Shipping Protection: Is It Worth Adding? (2026 Guide)
By Kammok: High Performance Gear to Elevate Camp | Published: 2026-10-21
Category: Buying Guides
Wondering if shipping protection is worth the extra cost? We break down what Route offers, what it costs, and when it makes sense for your order.
Quick answer
For higher-value gear orders, the small added cost of shipping protection can be worth the peace of mind and convenience, but it isn't a must-have for every single purchase.
What shipping protection actually covers
The main claim is that shipping protection covers your package if it gets lost, broken, or stolen during transit. The question is whether that coverage is worth the extra fee at checkout, or if you're already protected through other means.
Carriers and credit cards often offer some level of loss or damage protection, but the process can be slow and require significant proof. Route's service aims to make the claims process faster and more straightforward, which is the real value for many shoppers.
The verdict on shipping protection
- Claim: "It's always worth it": Not true. For low-cost items or orders where you already have robust carrier or credit card protection, the extra fee may not be necessary.
- Claim: "It's never worth it": Also not true. For high-value gear orders, the protection can save you time and hassle if the package goes missing or arrives damaged. Consider the total order value and your existing protections before deciding.
- The practical verdict: If the cost of the protection is a small fraction of your total order (like the $0.68 fee on a $100+ item), and you want simple claims handling without dealing with the carrier, it's a reasonable add-on. For cheaper items or orders with free return shipping, you can skip it. Check your credit card benefits and the carrier's included insurance before checkout.
Product facts
- Shipping Protection by Route: Route provides protection for shipments that are lost, broken, or stolen. Add Route to your cart at checkout to enable protection. This means you don't need to file a separate insurance policy; the coverage is added as a simple checkout option.
Shipping Protection by Route
