What is an Affidavit?
An affidavit is a written statement made under oath, where a person swears that the information they’re providing is true to the best of their knowledge. It’s a legally binding document typically completed by someone who has firsthand knowledge of a specific event or situation.
Is an Affidavit Required at U-PIC Shipping Insurance?
At U-PIC Shipping Insurance, many claims require the recipient (also known as the consignee) to complete an electronic affidavit if a package is lost or damaged. This affidavit serves as a crucial step in the claims process, offering U-PIC detailed information about the incident.
However, the affidavit requirement may vary based on the policies under which the insurance was purchased. Some clients might require only emailed or message correspondence between the buyer and seller as verification instead of a formal affidavit.
For specific requirements related to your claim, please see your claim instructions, your claim status page, or contact our claims team at 800-955-4623 (option 2).
What Does an Affidavit Include?
An affidavit for U-PIC generally includes:
- Identification and Contact Information: This section collects the consignee’s name, address, and contact details, ensuring the correct person is filling out the form and linking it to the right claim.
- Package Details: The affidavit requires a description of the package and its contents, including what was inside, the value of the items, and any other specifics that help clarify what was shipped.
- Explanation of Loss or Damage: The consignee will describe what went wrong with the package—whether it was lost in transit or arrived damaged—and provide a timeline of events and any relevant details.
- Condition of Package (if damaged): If the package was damaged, the consignee needs to describe its condition upon arrival. Photographs of the damaged package are also required to support the claim.
- List of Missing Items (if applicable): If any items are missing, the affidavit should list them, along with their estimated value, to help U-PIC understand the full extent of the loss.
- Signature and Date: The consignee must sign and date the affidavit to confirm that the information provided is accurate. The date is important for tracking the timeline of the claim.
Importance of an Affidavit:
The affidavit is essential in many claims, serving several purposes:
- Verification: By asking for a sworn statement, U-PIC and other insurance providers can verify the claim’s authenticity and help prevent fraudulent claims.
- Documentation: The affidavit provides a clear, written account of the incident, ensuring that important details are recorded and won’t be overlooked.
- Claims Processing: The information in the affidavit helps U-PIC assess the claim and determine whether it’s valid, providing a foundation for the investigation.
- Legal Standing: Since affidavits are legally binding, they can be used as evidence if there’s a dispute or legal action related to the claim.
How to Send a U-PIC Affidavit:
- Shippers can send the affidavit directly to the consignee when starting the claim.
- Shippers can send multiple affidavits through the claim status page, which is specific to their case.
- For additional help, U-PIC’s dedicated claims team is always available to send affidavits on behalf of the shipper.
Conclusion:
An affidavit, or in some cases documented correspondence, is a key part of the shipping insurance process for claims. It allows recipients to accurately report lost or damaged items and provides U-PIC with the detailed information needed to assess each claim fairly. Our goal is to ensure a transparent and accurate process, bringing a fair resolution for all involved.
For questions about or assistance with the affidavit process, our claims team is here to assist. Contact us at 800-955-4623 (option 2 for claims) or start a chat by clicking the bottom right corner of your screen.
