Is saved by shipping protection worth it?


Editorial team Published on

Deciding whether SavedBy Package Protection is worth it depends on your local delivery risks and how much peace of mind you want for a small extra fee (usually $2 to $10 based on your order value).

What SavedBy Covers

  • Loss and Theft: Covers packages stolen from your porch or lost in transit by carriers like USPS, UPS, or FedEx.
  • Damage: Reimburses or replaces items broken during shipping.
  • Fast Claims: Offers a streamlined process via a confirmation email link to get a replacement or refund typically within 24 to 48 hours.

The Cons and Criticisms

  • Default Opt-In: SavedBy is often pre-selected automatically at checkout using a dark pattern design, meaning you might pay for it by accident if you do not review your cart total carefully.
  • Redundant Coverage: Consumer experts note that if you pay with a major credit card, the Federal Fair Credit Billing Act already protects you against non-delivery or damaged goods. However, standard credit card protection does not always cover "porch pirate" theft after a package is legally marked as delivered.
  • Extra Cost on Every Order: Paying a few extra dollars on every single online purchase adds up over time, often costing more than the occasional replaced item.

When It Is Worth It

  • You live in an area with a high rate of package theft.
  • You are ordering an expensive, fragile, or high-value item where carrier or merchant refusal to refund a "delivered" stolen package would be a major financial loss.

When to Skip It

  • You live in a secure building with a doorman or package locker.
  • You prefer to use free alternatives like shipping to secure local carrier pickup lockers (Amazon, UPS, FedEx) or requiring a delivery signature.