United States Postal Service (USPS)
USPS Domestic Package Insurance Claims Guide
File an indemnity (insurance) claim if an insured USPS package was lost, damaged, or arrived with missing contents. Payment is not guaranteed and is decided by USPS.
Source checked
Who this guide is for
The sender or recipient of insured mail (Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, insured mail, COD, or Registered Mail with insurance). The person filing must have the original mailing receipt.
- Processing time
- USPS usually sends a claims decision within 5 to 10 days. Approved claims are typically paid within 7 to 10 business days.
- Refund amount
- Amount varies by insured value
Information the official service may require
- The tracking or label number (13 to 34 characters)
- Evidence of insurance (such as the original mailing receipt)
- Proof of value (sales receipt, paid invoice, credit card statement, or similar)
- For damage claims: photos showing the damage and a repair-cost estimate from a reputable dealer
Do not send these documents to ClaimPayout.
How to use the official process
- Check the filing period for your service. Damaged items or missing contents can be filed immediately but no later than 60 days after the mailing date. Lost mail must be filed within the service-specific window (for example, Priority Mail after 15 days and before 60 days).
- Gather your tracking number, evidence of insurance, proof of value, and (for damage) photos.
- File online by signing in to your free USPS.com account, or request a paper Domestic Claim Form by mail.
- Keep all evidence, including damaged packaging, until your claim is resolved. USPS may ask you to bring the package to your local Post Office for inspection.
- USPS Accounting Services decides whether to pay the claim in full, in part, or deny it. If denied, you can appeal within 30 days.
Important warnings
- Do not discard damaged items or packaging until your claim is settled — doing so can affect your claim.
- USPS does not charge you to file a claim. File only at usps.com or through the Post Office.
Questions about this program
Is payment guaranteed for lost or damaged packages?
No. USPS decides whether to pay a claim in full, in part, or to deny it, and it never pays more than an item's actual value. USPS may not legally pay compensation for uninsured lost or damaged articles.
What is the filing period for a damaged package?
You may file immediately but must file no later than 60 days after the mailing date.
What if my claim is denied?
You can appeal within 30 days of the decision, and file a second (final) appeal within 30 days if the first appeal is denied.