Home > About USPS & News > Forms & Publications > Postal Periodicals and Publications > Publications > Publication 122 - Customer Guide to Filing Domestic Insurance Claims or Registered Mail Inquiries > Who Can File

Who Can File

Damage or Loss of Contents

Either the mailer or addressee may file a claim.

Note: If the mailer initiates the claim, then the addressee should retain the article including the container and packaging for inspection by the local Post Office™ and should not return it to the mailer. Failure to return it properly in accordance with Postal Service regulations could result in denial of the claim.

Complete Loss

Unnumbered Insured articles — Mailer only may file.

Numbered Insured, Registered Mail, COD, or Express Mail articles — Mailer or Addressee, whoever is in possession of the original mailing receipt may file.

Where to File

A claim may be filed at any Post Office, station, or branch. Claims do not have to be filed at the Post Office where the article was mailed or at the delivery Post Office.