Restaurant Equipment Shipping Insurance: What's Covered and What to Document First

Every shipment we run includes cargo insurance, but 'insured' does not mean the same thing across every carrier or every claim. Knowing what your coverage actually pays out, and what you need to document before the truck ever leaves the pickup address, is the difference between a fast reimbursement and a drawn-out dispute.

Standard coverage vs. declared value

Standard cargo coverage is included on every load we book and pays out based on the carrier's released rate, which is often calculated by weight rather than replacement cost, fine for a stack of sheet pans, not enough for a $12,000 combi oven. For higher-value equipment, declared value coverage lets you insure the shipment closer to its actual replacement cost for an additional premium, and we will flag when a load is worth adding it.

What actually triggers a valid claim

Concealed damage, a cracked panel, a scratched door, or a unit that arrives non-functional after a clean pickup are all claimable, but the claim lives or dies on documentation. Damage noted and photographed at delivery, before the crew leaves, is far stronger than damage discovered a week later once the unit is already installed and running.

Document before it ships, not after

Photograph every side of the equipment, the spec plate, and any existing dents or scratches before pickup, and keep those photos with your invoice. On delivery, inspect the load with the driver present, note anything unusual directly on the delivery receipt, and photograph it again before you sign, since a clean signature with no notes makes a later claim much harder to win.

Filing a claim with us

If something arrives damaged, contact us within 48 hours with your photos, the delivery receipt, and a description of the damage, and we will open a claim directly with the carrier on your behalf. Certificates of Insurance for your venue or landlord are available on request before pickup. Call (866) 216-7742 or email usacommericalmovers@highvalueproductshipping.com to add declared value coverage or start a claim.