There are a variety of ways that someone may hit your mailbox. There could have been a group of kids that toppled it over for fun or a driver that wasn’t paying the best attention to the road. Either way, the remains are lying in a heap on your lawn. In these situations you probably wonder who’s going to pay to fix it. Does homeowners insurance cover these types of damages?
Will home insurance cover my mailbox?
Depending on your policy, your mailbox may be covered under the other structures section of your home insurance.
Other structures coverage can help you repair or replace structures that are on your property but not technically attached to your home. Typically, these structures include:
- Detached garages
- Sheds
- Driveways
- Walkways
- Patios
- Gazebos
- Fences
- Swimming pools
It’s important to note, though, that the cost to replace most mailboxes is usually lower than your deductible.
Is it worth it to file a home insurance claim for my mailbox?
Your deductible is the amount you’ve agreed to pay on a home insurance claim before your policy starts paying the rest of the amount. So, if you have a simple aluminum mailbox attached to a metal pole, the cost to replace it probably isn’t going to be more than your deductible. So, even if you filed a claim, you’d end up paying the full amount to replace the mailbox.
However, if you have a specialty mailbox, one that’s made out of bricks, or one that is handcrafted and worth a high value, then it may be worth it to file a home insurance claim.
If your mailbox was damaged as part of a larger incident, then your homeowners insurance may pay to replace your mailbox as a part of repairing the overall damages.
Does my insurance cover if I hit my mailbox?
We all make mistakes. So, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that you were backing out of your driveway and got a little too close to your own mailbox. In that case, what do you do?
If your car is damaged after hitting a mailbox, you may be able to repair your vehicle if you have collision coverage. Collision coverage is the part of your auto insurance that can help you repair or replace your car if you collide with something or vice versa. Keep in mind though, that collision coverage is only to help with repairs to a car, not the mailbox itself.
You may also want to consider the amount of damage done to your car by hitting the mailbox. Similar to your home insurance deductible, you’ll have to fulfill your car insurance deductible before your insurance company starts paying for damages. So, if you only have a few scuffs and scrapes or a small dent in your car, it may not be worth it to file a claim since the cost to repair the damages may be less than your deductible.
What’s the best way to replace my mailbox?
So, let’s say that you do decide to file a claim to have your mailbox replaced. What’s the best way to go about it?
Well, as with any type of property damage incident, you’ll want to make sure that you have a receipt. Documentation of the cost of the mailbox and installation fees can help make sure that your home insurance company reimburses you for the right amount to replace it.
If someone else hits your mailbox, make sure that you get a police report of the incident. This may help the claims process go more smoothly, but it may also help you find the culprit so that they can pay for the damages.
Summing Up
Overall, a mailbox may not be high on the list of things you worry about as a homeowner. But it can help to know that you have the right coverage to handle any freak accidents that may happen to the smallest bits of your property.
It can also help to know that you’re getting the best rates on the home and car insurance that fits your needs. That’s why our insurance professionals are here to give you customized quotes on quality coverage. To make sure you’re not missing out on the best insurance rates, just give our agents a call, fill out our online form, or LiveChat with a professional today!
