Is Onward Shipping Protection Insurance? What Its Terms Say (2026)

Written by GARY MCNELLEY

Quick answer: No, not according to its own terms. Onward Group, Inc.'s Terms and Conditions (last updated January 6, 2026) say the value coverage provided by its services, including shipping protection, "shall not constitute insurance of any kind whatsoever." Claims are decided in Onward's sole and absolute discretion, up to $5,000 of declared value. Some stores can opt into separate third-party coverage from Shipsurance, which has its own terms.

Key takeaways

Onward's terms state its shipping protection value coverage is not insurance of any kind.
No insurer is named for Onward's standard shipping protection.
Claims are determined in the sole and absolute discretion of Onward (the "Company").
The payout is the lesser of replacing the items or up to $5,000 of declared value, excluding shipping and tax.
Shoppers must notify Onward within 60 days of purchase or lose benefits, with no refund.
Onward's separate Quality Issue Coverage is labeled "This is not an insurance policy."
Stores may opt into third-party Shipsurance coverage, which is governed by Shipsurance's own terms.

What does Onward say about its product?

Onward describes itself as a post-purchase platform for DTC brands that bundles package protection, order tracking, order editing and returns. Its homepage promotes "Package Protection" that helps protect customers against loss, theft and damage, and says claims are "resolved in minutes," but it does not use the word insurance or name an insurer. The legal details are in its Terms and Conditions.

What this means for you as a shopper

If you pay for Onward shipping protection at checkout, you are relying on Onward's contractual promise, not on an insurance policy issued to you by a regulated insurer, unless the store has specifically opted into Shipsurance coverage.

Who is insured and who pays claims?

Under the standard terms, no one is described as an insured. Onward decides claims "in the sole and absolute discretion of the Company" and also decides how replacements are processed and shipped. The benefit is limited to eligible end-users who purchased the service.

Claim limits and deadlines

Limit: the lesser of full replacement or up to $5,000 of declared value.
Declared value: the price recorded by the store, not including shipping or tax.
Deadline: notify Onward within 60 days of purchase; late notice means no benefits and no refund.

Is Onward's shipping protection regulated as insurance?

Onward says it is not insurance. Whether a product is legally insurance is decided by state law and insurance regulators, not by a provider's label. Regulators in Oklahoma (2023), Utah (2024), Connecticut (2024) and the NAIC (2024) have warned consumers that legitimate shipping insurance is sold by licensed companies or producers. This article does not make a legal determination about Onward.

How is InsureShip different?

Licensed: InsureShip is a licensed insurance agency (CA DOI #0G55434), licensed nationwide; availability may vary by state.
Named insurer: coverage is underwritten by Navigators (The Hartford), rated A+ by AM Best.
Written policy terms: claims are paid under the policy, not at a provider's sole discretion.
Coverage: loss, damage and theft in transit, including porch piracy, up to $5,000 per shipment.
Fast claims: InsureShip states approved claims are typically paid within 5 to 7 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Onward shipping protection insurance?
Its terms say its value coverage "shall not constitute insurance of any kind whatsoever."

Who decides Onward claims?
Onward decides claims in its sole and absolute discretion.

How much does Onward pay?
The lesser of replacing the items or up to $5,000 of declared value, excluding shipping and tax.

How long do I have to file?
You must notify Onward within 60 days of purchase.

Does Onward ever use real insurance?
Stores can opt into third-party Shipsurance coverage, which is governed by Shipsurance's terms. Ask the store which version applies to your order.

Related resources

Want licensed shipping insurance at your checkout?

InsureShip is free to install, has no monthly fees, and protects every insured order with an A+ rated insurer. Install InsureShip on Shopify or talk to our team.

Sources

Last checked October 2026: Onward Terms and Conditions (updated January 6, 2026) · Onward homepage · Regulator warnings on package protection. This article describes what Onward's published terms say and is general information, not legal advice. InsureShip is a licensed provider that competes with Onward. If you represent Onward and believe something here is outdated, please contact us.

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