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 your receipt and whether your package arrived damaged. Damaged or Missing Contents: If your item arrives damaged or is missing contents, you may file a claim immediately but must file no later than 60 days after the mailing date. Lost Mail or Package: If your item does not arrive at all, file a claim in the time period for the service you used. Filing a Claim for Lost Mail or Packages 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: 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 Tracking or Label Number: Found on your online label record, package label, mailing receipt, or sales receipt. Tracking and label numbers are between 13 and 34 characters. Evidence of Insurance Purchased: - Original mailing receipt issued at the time of mailing - Outer packaging showing the names and addresses of sender and addressee with proper insured label - Printed electronic online label record or computer printout Proof of Value (cost or value of item when mailed): - Sales receipt - Paid invoice or paid bill of sale - Statement of value and/or estimates of repair costs from a reputable dealer - Credit card billing statement - Receipt of costs incurred for reconstruction of non-negotiable documents - Printouts of online transaction identifying purchaser and seller, price paid, date of transaction, description of item, and completed transaction status Proof of Damage: - Photos clearly showing the extent of damage - Estimate of repair costs from a reputable dealer - Save original packaging and everything in the package until claim is settled - Do not throw out damaged items after photographing - Do not reship items that were not damaged - You may be asked to take the entire package to your local Post Office for inspection Step 3: File Your Claim The fastest and easiest way to file your claim is online. If you cannot file online, you can start the claim process by mail. Filing Online: Log in to or create your free USPS.com account. Your claim case will be associated with your account. You can save your claim to finish later if unable to complete in one session. You can view your claim in Claim History and opt in to receive status email notifications. Filing by Mail: If unable to file online, request a Domestic Claim Form by calling USPS National Materials Customer Service at 1-800-332-0317 (requests for paper Domestic Claim Forms only). Hours: Monday–Friday 6 AM–6 PM CT. 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 a claim. Claims Decisions: USPS usually sends claims decisions within 5-10 days. When filing online, you can opt in to receive status email notifications. You can also check Claim History in your USPS.com account for updates. Approved Claims: Your claim may be completely approved or approved in part. After approval, you should receive payment in 7-10 business days. USPS does not pay a claim higher than an item's actual value. Denied Claims: Claims can be partially or fully denied. Your decision letter will list the reasons for denial. Making an Appeal: If your refund was only partially paid or completely denied, you may file an appeal within 30 days of receiving the decision. First Appeal: Submit your appeal the same way as the original claim (online or by mail). You can start an online claim from your Claim History. Focus your appeal on the reasons your claim was denied. You may submit new documentation to support your appeal. Final Appeal: If your appeal is denied, you can file a second appeal within 30 days of receiving the appeal denial. Follow the same process for final review.