--- title: "How to file a USPS claim for a lost or damaged package" description: "File online with the tracking number, label record and proof of value: lost from day 15, damaged right away, always by day 60. Each step, from DMM 609." canonical: https://resellerindex.com/usps/services/file-a-claim/ last_updated: 2026-10-19 publisher: "The Reseller Index" --- # How do I file a USPS insurance claim for a lost or damaged package? File online at usps.com/help/claims.htm, or by mail on PS Form 1000, if the package was insured, which includes the $100 that comes with Priority Mail and Ground Advantage labels. For a lost package wait until 15 days after mailing (7 for Priority Mail Express); for damage or missing contents file right away; either way the deadline is 60 days from the mailing date. Fees from [USPS Notice 123](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm) effective Oct 4, 2026 (the same since Jul 12, 2026); rules quoted from the Domestic Mail Manual and usps.com, each with its section. USPS decides every claim and refund; this is a guide to its published rules. Rates verified on Oct 19, 2026 - **Lost package: file from** Day 15 (day 7 for Priority Mail Express) - **Last day to file** Day 60 after mailing - **Included insurance** $100 on Priority Mail and Ground Advantage - **Decision, per USPS** Usually 5-10 days ## First, check the package can be claimed USPS pays claims only on mail that carried postal insurance: insurance you bought, the $100 included with Priority Mail and Ground Advantage, Priority Mail Express, COD and Registered Mail with insurance. > “A customer may file an indemnity claim for insured mail, COD items, Registered Mail with postal insurance, or Priority Mail Express.” > > — [DMM 609.1.1](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/609.htm), checked Oct 19, 2026 Media Mail and First-Class Mail include no insurance, so an uninsured Media Mail package that goes missing can't be claimed. USPS's route for it is a Missing Mail search ([when to file one](https://resellerindex.com/usps/services/missing-mail-search/)). > “USPS may not legally pay compensation for uninsured lost or damaged articles. If your uninsured mail is missing or delayed you may request a Missing Mail Search.” > > — [USPS claims page](https://www.usps.com/help/claims.htm), checked Oct 19, 2026 ## Step by step 1. **Wait for the window.** Lost: from day 15 after the mailing date (day 7 for Priority Mail Express) to day 60. Damaged or missing contents: as soon as it arrives, and by day 60. The dates for your mailing date: [USPS claim time limits](https://resellerindex.com/usps/services/claim-time-limits/). 2. **Find the tracking number.** It's on the label record, the package label and the receipt; USPS's claims page says tracking and label numbers run 13 to 34 characters. 3. **Print the label record as evidence of insurance.** For a label bought online, DMM 609.3.1 asks for a printout from the software you bought it with showing the tracking number, postage, insurance fee, declared value, mailing date and both ZIP Codes. If you bought the insurance online, 609.3.1 also asks for evidence of mailing: a postmarked firm sheet (PS Form 3877) or a SCAN form acceptance scan followed by a USPS scan ([proof of mailing](https://resellerindex.com/usps/services/proof-of-mailing/)). For the included $100, the label record or receipt shows the service you paid for. 4. **Gather proof of value**, such as the completed sale record or an invoice ([what USPS accepts](https://resellerindex.com/usps/services/proof-of-value/)). 5. **For damage, photograph everything** and keep the box, the packing and the item; USPS can ask for them at a Post Office ([who keeps what](https://resellerindex.com/usps/services/who-files-the-claim/)). 6. **File online** at [usps.com/help/claims.htm](https://www.usps.com/help/claims.htm) with a free USPS.com account. You can save a claim and finish it later, and upload proof of value as a .pdf or .jpeg. 7. **Watch for the decision.** USPS usually decides within 5-10 days and pays approved claims in 7-10 business days. A denial can be appealed twice, 30 days each time ([how to appeal](https://resellerindex.com/usps/services/claim-denied/)). > “Proof of value is required and should be submitted online as an uploaded file (.pdf or .jpeg). Evidence of insurance must be retained by the customer until the claim is resolved.” > > — [DMM 609.1.5.1](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/609.htm), checked Oct 19, 2026 ## Damage claims: the extra evidence > “For damaged claims, you’ll also need to provide an estimate of the repair costs from a reputable dealer.” > > — [USPS claims page](https://www.usps.com/help/claims.htm), checked Oct 19, 2026 > “Do not reship items that were not damaged. Save them with the damaged items.” > > — [USPS claims page](https://www.usps.com/help/claims.htm), checked Oct 19, 2026 DMM 609.2.0 puts the duty to keep the box, the packing and the contents on the addressee, and a claim is denied if they aren't produced when USPS asks in writing ([who keeps what](https://resellerindex.com/usps/services/who-files-the-claim/)). Damage from shock with no damage to the box isn't payable (DMM 609.4.3), so photograph the outside of the box as well as the item. ## Filing by mail instead If you can't file online, DMM 609.1.5.2 lets you mail PS Form 1000 with proof of value to the address on the form; USPS sends the form if you call 1-800-332-0317, option 9. For a package with several extra services, include the original receipts for all of them. USPS's claims page lists that line's hours as Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central. ## Tracking says delivered, but the buyer says it never came DMM 609.4.3 lists two delivery cases as not payable. One: “Loss, damage, or have missing contents, that occurred after delivery by the USPS.” ([DMM 609.4.3](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/609.htm)) The other: “Loss after items signed for by the addressee, the addressee’s agent, or delivery employee if authorized under the applicable standards.” ([DMM 609.4.3](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/609.htm)) For Priority Mail Express sent without a signature, DMM 503.4.1 settles what counts as delivery: > “For Priority Mail Express items not requiring a signature, a delivered scan event constitutes a valid delivery, and no indemnity for loss is paid.” > > — [DMM 503.4.1](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/503.htm), checked Oct 19, 2026 For Priority Mail, Ground Advantage and insured mail, the DMM doesn't say how USPS weighs a delivery scan against a buyer who reports no package, so the answer comes from USPS's review of the claim. What you can do: ask the buyer to check around the delivery address, file a [Missing Mail search](https://resellerindex.com/usps/services/missing-mail-search/) from day 7, and keep the label record and sale record ready in case you file. On valuable items, a signature service or insurance over $500 puts the signer's name on USPS's delivery record ([proof of delivery](https://resellerindex.com/usps/services/proof-of-delivery/)). ## Worked example: a lost Ground Advantage package *Worked example: A used game that sold for $45, mailed by Ground Advantage on Oct 1, 2026, with no tracking after acceptance* | Coverage on the label | $100, included with Ground Advantage | | --- | ---: | | Missing Mail search possible from (day 7) | Oct 8, 2026 | | Claim can be filed from (day 15) | Oct 16, 2026 | | Last day to file (day 60) | Nov 30, 2026 | | Most USPS pays for the item | $45.00, its value when mailed, less any depreciation USPS applies to a used item | | Added for a lost package | The postage you paid, not fees (DMM 609.5.4) | Had the game sold for $140, the included $100 would cap the payment unless you had bought coverage for the full $140, which costs $4.50 at Notice 123 prices. USPS says insurance you buy replaces the included $100 instead of adding to it ([insurance prices](https://resellerindex.com/usps/services/insurance-cost/)). ## After you file > “USPS usually sends claims decisions within 5-10 days.” > > — [USPS claims page](https://www.usps.com/help/claims.htm), checked Oct 19, 2026 - Approved claims are paid in 7-10 business days, per USPS's claims page, and USPS never pays more than the item's actual value. - If you and the buyer both file, USPS pays whoever filed first and is approved (DMM 609.5.5), so agree on who files. - If USPS finds the package after paying you, you can take it back but must repay the full claim if it's undamaged (DMM 609.5.7). - Keep the label record, receipts and any damaged item until the claim is closed. ## Edge cases that change the payout - **Only the box as evidence.** “(If only the outer packaging is submitted, indemnity can be limited to $100 for insured, $50 for COD, $100 for Registered Mail, and $100 for Priority Mail Express.)” ([DMM 609.3.1](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/609.htm)) - **No USPS scan.** “In order to be eligible for insurance indemnity, a mailpiece must have received at least one USPS processing scan or the customer must provide proof of insurance” ([DMM 503.4.3.1](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/503.htm)). - **Cash and gift cards.** “Except for Registered Mail, the maximum indemnity for negotiable items (defined as instruments that can be converted to cash without resort to forgery), currency, or bullion, is $15.00.” ([DMM 609.4.1](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/609.htm)) Gift cards, lottery tickets and similar items aren't payable at all (DMM 609.4.3). - **Collectibles.** A sales receipt, invoice or a reputable dealer's statement of value is required (DMM 609.4.1; [proof of value](https://resellerindex.com/usps/services/proof-of-value/)). - **Coverage bought too low.** “The USPS does not make payment for more than the maximum amount covered by the fee paid.” ([DMM 609.5.1](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/609.htm)) - **Label from a selling platform or label service.** DMM 609.3.1 accepts a printout from the application used to print the label and buy the insurance. DMM 609 covers postal insurance; if the coverage came from a private insurer instead of USPS, its claim goes through that insurer. ## Questions ### Can I file a USPS claim without insurance? No. USPS pays only on insured mail, which includes the $100 that comes with Priority Mail, Ground Advantage and Priority Mail Express. For uninsured mail, such as Media Mail without bought coverage, USPS offers a [Missing Mail search](https://resellerindex.com/usps/services/missing-mail-search/) instead. ### Should the buyer or the seller file? Either can file for damage or missing contents. For a lost package the filer needs the original mailing receipt or the online label record, which in an online sale is usually the seller ([details](https://resellerindex.com/usps/services/who-files-the-claim/)). ### How long does a USPS claim take? USPS says it usually sends a decision within 5-10 days and pays approved claims in 7-10 business days. ### Can I claim a package that tracking shows as delivered? DMM 609.4.3 doesn't pay for loss after USPS delivered a package, or after the addressee or their agent signed for it. For Priority Mail Express sent without a signature, a delivered scan counts as a valid delivery (DMM 503.4.1). For other services the DMM doesn't say how USPS weighs a delivery scan against a buyer who reports no package, so that is decided on the claim. A [Missing Mail search](https://resellerindex.com/usps/services/missing-mail-search/) asks USPS to look for it. ## Related questions - [How soon, and how late, can I file a USPS claim?](https://resellerindex.com/usps/services/claim-time-limits/) The earliest and latest day to file for each service, with dates for a real mailing. - [Who should file the USPS claim, the seller or the buyer?](https://resellerindex.com/usps/services/who-files-the-claim/) Either can file for damage; a lost package needs the label record. And who gets paid if both file. - [What proof of value does USPS accept for an item I sold online?](https://resellerindex.com/usps/services/proof-of-value/) The sale record USPS accepts, and what it pays: value when mailed, depreciation, postage. - [Why was my USPS claim denied, and how do I appeal?](https://resellerindex.com/usps/services/claim-denied/) The DMM 609 denial reasons that catch resellers, and the two 30-day appeals. - [How much does USPS shipping insurance cost?](https://resellerindex.com/usps/services/insurance-cost/) The full Notice 123 fee table, a calculator, the included-$100 rule, and Media Mail versus Ground Advantage. - [When should I file a USPS Missing Mail search instead of a claim?](https://resellerindex.com/usps/services/missing-mail-search/) From day 7, insured or not: what to send, and how it differs from a claim. All 20 questions: [USPS claims, refunds and extra services](https://resellerindex.com/usps/services/) · [What the included $100 covers](https://resellerindex.com/usps/rules/included-insurance/) · [Tracking statuses explained](https://resellerindex.com/usps/tracking/) ## How we checked this Fees come from [Notice 123](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm) effective Oct 4, 2026, read on Oct 19, 2026 by USPS's own price code for each fee and matched to the [USPS price file](https://pe.usps.com/resources/PriceChange/Time-Limited%20OCT%202026%20Price%20Change%20-%20Notice%20123%20-%20Final.zip); earlier fees come from the same codes in the Postal Explorer archive editions back to Jul 13, 2025. Every fee on these pages is the same in the Jul 12, 2026 and Oct 4, 2026 editions: the Oct 4 holiday edition changed package postage, not extra-service fees. Rules are quoted word for word from the Domestic Mail Manual sections and usps.com pages listed below, fetched on Oct 19, 2026. Package postage in examples is USPS's own price; selling platforms and label services can charge their own. ## Sources Rates verified on Oct 19, 2026 from each official page below. - [USPS Domestic Mail Manual 609: Filing Indemnity Claims for Loss or Damage](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/609.htm) - [USPS: File a USPS Claim: Domestic](https://www.usps.com/help/claims.htm) - [USPS Domestic Mail Manual 503: Extra Services](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/503.htm) - [USPS Notice 123, Price List (effective Oct 4, 2026): Domestic Extra Services and Fees, Other Services](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm) Subscribe: https://resellerindex.com/subscribe/ Pricing postage into every listing? The Profit Toolkit, $29 once (our own product) One Excel workbook you own: the fee calculators for 7 platforms (not TikTok Shop), USPS Media Mail and Ground Advantage tables, a minimum-price builder, a profit log and a monthly P&L. Instant download; refund within 30 days if it doesn't help. 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