How to File a USPS Insurance Claim: Step-by-Step

File a USPS insurance claim online at usps.com/help/claims.htm. You need your tracking number (13-34 digits), photos of damage, and proof of value (receipt or invoice). For damaged packages, file immediately — the 60-day deadline starts from the mailing date. For lost packages, wait the required period (7-15 business days depending on service) before filing. Claims are typically decided within 5-10 business days, with payment arriving 7-10 business days after approval. Only Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express include insurance ($100) by default — Ground Advantage and First-Class include none.

This guide walks through every step, document requirement, and appeal strategy for USPS domestic insurance claims.

Key Takeaways

File at usps.com/help/claims.htm — both senders and recipients can file USPS claims.
Damaged package claims can be filed immediately; lost package claims require a waiting period.
The absolute deadline is 60 days from the mailing date — missing it forfeits your claim entirely.
Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express include $100 insurance; Ground Advantage and First-Class include none.
Preserve all packaging material until the claim is resolved — USPS may inspect it.

Before You File: Check Your Eligibility

Which USPS Services Include Insurance?

Service	Included Insurance	Additional Insurance Available
Priority Mail	Up to $100	Yes, up to $5,000
Priority Mail Express	Up to $100	Yes, up to $5,000
Ground Advantage	None	Yes, up to $5,000
First-Class Package	None	Yes, up to $5,000
Media Mail	None	Yes, up to $5,000
Registered Mail	Up to $50,000	N/A (based on declared value)

If you shipped via Ground Advantage, First-Class, or Media Mail without purchasing additional insurance, you cannot file a claim. Check your receipt or shipping label for insurance documentation.

For a comprehensive comparison of insurance options including third-party alternatives, see shipping insurance comparison.

Who Can File?

Either the sender or recipient can file a USPS domestic claim. Filing as the sender is recommended because you have the mailing receipt and shipping label records. If you are the recipient, you need the tracking number and can obtain proof of value from the seller.

Step 1: Document Everything Immediately

Before touching anything, document the damage or situation:

For Damaged Packages:

Photograph the exterior of the package from all angles, including the shipping label
Photograph any visible damage to the box (dents, tears, crushing, water damage)
Open the package and photograph the damaged contents next to the packaging
Photograph the packing materials inside the box
Do NOT discard any packaging material — USPS may request to inspect it

For Lost Packages:

Save your tracking number and mailing receipt
Screenshot the tracking page showing the last scan location
Note the date you expected delivery and the current date

For Missing Contents:

Photograph the opened package showing what arrived
Photograph the packaging to show if it was tampered with
List the items that are missing with their values

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

USPS requires the following to process a claim:

Tracking or Label Number: 13-34 digits, found on your mailing receipt or online shipping history. This is mandatory — no tracking number, no claim.
Proof of Insurance: Your mailing receipt showing the insurance amount, the outer packaging showing the insured designation, or your electronic label record from PirateShip/Stamps.com/etc.
Proof of Value: At least one of the following:
- Original sales receipt or invoice
- Online order confirmation with price
- Credit card or bank statement showing the purchase
- Paid repair estimate (for damaged items that can be fixed)
- Appraisal (for antiques, collectibles, or unique items)
Evidence of Damage or Loss:
- Photos of damaged packaging and contents (for damage claims)
- Tracking history showing non-delivery (for lost package claims)
- Photos of opened package with missing items (for missing contents claims)

Step 3: File the Claim Online

Go to usps.com/help/claims.htm
Click “Start a Claim” or “File a Domestic Claim”
Enter your tracking number
Select the claim type:
- Damaged Contents — item arrived broken, crushed, or defective due to shipping
- Missing Contents — package arrived but items were missing
- Did Not Arrive — package never delivered (for lost packages)
Describe the contents and their value
Upload photos and documentation (proof of value, damage photos, receipt)
Enter the claimed amount (up to your insured value)
Provide your mailing address for the payment check
Review and submit

Alternative filing methods:

By phone: Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) and follow the prompts for claims
In person: Visit any post office with your documentation (less efficient than online)

Step 4: Know the Deadlines

For Damaged Packages or Missing Contents

Earliest filing date: Immediately upon discovering the damage
Latest filing date: 60 days from the mailing date
Action: File as soon as possible — there is no advantage to waiting

For Lost Packages

Waiting periods before filing vary by service:

Service	Wait Period Before Filing	Filing Deadline
Priority Mail	15 business days after mailing	60 days from mailing date
Priority Mail Express	3 business days after mailing	60 days from mailing date
Ground Advantage (insured)	15 business days after mailing	60 days from mailing date
First-Class (insured)	15 business days after mailing	60 days from mailing date

Before filing a lost package claim: Submit a Missing Mail search request at usps.com/help/missing-mail.htm. USPS will search for your package for 7-14 days. If found, it will be delivered or returned. If not found, proceed with the insurance claim.

Step 5: Track Your Claim

After filing, USPS assigns a claim number. Track your claim status at usps.com or by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS.

Typical timeline:

Day 1: Claim submitted, confirmation email received
Days 2-10: USPS reviews documentation, may request additional information
Days 5-10: Claim decision issued (approve, deny, or request more info)
Days 7-10 after approval: Payment check mailed to your address

If USPS requests additional information, respond within 30 days to keep your claim active.

Step 6: If Your Claim Is Denied

Common denial reasons and how to respond:

Insufficient Packaging

USPS determined the item was inadequately packed. To appeal: provide photos proving adequate cushioning (2-inch rule), cite USPS packaging guidelines, or show that a UPS Store or packing professional packed the item. For packing standards, see how to ship fragile items.

No Proof of Value

You did not provide adequate documentation of the item’s worth. To appeal: submit additional evidence such as comparable items listed on eBay, professional appraisals, repair estimates, or bank/credit card statements.

Filed Outside Time Limit

Claims filed after 60 days from the mailing date are generally not appealable. In rare cases with documented extenuating circumstances, USPS may make exceptions.

Item Not Covered

Certain items are excluded from USPS insurance: cash, precious stones (loose), live animals, perishable items. Check the full exclusion list before shipping.

How to Submit an Appeal

Submit your appeal within 30 days of the denial decision
Go to usps.com/help/claims.htm and select “Check Claim Status”
Enter your claim number and select “Appeal”
Provide new evidence or arguments addressing the specific denial reason
USPS reviews the appeal and issues a final decision

If the appeal is denied and you believe USPS is wrong, file a complaint with the Postal Regulatory Commission at prc.gov or pursue resolution through small claims court (limits typically $5,000-$10,000 depending on state).

Tips for Successful Claims

File immediately. Do not wait. The sooner you file, the better your chances. Evidence is freshest and deadlines are not a concern.
Over-document. Take more photos than you think you need. Photograph every angle of the packaging and damage. Include a ruler or common object for scale.
Keep all packaging for 90 days. Even after filing, USPS may request to inspect the packaging. Store everything until the claim is fully resolved.
File as the sender when possible. Senders have the mailing receipt and shipping history, making documentation easier.
Photograph items before shipping. For valuable items, take photos of the item in perfect condition, during packing, and of the sealed box. This creates a before-and-after comparison. See best shipping supplies for proper packing materials.
Consider third-party insurance for future shipments. Third-party providers like Shipsurance process claims in 3-7 business days with higher approval rates. See shipping insurance comparison.

Next Steps

File your claim now at usps.com/help/claims.htm.
Document your damage with photos from every angle before discarding anything.
Set a calendar reminder for the 60-day filing deadline if you are not filing immediately.
For multi-carrier claims, see our complete claims guide covering USPS, UPS, and FedEx.
Prevent future claims by improving packaging. See how to ship fragile items.
Consider switching to third-party insurance for faster payouts. See shipping insurance comparison.

This guide covers USPS domestic insurance claims. For international claims, visit usps.com/help/international-claims.htm. Claims processes and timelines are based on published USPS guidelines and may vary.

Sources

USPS: File a Domestic Claim — accessed March 27, 2026
USPS: Missing Mail and Lost Packages — accessed March 27, 2026
OnlineShippingCalculator: How to File Claim With USPS 2026 — accessed March 27, 2026
PirateShip: How Do I File a USPS Insurance Claim? — accessed March 27, 2026