Have You Ever Won a USPS Insurance Claim?

[Hedji]

I am in the unfortunate position of having to refund a buyer on eBay because a statue I shipped him arrived broken. It was well packaged, boxed in it's original Gentle Giant foam and box, then wrapped with various packing materials and shipped in a shipping box of my own.

I plan on filing a claim with the Post Office, as it was sent fully insured for $135.

I'm just wondering... what are my chances they will make good on the claim? Has anyone had experience before with this process? I'd like to hear any horror or success stories you can share. Just so I can be realistic about what to expect.

[Mikey]

I filed twice and got paid both times.

Had to jump through a few hoops when I filed in a bigger post office.

The second time I filed in a mom and pop post office and it wen't like a charm.

Either way you'll eventually get you money I suspect

[starsky]

i've been able to get reimbursed as well. however, spent a LOT of time listening to their hold music and have had to call in numerous times to follow up.

[thunderbolt]

I've only had to do it on lost stuff, never on broken so not sure about that. Both times I filed it was fine and I got paid back. Once was with shipping, too.

[drquest]

I've never had one declined myself, but haven't had too many over the years either.

[Hedji]

This is encouraging. I filed online with lots of pictures provided by the buyer, and scans of all the receipts, proof of value, etc. I can't see how they'd say no. It was even double boxed. Thanks guys.

[Confessional]

Several times, but you need to stay vigilant and keep your story (facts) and documentation consistent. It can be a slow multi-month process as you go through the appeals, but even if denied on the final appeal you can still respond and be granted restitution. It's not easy on purpose… the process weeds out many claims through loss of patience alone.

[megoat]

I don't know if u buy your postage through eBay, but I recommend the insurance they offer. The few times I've made a claim it has been SO easy and hassle free.

[Hedji]

Update:

Ugh... they are saying they will pay out only $50 of the requested $135. I have already made an appeal, showing that the total amount was insured and stating that the statue is essentially worthless broken. I am staying on them. I will not give up this easily. Problem is the buyer hasn't sent it back yet. So I asked him to take it to the post office, unsealed, to show how it was packaged, and request that it be inspected for the claim. I hope I'm doing this right. At what point would you refund the buyer?

I don't know if u buy your postage through eBay, but I recommend the insurance they offer. The few times I've made a claim it has been SO easy and hassle free.

I will definitely do that from now on.