What is an Affidavit?
An affidavit is a written statement made under oath, where the 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.
At U-PIC Shipping Insurance, if a recipient (also called the consignee) experiences a lost or damaged package, they will need to complete an electronic affidavit. This document helps move the claims process forward by providing key details about what happened.
What Does a U-PIC Affidavit Include?
- 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 serves several important purposes in the shipping insurance process:
- 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:
The affidavit is a key part of the shipping insurance process. It allows recipients to accurately report lost or damaged items and gives U-PIC the detailed information needed to fairly assess each claim. By requiring this sworn statement, U-PIC ensures transparency, accuracy, and a fair resolution for everyone involved.
If you have any questions about the affidavit process or need help sending one, our claims team is here to assist. You can reach them at 800-955-4623 (option 2 for claims) or start a chat by clicking the bottom right corner of your screen.