No Insurance with FEDEX as of 11/01

I also take a pic of my packed items.
FedEx and UPS use "declared value" as stated above. If there's damage or loss, you file a claim with documentation of value, that's easy because there's a bill of sale or PayPal receipt.

Next, from what I've heard and read, is a long, nightmarish process of trying to get the shipping company to pay you.

@feldmen4, your issue is not exclusive to FedEx. I've had some wild tracking adventures with UPS and USPS. USPS being the worst at knowing where in the country your package may be.