Accidents happen — even in your own neighborhood. One common but embarrassing mishap is hitting a mailbox while driving. Whether it’s backing out of a driveway, misjudging a turn, or sliding on ice, colliding with a mailbox is more common than people think. But once the damage is done, the real question is: does car insurance cover hitting a mailbox?
The short answer is yes, but it depends on the type of coverage you have. In this article, we’ll explore which insurance policies apply, how to file a claim, and what it might cost you in terms of repair, deductibles, and premium increases.
What Kind of Insurance Covers Hitting a Mailbox?
If you accidentally hit a mailbox, the damage would generally fall under your collision coverage. Collision insurance pays for damage to your vehicle when you hit another object — whether it's another car, a pole, or a mailbox. It also typically covers damage to other property, such as the mailbox, especially if it’s on someone else’s land.
However, not all drivers carry collision coverage, as it's optional if you own your car outright. If you only carry liability insurance, your policy may cover the damage to the mailbox (as it involves third-party property), but not the damage to your own car.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
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Collision coverage: Covers your car’s damage and possibly the mailbox
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Property damage liability: Covers damage to the other person’s mailbox, but not your own
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Comprehensive coverage: Typically does not apply unless the mailbox incident was due to fire, vandalism, or natural events
Who Pays If You Hit Your Own Mailbox?
Hitting your own mailbox presents a unique situation. In most cases, property damage liability insurance won’t apply, since it only covers damage to someone else’s property. However, collision coverage can help pay for repairs to your own vehicle.
As for the mailbox itself, your homeowners insurance may offer some protection. Most standard home insurance policies include coverage for damage to structures on your property, which could include your mailbox. Keep in mind that filing a claim may not be worthwhile unless the repair cost exceeds your home insurance deductible.
Will Hitting a Mailbox Raise Your Insurance Rates?
Filing a claim for hitting a mailbox can impact your insurance premium, especially if you're found at fault. Since the incident is typically classified as an at-fault accident, your insurer may increase your rates at your next renewal. The amount of increase depends on your driving record, claims history, and insurance provider.
If the repair costs are minor, it might be smarter to pay out of pocket rather than file a claim and risk a premium hike. For instance, if the damage to the mailbox is $150 and your deductible is $500, filing a claim likely won’t be beneficial.
What to Do After You Hit a Mailbox
If you hit a mailbox — whether it’s yours or someone else’s — here’s what you should do:
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Stop and assess the damage to both the mailbox and your vehicle
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Notify the homeowner if it's not your mailbox
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Take photos of the damage for documentation
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Contact your insurance company to report the incident (if you plan to file a claim)
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Offer to cover the costs directly if the damage is minor and no claim is filed
Failing to stop and report damage to someone else's property may be considered a hit-and-run, which can result in legal consequences.
Cost of Repairing a Mailbox
The cost to repair or replace a mailbox varies widely depending on the type and material. A standard curbside mailbox might cost around $50–$100, while custom or decorative mailboxes made of stone, brick, or metal can cost several hundred dollars or more.
If the mailbox is part of a community or belongs to the U.S. Postal Service, it may require special replacement and permissions. In such cases, always consult with the property owner or HOA before taking action.
Filing a Claim: What to Expect
If you decide to file a claim for hitting a mailbox, be prepared for the following process:
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Provide a description of what happened, including photos and damage estimates
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Your adjuster will assess whether the damage falls under your policy coverage
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If approved, you’ll be responsible for paying your deductible before any reimbursement
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The incident will be recorded on your driving history and may affect future rates
Make sure to review your policy documents or speak with your agent to fully understand the implications before proceeding.
Preventing Mailbox Accidents
While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, a few precautions can reduce your chances of hitting a mailbox:
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Always check your surroundings when reversing or turning
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Drive slowly in residential areas and driveways
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Consider installing backup cameras or sensors
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Ensure your windshield is clear in poor weather conditions
Taking small steps can help you avoid a costly and inconvenient situation.
FAQ – Does Car Insurance Cover Hitting a Mailbox?
Q: Will insurance pay if I hit my own mailbox?
A: Your collision coverage may pay for the damage to your vehicle, but not the mailbox itself. Homeowners insurance may cover the mailbox.
Q: What if I hit someone else’s mailbox?
A: Your property damage liability insurance should cover the cost of replacing or repairing the other person’s mailbox.
Q: Do I need to report hitting a mailbox?
A: Yes, especially if it belongs to someone else. Failing to do so could be treated as a hit-and-run.
Q: Will my premium go up after hitting a mailbox?
A: It can. Since it's considered an at-fault accident, your insurance premium may increase, depending on your provider.
Q: Should I file a claim for minor mailbox damage?
A: Not always. If the repair cost is lower than your deductible, it’s usually better to pay out of pocket.
Q: Is hitting a mailbox considered vandalism or collision?
A: It is considered a collision, not vandalism. Therefore, collision coverage would apply, not comprehensive insurance.