a reputable shipping insurance provider that fits your business needs. - Paying Premiums:
Based on the declared value of the shipment, an insurance premium (typically 1-3% of the item’s value) is charged. The premium may be integrated into your pricing strategy or offered as an optional add-on at checkout. - Documenting the Shipment:
Keep accurate records of your shipment—including invoices and packing slips—to support any potential claims. - Filing a Claim:
In the event of damage, loss, or theft, you or your customer can file a claim with the insurance provider. Providing proper documentation expedites the claims process.
Shipping insurance vs. declared value services
↑ Back to topWhile many shipping carriers offer a declared value service, there is a critical difference:
- Shipping Insurance:
Typically provided by third-party insurers, shipping insurance offers broader protection—including scenarios like theft after delivery (porch piracy) or accidental damage—and customizable coverage options. - Declared Value Services:
Offered by carriers as a built-in liability measure, these services usually only cover loss or damage attributable to the carrier’s fault and may not be as comprehensive.
Third-party shipping insurance can therefore offer more extensive protection and flexibility in coverage.
How much does shipping insurance cost?
↑ Back to topShipping insurance premiums are generally calculated as a percentage (often between 1-3%) of the shipment’s total value. For businesses that routinely ship high-value or high-volume items, the cost of insurance is an important factor in overall profitability. Some businesses choose to absorb the cost, while others offer it as a customer-paid option at checkout.
Who is responsible for shipping insurance?
↑ Back to topResponsibility for arranging and paying for shipping insurance varies:
- In some cases, the seller opts to include insurance as part of the shipping cost and manages claims on behalf of the customer.
- Alternatively, you can give customers the option to add insurance at checkout, shifting the premium cost and claims process to them.
What does shipping insurance cover?
↑ Back to topShipping insurance policies generally cover:
- Damage due to accidents or mishandling during transit.
- Loss or theft of packages during shipping or misdelivery.
- Theft that occurs even after a package has been delivered (in some cases, such as porch piracy).
Coverage specifics can vary, and high-value or fragile items may require additional or specialized insurance policies. Always review policy terms for any exclusions or limitations.
How does shipping insurance for international shipments work?
↑ Back to topInternational shipments often carry additional risks due to factors like longer transit times, customs delays, and multiple handling stages. Shipping insurance for international deliveries typically covers the entire transit process—from the point of origin to final delivery—including potential customs-related issues.
How do I file a shipping insurance claim?
↑ Back to topIf an insured shipment is damaged, lost, or stolen, follow these steps to file a claim:
- Document the Incident:
Collect clear photographs, invoices, packing slips, and any other relevant evidence. - Notify the Carrier:
Report the issue to the shipping carrier immediately, providing all shipment details. - Submit a Claim:
Contact your insurance provider with all supporting documentation. They may ask for additional information such as proof of value or further evidence of the incident. - Cooperate with Follow-up:
Respond promptly to any inspection or additional information requests from the provider. - Follow Up:
Maintain communication throughout the claim process to ensure a timely resolution.
Please note: This plugin only add the option for customers to select insurance packages during checkout. Filing claims and selecting accurate costs for the various packages is the responsibility of the shop owner and is done manually outside the plugin & order admin area.
What happens if a claim is denied?
↑ Back to topClaims can sometimes be denied due to factors such as incomplete documentation, exclusion of certain items, or delays in filing. If a claim is denied, many providers offer an appeals process or additional clarification on the missing elements, so it is important to keep detailed records and file promptly.
Is shipping insurance worth it?
↑ Back to topFor many ecommerce businesses, shipping insurance is a wise investment. Consider it when:
- You ship a high volume of orders.
- You handle high-value or fragile items.
- You regularly ship internationally.
- You have experienced issues such as loss, damage, or theft in the past.
Offering shipping insurance can reduce financial risk and improve customer satisfaction by ensuring that losses are minimized and claims are handled efficiently.
What happens if no eligible shipping methods are available?
↑ Back to topA: If none of the chosen shipping methods meet the criteria (i.e., they are all excluded), the shipping insurance options will not be displayed on the checkout page.
Can I restrict an insurance package to specific user roles or shipping zones?
↑ Back to topYes. In the plugin settings, you can set package restrictions based on:
- User Roles: Allow only certain roles to view a given insurance package.
- Shipping Classes and Zones: Restrict packages based on product shipping classes or shipping zones.
- Memberships: If WooCommerce Memberships is active, you can further restrict packages based on membership plans.
How does the fee calculation work?
↑ Back to top- For fixed fees, the exact amount set is added to the cart.
- For percentage fees, the fee is calculated as a percentage of the cart’s total. The calculated fee is displayed using WooCommerce’s pricing functions.
What is the “Insurance Terms” page?
↑ Back to topThis is an optional page that you can configure in the plugin settings. It should detail your insurance policy’s terms and conditions, and a link to this page is displayed on the checkout page for customer review before selecting an insurance package.
I’m using the Block Checkout – will this plugin work?
↑ Back to topYes. Shipping Insurance Manager is built for compatibility with both classic and block checkout experiences. The frontend scripts, styles, and AJAX handling ensure a consistent experience across all WooCommerce checkout layouts.
How can I disable a package temporarily?
↑ Back to topWithin the insurance package management area in the plugin settings, each package features an “Enabled” toggle. Disabling a package prevents it from appearing on checkout while keeping its configuration saved for future use.
For further assistance or to report any issues, please contact our support team page in your WooCommerce account page.