File a USPS Claim: Domestic

File a USPS Claim: Domestic If you sent a package inside the U.S. that was lost, damaged, or had broken or missing pieces and it was covered by insurance, learn how to file an "indemnity claim." Your insurance may have been included with the USPS service or purchased separately. Eligible items include: Priority Mail Express items and other insured mail, Collect on Delivery (COD) items, and Registered Mail items with insurance. How to File a Claim 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. Step 1: Check Filing Periods Each mail service has a different filing period based on the mailing date on receipt and whether the package arrived damaged. Damaged or Missing Contents: If an item arrives damaged or is missing contents, a claim may be filed immediately but must be filed no later than 60 days after the mailing date. Lost Mail or Package: If an item does not arrive at all, file a claim in the time period for the service used. Filing Deadlines by Service: - Priority Mail Express: File after 7 days, file before 60 days - Priority Mail Express COD: File after 15 days, file before 60 days - Priority Mail: File after 15 days, file before 60 days - USPS Ground Advantage: File after 15 days, file before 60 days - Insured Mail: File after 15 days, file before 60 days - Collect on Delivery (COD): File after 15 days, file before 60 days - Registered Mail & Registered COD Mail: File after 15 days, file before 60 days - APO/FPO Priority Mail Express Military Service: File after 21 days, file before 180 days - APO/FPO/DPO Insured Mail, Registered Mail (Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, SAM, or PAL services): File after 45 days, file before 1 year - APO/FPO/DPO Insured Mail (Surface only): File after 75 days, file before 1 year Step 2: Gather Your Documents Including the right documentation helps USPS approve claims more quickly. Save all evidence documents until the claim is resolved. Required documents include: - Tracking or Label Number (13 to 34 characters, found on online label record, package label, mailing receipt, or sales receipt) - Evidence of Insurance Purchased (original mailing receipt, outer packaging with proper label, printed electronic online label record, or computer printout) - Proof of Value (sales receipt, paid invoice, statement of value, repair cost estimates, credit card billing statement, receipt of costs for document reconstruction, or online transaction printouts) - Proof of Damage (photos clearly showing damage extent and repair cost estimates from reputable dealer; original packaging and everything in package must be saved) Step 3: File Your Claim The fastest way to file is online through USPS.com. Create a free account to file online; claims can be saved to finish later. Status email notifications are available. Alternatively, call National Materials Customer Service at 1-800-332-0317 (Monday-Friday, 6 AM-6 PM CT) to request a Domestic Claim Form mailed to you. Complete the form and mail it with proof of value and evidence of insurance to the address on the form. After You File – Next Steps USPS Accounting Services determines whether to pay a claim in full or in part, or to deny it. USPS usually sends decisions within 5-10 days. Approved claims receive payment in 7-10 business days. USPS does not pay claims higher than an item's actual value. For denied or partially denied claims, claimants may file a first appeal within 30 days of receiving the decision using the same filing method. A second appeal may be filed within 30 days of receiving the first appeal denial.