Whose responsibility is it to replace a mailbox?

Author: Prof. Jay Koepp MD  |  Last update: Saturday, May 24, 2025

The US Postal Service® does not maintain personal mailboxes: The property owner is responsible for the repair of personal boxes. Contact the local Post Office before erecting, moving or replacing mailboxes and supports.

Who is responsible for replacing a 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. However, we would not recommend this course of action.

Does your mailbox belong to you or the government?

Once you install your mailbox, and it is ready for the receipt of mail, you effectively lease your mailbox to the federal government for the service of mail delivery. Let's not forget that, as long as you have an up-to-code mailbox, receiving mail is a free service.

Will homeowners insurance cover mailbox damage?

Yes, homeowners insurance typically covers mailboxes under other structures coverage. The damage to the mailbox must be caused by a covered peril. Your deductible will most likely be higher than the cost of replacing your mailbox. If that is the case, then filing a claim is a waste of time. Hope this helps!

Who owns the mailbox at your 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.

USPS says maintenance costs of cluster mailbox units now responsibility of neighborhoods

Are you responsible for your mailbox?

The US Postal Service® does not maintain personal mailboxes: The property owner is responsible for the repair of personal boxes. Contact the local Post Office before erecting, moving or replacing mailboxes and supports.

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.

Does liability insurance cover hitting a mailbox?

Typical losses covered include: A fence or mailbox you hit while parking. A ball cracks a neighbor's window. Windshield damage from debris flying off your car.

What to do if neighbor hits mailbox?

If you know of someone who committed an act of mailbox vandalism, report it to the Postal Inspectors.

How do I report a broken mailbox?

If you have information on mailbox vandalism or mail theft in your area, report it to your local Post Office™ or to the Postal Inspection Service at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).

Is a mailbox real or personal property?

In the United States, mailboxes are considered federal property to protect against mail theft, mail tampering and vandalism.

Is knocking over a mailbox a felony?

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.

Am I allowed to replace my mailbox?

Important: Before installing, moving or replacing your mailbox or mailbox support, you will need to contact your Postmaster or mailperson from your local Post Office™. All mailboxes must be approved by the Postal Service™. Custom made mailboxes will be approved by the Postmaster if they meet established standards.

Who is responsible for broken cluster mailboxes?

USPS says the property owners, builders, or developers are responsible for cluster mailboxes. This means if the CBU is broken or damaged the property owner is responsible for fixing it.

Who investigates mailbox damage?

U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)

Does homeowners insurance cover a mailbox?

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 someone hits your mailbox and leaves?

file a police report. submit a claim with the liable driver's auto insurance company. purchase a new mailbox that is comparable to the damage one and keep your receipt for insurance reimbursement purposes.

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.

Can I still get mail if my mailbox is broken?

Will Mail Still Be Delivered If The Mailbox Is Broken? The short answer is no, you will not receive mail if your box is damaged or broken. The USPS will inform you that your mailbox is unserviceable and thereafter they will hold your mail at the local post office for 2 weeks.

How long does it take for a mailbox to be replaced?

It can take up to three weeks for the new cluster boxes to arrive at the Post Office. Once the new mailboxes do arrive, the local Post Office coordinates with their maintenance department to schedule the installation of the mailboxes and the swapping of the mail from the old cluster box to the new cluster box.

How many hours does it take to install a mailbox?

If your putting in your own mailbox, then it should just take a few hours to do, maybe less than an hour.

What is the mailbox rule in law?

The principle that an acceptance becomes effective, and binds the offeror, once it has been properly mailed.

Is it illegal to put a letter in someone's mailbox without a stamp?

"No part of a mail receptacle may be used to deliver any matter not bearing postage, including items or matter placed upon, supported by, attached to, hung from, or inserted into a mail receptacle.

What is mailbox rights?

Set up mailbox permissions

You can allow a user to read emails from the mailbox, send emails on behalf of another user, and send emails as if they were sent from that mailbox. Permissions can only be set up within the current organization.

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