Does insurance cover hitting a mailbox?
Asked by: Cordie Price | Last update: December 25, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (50 votes)
What happens if your mailbox gets hit?
If the box is owned and maintained by the US Postal Service and is damaged/broken then contact your local Post Office. If the LPO does not service the mailbox, this means the property owner or manager is responsible for the maintenance.
Is my mailbox covered by homeowners insurance?
Maybe. Your homeowner's policy covers "other structures" on your property. This form of coverage would include your mailbox.
Who pays for a damaged mailbox?
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.
Are you liable if someone hits your brick mailbox?
On the flip side, a post made of unyielding material, as with a concrete, heavy steel, or brick mailbox, can turn hazardous if drivers collide with them. The Department of Transport (DOT) describes this as running into a “deadly fixed object,” and you can be held liable for injuries or damages caused by the collision.
Car Proof Mailbox
Does liability insurance cover hitting a mailbox?
If a car crashes into your home, mailbox, or fence, or damages anything else on your property, and the driver is found at fault, they're liable for the damage. Almost all states require drivers to have a minimum amount of property damage liability coverage on their auto policy.
Is it illegal to hit a mailbox on accident?
Hitting mailbox is a federal offense, and leaving the scene of an accident when there is property damage is illegal.
Who investigates mailbox damage?
U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)
What is the mailbox law?
Under the mailbox rule, an offer is considered accepted the moment the offeree mails their letter, rather than when the offeror receives the letter in the mail. The mailbox rule also applies to other means of communication, such as a fax, telegram, or email, provided that it is irrevocable once sent.
Can you get in trouble for damage in a mailbox?
Damaging a mailbox is a federal crime
Per the U.S. Code, anyone who willfully damages or destroys any mailbox or other similar receptacle meant to receive mail is guilty of a federal offense. The law also prohibits anyone from breaking open a mailbox to destroy the mail inside.
What does homeowners insurance not cover?
Important: Read exclusions in your insurance contract. Earthquake, flood, mold, earth movement, and “wear and tear” are some of the perils that are usually excluded.
Is a mailbox considered real property?
Assuming a USPS-compliant mailbox is installed and ready for use, it's considered federal property. In other words, the homeowner doesn't legally own his or her mailbox; it's the property of the U.S. government.
Who pays if a car hits my house?
In most cases, if a car crashes into your house, mailbox, fence, or causes damage to anything on your property, the driver that caused the accident is liable for the damages. On an insurance claim, the driver at fault would be responsible for the damages in the event they crash into your house.
Will homeowners insurance cover mailbox damage?
You may notice “other structures coverage” listed on your homeowners insurance policy. Other structures coverage comes standard with most home insurance policies and covers structures on your property that are not attached to your house, like fences, a detached guest house, detached garages, mailboxes and sheds.
What to do if a mailman damages your property?
- Online: Go to www.usps.com⁄help⁄claims. htm for information on USPS domestic insurance.
- By mail: Call 800-ASK-USPS (800-275-8777) to have a claim form mailed to you. ...
- Evidence of Insurance.
- Proof of Value.
- Proof of Damage or Partial Loss of Contents.
How much does a brick mailbox cost?
A custom brick mailbox costs $700 to $1,500 to build on average. A pre-built brick mailbox costs $600 to $1,200 installed. A stone mailbox costs $600 to $1,500 to build. The cost to replace a brick mailbox is $900 to $1,800.
Is knocking over a mailbox a felony?
Mailboxes are protected by federal law and crimes against mailboxes (and the mail inside) are investigated by Postal Inspectors. Those who are convicted of destruction of federal property could spend up to three years in jail and be fined up to $250,000.
What is the mailbox rule in law?
The Mailbox Rule is a common law concept that is the default rule governing mailing and communicating contracts. Once an offer has left the offeror's hands, the offer cannot be changed materially, even if circumstances change. The contract is considered accepted as soon as the acceptance is dropped in the mail.
Who owns the mailbox in front of my house?
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.
What happens if someone hits your mailbox?
If your mailbox was damaged in an act of vandalism: File a police report; if the guilty party is caught, you will be awarded compensation as per a court sentencing verdict. You may also want to find out if your homeowners insurance covers this type of vandalism by speaking to your insurance agent.
Can I go to jail for hitting a mailbox?
Yes they can arrest the person, and go to court, he will have to pay for your mailbox, And he pay also be arrested for hit, and run.
Who pays for damaged mailbox?
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 report damage to my mailbox?
Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or TTY: 711. Locate your local post office to speak with your station manager.
How do you stop people from hitting your mailbox?
Reflective stickers will be available at many hardware stores, and these are designed to reflect headlights at night. Placing a few of these on your mailbox posts should help warn motorists to avoid your mailbox, and will help guide drivers at night as well, keeping them from the side of the road.