Due to their close proximity to the street, mailboxes can be damaged in many circumstances, whether they are hit by a car in an accident or vandalized by a passerby. This can create an inconvenient chore and extra cost that you were probably not planning for. You may have options for reimbursement depending on the situation.
Damage From Vehicle Accident
Because mailboxes are so close to the road, they are more exposed to being damaged in an accident. If another driver has hit your mailbox, be sure to get their information including their auto insurance company and policy number. It is likely that your mailbox will be covered by their auto insurance policy under the clause that reimburses for damages done to the property. If your mailbox has been hit, you can purchase another similar mailbox and keep the receipt to be reimbursed by the driver’s insurance agency. If the accident happened when you were not at home and the driver is gone, check your front door for a note with their explanation and information on it. If there is no note, contact the police to check if there was a report of the accident or to notify them of the hit and run. They may be able to find the person responsible.
On the other hand, if you backed into or hit your own mailbox, you are not likely to be covered by your auto insurance because it is damage caused to your own property. Even if they will cover it, be sure to consider the cost of the mailbox versus your insurance deductible to determine if it will be worth it. You may want to consider putting a light or reflector or something else noticeable on or near your mailbox so that it is more visible to yourself and other drivers.
Damage From Vandalism or Theft
If your mailbox has been vandalized or stolen, contact local law enforcement and file a report. It is important for them to know because it may not be an isolated incident, and if they were to find the culprit you may be able to get restitution. It is not likely that your homeowners policy will cover the vandalism but you can contact your insurer to find out. If vandalism continues to be a problem, you may want to install motion lights or a camera to scare off vandals next time.
In all of the above cases, the damages to your mailbox may not be covered under your homeowners policy. However, you can contact your insurance agent to be aware of your options. If you are covered by homeowners insurance, be aware of the cost of the mailbox versus the cost of the deductible to determine if it is worth it to make a claim, and remember that adding a claim to your policy may raise your insurance costs. After the incident, be sure to replace your mailbox with a similar version and keep the receipt in case you have a chance of being reimbursed.