Other people's packages, in your hands.
Property, bailee coverage for customers' goods, general and professional liability, crime and workers' comp for pack-and-ship, mailbox and copy stores.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Boxes, mailboxes and the copy counter
A shipping store holds things that aren't yours: packages waiting for pickup, items you're packing, and mail in rented boxes. A standard retail policy often doesn't reach property of others in your care, so I look for bailee or customers' goods coverage sized to what's on your shelves at a busy moment.
Many of these stores are franchises with their own insurance requirements, and many also offer copying, printing, notary and passport photos. I build the policy around the services you actually offer, so the copy counter, the notary stamp and the mailbox wall are each accounted for.
- PropertyCounters, packing stock, printers and copiers.
- Customers' goodsPackages and items left in your care.
- Professional liabilityPacking, mailbox and service errors.
- CrimeEmployee theft and cash at the counter.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Store: address, square footage and hours.
- Services: packing, mailboxes, copy, notary, passport photos.
- Customers' goods: typical and peak value on hand.
- Franchise: franchisor and its insurance requirements.
- Revenue and payroll: annual figures.
- History: current policy and claims.
Shipping store insurance, answered
If a package breaks in transit, who pays?
Usually the carrier's own declared-value terms apply once it leaves your store. Your policy matters when the damage traces back to how you packed it or when it's lost while still in your care, subject to the policy terms.
Are packages waiting for pickup covered?
Only if the policy includes property of others or bailee coverage. I add it and size it to your busiest season.
Do mailbox stores have special rules?
Yes. A store that receives mail for customers operates as a Commercial Mail Receiving Agency under USPS rules, with forms and identity checks. Mistakes there can lead to claims, which is one reason I look at professional liability.
Does my franchise agreement set my limits?
Most do. Send me the insurance section and I'll quote to it so the certificate goes through the first time.
Do you offer shipping store insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. Sam Alishahi is licensed in 48 states and Washington, DC and places policies there directly. In Florida and Washington, where Sam's licenses are still being issued, a partner agency in your state helps in the meantime. The shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Official sources
Insure your shipping store.
Tell me what you offer and what's usually on your shelves, and I'll find markets that fit a pack-and-ship store.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. Your application link comes by email right away, and you get an update at every step until your quotes are ready.
(877) 711-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
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Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.