Nonpayable Claims (2024)

FAQs

Does the USPS actually pay insurance claims? ›

Exception: For items sent by Registered Mail service, the Postal Service provides payment for the included insurance coverage, based on declared value, up to the maximum amount of $50,000.

Proof of Damage

Photos that clearly show the extent of damage will help with your case. For damaged claims, you'll also need to provide an estimate of the repair costs from a reputable dealer. Save the original packaging and everything in the package until your claim is settled.

The following conditions justify the denial of a claim: No evidence of insurance coverage is provided. The mail does not bear the complete names and addresses of the mailer and addressee, or is undeliverable as addressed to either the addressee or the mailer.

If the Postal Service denies your first appeal, and if you have additional evidence to substantiate your denied claim, you can file a second appeal to the Consumer Advocate at Postal Service Headquarters within 30 days of the date of the first appeal denial letter.

The Postal Service makes payment to the mailer unless the mailer and addressee agree that the addressee should receive payment. What is the process to repay the Postal Service when a claim has been paid but the package was later delivered?

If your delivery were insured, USPS's claim process would cover the costs of shipping and the package value, up to the amount specified. If you did not have insurance, but a Missing Mail Search determined your delivery is lost or damaged, a claim will cover the cost of shipping.

1-800-ASK-USPS

They also can contact Postal officials nationwide electronically and immediately refer your issue to the appropriate local Postal manager who is in the best position to deal with your concerns.

If the insured, registered, or COD article is lost, and if the claim is paid, the Postal Service also reimburses the mailer for the amount of the postage paid. For technical assistance with the online Web-based system, please contact the Internet Customer Care Center at 800-344-7779.

Personal injury claims against a government entity such as the USPS have a stringent time limit. Unlike most other types of personal injury lawsuits, they must be filed immediately after the injury or loss. Standard Form 95 must be submitted at any USPS office within two years of the occurrence of the accident.

The EEO complaint investigator typically completes the investigation within 180 calendar days of the date the complaint was filed, unless you and the Postal Service voluntarily agree in writing to extend the time up to an additional 90 calendar days.

What is not covered by USPS insurance? ›

Insurance is not available for items that are perishable, flammable, or too fragile to withstand normal handling in the mail. If you have insured an item online, you can mail it at a Post Office, hand it to your carrier, request free package pickup online, or drop it in a USPS collection box.

You may appeal a Postal Service decision for a denied claim or partial payment within 30 calendar days from the date of the original decision letter. Focus your appeal on the reason why the Postal Service denied the claim. As part of this appeal, you may attach additional documentation to support your claim.

Proof of value proves an item's value or any required repair costs. Either the mailer or the addressee must submit acceptable proof to establish the cost or value of the merchandise at the time it was mailed. If you are filing your claim online, evidence may be uploaded or mailed in with your claim.

As "an independent establishment of the executive branch of the Government of the United States," the United States Postal Service enjoys federal sovereign immunity absent a waiver.

Money (currency / cash) that is sent through the mail can be insured with the following limits: For Registered Mail®, cash can be insured up to $50,000. For amounts over $50,000, the full value must be declared but the maximum insured value is $50,000.

Some USPS services already have insurance included in the product pricing, so you don't need to pay extra. For example, USPS Priority Mail Express offers up to $100 of insurance, and priority mail shipments include up to $50. If the value exceeds this amount, you may want to purchase additional insurance.

The USPS may locate the package or discover that it was lost or damaged. In either case, the responsibility shifts from the sender to the carrier. If this happens, the sender should file an insurance claim and request compensation from the carrier.