Can USPS Deny a Damage Claim?

If your USPS package arrives damaged and it was insured, you have the right to file a claim and receive compensation. However, USPS sometimes denies damaged item claims. Why does this happen, and what can you do if your claim has been denied?

The process of filing a USPS claim is pretty straightforward. First, gather all the required documentation, such as proof of mailing, insurance, value, and damage. Then, file your claim online using your USPS.com account. Alternatively, you can request a Domestic Claim Form, complete it, and mail it and the other required documents to the address on the form.

USPS usually takes five to ten days to review a damage claim. Afterwards, the claim may be approved in full, approved in part (for example, if the damaged item was insured for a lower amount than its estimated value), or denied. Below are the main reasons why USPS may deny a damage claim.

You missed the submission deadline. While you don’t have to file your claim immediately, you must do so before the filing deadline. For most services, the filing deadline is 60 days after the mailing date. However, for AFO/FPO/DPO services, the deadline is longer. If you file your claim after the deadline, it will be denied.

You did not provide sufficient proof of value, insurance coverage, or damage. Support your claim with as much documentation as possible, such as the mailing receipt, proof of additional insurance (if purchased), and proof of value (receipts or paid invoices). You should also take multiple photos that clearly show the extent of the damage to the items and packaging. If some documents are missing, or if USPS determines that the documentation you’ve provided is insufficient, your claim will be denied.

You threw away the damaged item and/or the packaging. When filing a damage claim with USPS, you must hold onto the damaged item and original box until the claim is resolved, as USPS may request that you take them to a post office for inspection. If your damaged package needs to be inspected and you cannot present it, your claim may be denied.

You filed a claim for a nonmailable, prohibited, or restricted item. If you attempted to circumvent USPS rules by mailing an item that cannot be mailed and the item was damaged in transit, you will not be compensated because you should not have mailed the item in the first place.

The item was not properly packaged, or it was too fragile to mail. USPS may deny a damage claim if there is evidence that the sender did not properly wrap the item for protection or if the item was too fragile to be mailed, regardless of the packaging used. USPS also won’t compensate you for perishables that melted or spoiled during transit.

Damage occurred after delivery. While it is difficult to prove with certainty that damage occurred after delivery, there are certain indicators that may suggest it, such as extensive damage to the package contents without visible damage to the box. When a box is damaged, USPS considers whether the damage pattern is consistent with damage that occurred during transit. In addition, your claim may be denied if the item is not new and shows signs of wear.

You did not respond to requests for additional information. When you file a damage claim, USPS may request additional information, such as documents or more photos of the damage. These requests may be time-sensitive, so if you don’t respond promptly, USPS may deny your claim due to your lack of cooperation.

What can you do if USPS denies your claim? In some cases, the decision is final. For example, this may happen if you file your claim past the deadline or try to get compensation for restricted or prohibited items. However, if your claim is denied due to insufficient documentation or failure to respond to requests for additional information, you can file an appeal within 30 days of the denial. Moreover, you can file a second appeal if the first one is denied.