What Should I Do If My Mailbox Gets Damaged?

Mailboxes, especially curbside residential boxes, are prone to damage from vehicles or vandals. Often, a damaged or destroyed mailbox is simply an accident caused by icy roads or a vehicle losing control. Thankfully, curbside mailboxes are designed to collapse when struck by vehicles, minimizing the damage to the vehicle itself and minimizing the risk of personal injury. This is provided they’re installed properly and with all USPS regulations in mind.

The other good news is that mailboxes, flags, address plaques, and posts can all be replaced, and each part can be purchased on its own, eliminating the need to replace an entire post and mailbox if only the post is broken. This may also save you from having to dig a new hole and will save you money as well. When the replacement parts arrive, re-assemble your mailbox and post using the new parts, and take measurements to ensure that USPS requirements are still being met. Replace your address stickers if needed and ensure that your flag is working.

You will need to act quickly. All damaged and destroyed mailboxes must be replaced by the property owner, or mail delivery will not continue. If your mailbox has been damaged to the point where delivery is not possible, you can contact your local USPS office to make arrangements for holding your mail at the post office until the repairs are made. Holding your mail can also be done online. You can have your mail held at the post office for up to thirty days. There is no charge for this service. This will save your delivery person time as they will not be able to deliver your mail anyway.

Purposely damaging a mailbox (vandalism) is a federal offense that the USPS takes seriously. If you suspect that vandals are causing damage to your mailbox, contact the local post office or call the Postal Inspection Service, especially if you have information about the act. Your neighbors will thank you.