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Lost and damaged packages: the rules, and the free way to use them
The waiting periods, deadlines and paperwork for a USPS insurance claim. Filing a USPS claim is free and you file it yourself at usps.com. No paid service can move you up the queue.
The free official routeFiling a USPS claim is free and you file it yourself at usps.com. No paid service can move you up the queue.
Frequently asked questions
Does lost and damaged packages cost anything to claim?
Filing a USPS claim is free and you file it yourself at usps.com. No paid service can move you up the queue.
Is QuicklyClaim a government service?
No. QuicklyClaim is an independent publisher. We explain the official process and link straight to it.
Every rule we rely on
| For Priority Mail Express, a claim for a lost item can be filed 7 days after the mailing date. | USPS, File a Claim |
| For Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, insured mail, collect on delivery and registered mail, a claim for a lost item can be filed 15 days after the mailing date. | USPS, File a Claim |
| Most domestic claims must be filed no later than 60 days after the mailing date. | USPS, File a Claim |
| For damage or missing contents you may file a claim immediately, but still no later than 60 days after the mailing date. | USPS, File a Claim |
| Proof of insurance means the original mailing receipt, the outer packaging showing the insurance label, or the printed electronic label record from the application used to buy the label and insurance. | USPS, File a Claim |
| Proof of value means a sales receipt, invoice or bill of sale, a statement of value or repair estimate from a reputable dealer, a credit card billing statement, or an online transaction printout showing the price and purchase details. | USPS, File a Claim |
| For damage, photos showing the extent of the damage help the case, and the original packaging and damaged items should be kept because they may be inspected. | USPS, File a Claim |
| Claims for APO, FPO and DPO military addresses have longer windows: the wait before filing runs from 21 to 75 days depending on the service, and the deadline to file runs from 180 days to one year. | USPS, File a Claim |