What to do if the mailman hits your mailbox?
Asked by: Prof. Mohamed Armstrong | Last update: March 7, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (65 votes)
Ring the Hotline of Your Mail Suppliers. Another practical solution to deal with delivery drivers damaging your packages and property is to directly dial the hotline of mail suppliers, for example, USPS at (800) 522-9085.
Do you file a police report if someone hits your mailbox?
If your mailbox has been damaged from a vehicle crash that you witnessed, get the driver's contact and insurance info. Then: file a police report. submit a claim with the liable driver's auto insurance company.
Is the USPS responsible for a damaged mailbox?
The US Postal Service® does not maintain personal mailboxes: The property owner is responsible for the repair of personal boxes. Contact the local Post Office before erecting, moving or replacing mailboxes and supports.
How do I report mailbox damage to the USPS?
If you have information on mailbox vandalism or mail theft in your area, report it to your local Post Office™ or to the Postal Inspection Service at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).
What to do if a mailman damages your property?
Talk to the local postmaster and they will put you in touch with the area tort claims office to file a tort claim. It will take a bit to get reimbursed put they will pay to repair the damages as the post office is a self insured entity.
Mailbox damaged by the mailman
What happens if a mail truck hits your mailbox?
Simply put, USPS is liable for damaged property and you may file a tort claim to request compensation for your loss. However, you have to make sure that there are actual damages to your properties caused by USPS mail carriers since you cannot take legal action against USPS for poor service.
How to file a property damage claim with USPS?
Filing Online
You can file a domestic claim online at www.usps.com/domestic-claims for packages covered by USPS insurance as described in the “Insurance Availability” section. The online claims process allows you to electronically upload . pdf and . jpg files as the required supporting documentation for a claim.
What to do if your mailbox gets hit?
If the property owner purchased the mailbox, then they are responsible for fixing it. If the mailbox is maintained by the USPS, then you can technically contact your local post office when you need repairs.
Who investigates mailbox damage?
Mailboxes are protected by federal law and crimes against mailboxes (and the mail inside) are investigated by Postal Inspectors.
Is hitting a mailbox a felony?
Hitting mailbox is a federal offense, and leaving the scene of an accident when there is property damage is illegal. Make it right, hopefully they will be cool about it. Mistakes and accidents happen.
Who do I call if my mailbox was broken into?
Losses are charted by the Postal Inspection Service to identify problem areas and assist Inspectors in tracking down thieves. Report suspected mail losses to Postal Inspectors by calling 877-876-2455 or at www.uspis.gov.
How much does it cost to replace a broken mailbox?
A residential mailbox costs around $12 to $900, while a mail slot costs $25 to $325. It depends on the mailbox type and material. You can buy mailbox kits in construction, home improvement, and hardware stores. You can also get fully assembled mailboxes and those with locks and keys.
Is my mailbox owned by the USPS?
While the USPS sets specific standards and regulations for mailboxes, the homeowner or property owner owns the physical mailbox. This ownership provides the freedom to select the design and location of your mailbox, provided it follows USPS regulations.
Who pays for a damaged mailbox?
Curbside Mailboxes
If a homeowner's curbside mailbox has been severely damaged to the point where it can no longer safely contain mail, he or she is responsible for repairing it. The homeowner must repair the damaged mailbox. Otherwise, the USPS may not service it.
Does car insurance cover hitting a mailbox?
Collision coverage also includes single car accidents like hitting a guardrail or hitting a curb. For example, if you hit a mailbox or fence post that leaves scratches down the side of your vehicle, collision coverage could cover the cost of repairs.
How do I stop someone from hitting my mailbox?
Put a post for the mail box back aways from the street, and move the mail box to it. That's option one. Option two- install a mail box on your front porch or option three install a mail slot in your front door. Option four is, start renting a PO box at the Post office and getting your mail in that rented box.
How do I report a mailman?
USPS Office the Inspector General - Concerns about suspected misconduct by a postal employee should be reported to the USPS Office of Inspector General (OIG), which is responsible for investigating alleged employee misconduct. The OIG can be reached by phone at 1-888-877-7644.
How do I contact a local postal inspector?
If you believe you've been targeted by a scam involving the U.S. Mail, you can get help by contacting your nearest Postal Inspection Service office in one of three ways: Call 1-877-876-2455. Visit www.uspis.gov to report suspected fraud online.
What happens if you hit a mailbox and leave?
It is technically a class A misdemeanor to leave the scene of an accident without providing informstion, but since it was a one car accident with property damage only, you should be ok so long as you give information as soon as possible and then make the rport to the police.
Who determines where a mailbox is placed?
The placement of the mailbox is within the discretion of the post office. Nobody has authority to put anything on your property even if it is in the roadway easement. The postal authorities have that power but within a certain context.
What happens if a plow hits your mailbox?
But, if the mailbox is damaged due to the pressure of the snow coming from the plow, it's up to the resident to pay for the replacement costs as well as conduct the work. Typically, a member of the road department would drive to the resident's house and inspect the mailbox to see if it was damaged by the plow.
Does the USPS pay for damages?
Either the sender or the recipient may file a claim for insured mail that is lost, arrived damaged, or was missing contents. The person filing must have the original mailing receipt. Each claim must be filed within a certain time period and include proof of insurance, value, and damage.
How long does a USPS damage claim take?
After receiving a completed online claim that includes all required supporting documentation for a payable claim, the Postal Service generally pays the claim within 5–7 business days.