Royal Mail Special Delivery Costs: 9am, 1pm & Insurance (2026 Update)
Written by Valentin Scemama, Parcel Insurance Expert at Secursus.
Understanding the costs is essential before heading to the Post Office as the price depends strictly on the guaranteed delivery time (1pm or 9am) and the weight. Below is the 2026 Base Price Comparison.
Official Royal Mail Special Delivery Costs (Online Rates)
| Weight | Royal Mail Special Delivery 1pm Cost | Royal Mail Special Delivery 9am Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Max 100g | £8.75 | £16.95 |
| Max 500g | £9.75 | £19.95 |
| Max 1kg | £10.75 | £22.95 |
| Max 2kg | £14.25 | £26.95 |
| Max 10kg | £19.75 | N/A |
| Max 20kg | £23.75 | N/A |
Insurance Cost Comparison: Special Delivery vs. Secursus
Royal Mail coverage stops strictly at £2,500. For valuable items (watches, jewellery, electronics), comparing the coverage limit is crucial.
The table below simulates the cost of full protection:
| Declared Value | Royal Mail Cover Limit | Secursus Insurance Cost (1%) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| £1,000 | ✅ Covered (Included) | £10.00 | Royal Mail is cheaper |
| £2,500 | ✅ Covered (+£10 fee) | £25.00 | Comparable |
| £5,000 | ❌ NO COVERAGE | ✅ £50.00 | Must use Secursus |
| £10,000 | ❌ NO COVERAGE | ✅ £100.00 | Must use Secursus |
| £50,000 | ❌ NO COVERAGE | ✅ £500.00 | Must use Secursus |
⚠️ The Risk: If you send an item worth £5,000 with Royal Mail, they will only reimburse you £2,500 max (or £0 if considered a prohibited value). Secursus covers the full value up to £90,000.
Key Constraints & Differences
When choosing between these two services, be aware of the operational limits:
- The Weight Limit (9am Restriction): While the standard 1pm service accepts parcels up to 20kg, the 9am service is strictly limited to items under 2kg.
- The "9.30am" Clause: For the 9am service, Royal Mail reserves the right to deliver by 9.30am if they know from previous experience that the recipient is unlikely to be available before 9am.
- The Insurance Gap: Notice that the standard 9am service only includes £50 of cover, whereas the standard 1pm service includes £750. To get full protection on the morning service, you almost always need to pay the £10 top-up.
Saturday Special Delivery: Rules & Surcharges
If you are shipping on a Friday, be careful: Saturday delivery is not automatic.
To get a Saturday Special Delivery with Royal Mail, you must pay a surcharge on top of the standard rates shown above.
- The Rule: You must specifically request "Saturday Guaranteed". Delivery may be attempted on Saturdays at Royal Mail's discretion if it reaches the office in time, but it is not guaranteed for the standard price.
- The Surcharge: Expect to pay an additional £4 to £5 depending on the weight.
- The Sticker: Your parcel must clearly display a "Saturday Guaranteed" sticker.
Operational Terms and Conditions (2026 Update)
To ensure full coverage under the Royal Mail Special Delivery guarantee, shippers must adhere to specific clauses outlined in the Inland Compensation Policy. Below are three critical technical nuances regarding compensation limits and compliance.
A. Basis of Valuation (Acquisition Cost vs. Sales Price)
It is important for merchants to understand how "Actual Loss" is calculated in the event of a claim.
- Royal Mail Policy: Compensation is based on the "Actual Loss" to the sender, which is defined as the cost to acquire, purchase, or manufacture the item. It does not typically cover the retail sales price or profit margin.
- Example: If a retailer sells a watch for £2,000 but purchased it for £1,200, the compensation will be limited to the £1,200 acquisition cost.
- Secursus Difference: Third-party insurance covers the declared sales value, protecting the merchant's margin.
B. Regulations for Items Valued Over £2,500
The Special Delivery service has a strict compensation cap.
- The Rule: Items valued over £2,500 are considered "Prohibited Materials" for this specific service level if sent without enhanced arrangements.
- Implication: Sending items exceeding this limit is a breach of the scheme. In such cases, compensation may be declined entirely, and Royal Mail reserves the right to deal with prohibited items in accordance with their safety and compliance regulations.
C. Evidence Requirements & Packaging
To validate a claim for damage, strict evidence protocols must be followed.
- The "Retain Packaging" Rule: The recipient must retain the item and all packaging (internal and external) for inspection. If the packaging is discarded before the claim is finalized, Royal Mail is entitled to reject the request due to lack of evidence.
- Deadlines:
- Damage/Loss: Claims must be submitted within 80 days.
- Delay: Claims must be submitted within 14 days.
FAQ: Royal Mail Special Delivery
Does Royal Mail Special Delivery deliver on Sundays?
Yes, in selected areas. Royal Mail has expanded its network to compete with Amazon, offering Sunday delivery for tracked services, though it often requires an additional fee. Note that standard Special Delivery does not guarantee delivery on Sundays or Bank Holidays.
Is a signature always required?
Yes. Special Delivery is a "Signed For" service. Royal Mail will attempt to obtain a signature from the recipient (not necessarily the addressee). If no one is home, the parcel will not be left on the doorstep; it will be taken to the local depot or Post Office for collection.
Are Jewellery and Watches fully covered by Royal Mail?
Only up to £2,500, and only if you pay the extra fee. Any value above this limit is considered a prohibited item under the scheme if not insured externally. This is why jewellers and watch dealers prefer using Secursus to cover the full value of their goods.
