Most ebayers will know this already, so apologies in advance if I am trying to teach my grandmother to suck eggs, but for those that dont know.......

Most items sent by Royal Mail, are automatically covered by insurance for loss or damage upto 100 times the cost of a first class stamp. You DO need to get a (free) certificate of posting when sending the item, these are often replaced by a printed receipt, but make sure they put down at least the house number and postcode on the reicept. KEEP the receipt or proof of posting in case the item goes missing in the post.

If it does, ask for a form for lost/damaged items at the post office, fill it in (be honest) and send it back.  The Royal Mail will investigate, and if its genuine, you will receive a compensation check in the post.

So no more excuses saying you are not responsible for lower cost items if they are lost in the post, just get a receipt/proof of posting, and you are covered!

Certain items are not covered, such as cash, jewellery or other valuable items, if in doubt check with the post office. Certain items cannot be insured, unless you send them special delivery. The motto is, if in doubt, ASK.