File a Claim
Insured Mail
You may file an indemnity claim for insured mail, COD items, Registered Mail with postal insurance, or Priority Mail Express packages. Each mail service has a different timeframe for filing. If your package arrives bruised or with missing contents, you may file a claim instantly.
Domestic Claims
- See the “How to File a Domestic Claim” movie to the right; and,
- Go after the instructions below about domestic claims
Learn About Domestic Claims
NOTE: These instructions do not contain the text of the Postal Regulations in the DMM® on insurance claims. The Postal Service™ reserves its rights under the regulations to require rigorous compliance with the DMM. Read the utter text of these regulations.
International Claims
- Click the tab on the above right, International Shipments, to read about embarking an international inquiry.
Learn About International Claims
Uninsured Mail
If your uninsured mail is missing or delayed you may request a lost mail search.
How to File a Domestic Claim movie gives step-by-step instructions for submitting your claim and proof of value documents.
Filing Domestic Claims
What do you need to file a domestic claim?
A Tracking or Label Number
The tracking or label number is found on your online label record, package label, mailing receipt, or sales receipt. Tracking and label numbers are inbetween thirteen and thirty four characters.
Example: nine thousand two hundred five 5000 zero 0000 zero 00
If you don’t see a number like that, look for a string of 20, 22, 26, 30, or thirty four numbers.
Proof of Value
Proof of value can include:
- A sales receipt
- A paid invoice or paid bill of sale
- Statement of value and/or estimates of repair costs from a reputable dealer
- A credit card billing statement
- Receipt of costs incurred for reconstruction of non-negotiable documents
- Printouts of the online transaction identifying the purchaser and seller, price paid, date of transaction, description of item purchased, and assurance that the transaction status is ended
Evidence of Insurance Purchased
Evidence of insurance includes:
- The original mailing receipt issued at the time of mailing
- The outer packaging demonstrating the names and addresses of the sender and the addressee and the decent label showcasing that the article was sent insured
- A printed electronic online label record or a computer printout from the application used to print the label and purchase the insurance
Proof of Harm
Photos that clearly demonstrate the extent of harm will help with your case. For bruised claims, you’ll also need to provide an estimate of the repair costs from a reputable dealer.
If you received something bruised, please drape onto the original packaging and the bruised item until your claim is lodged. You may be asked to take them to your local Post Office™ for inspection later. Please do not reship the package.
When can I file a claim?
For bruised or missing contents, we recommend filing a claim instantly, but you must file no later than sixty days from the date of mailing.