Certified Mail Insurance: What's Covered?

Certified mail does not carry insurance. It provides a mailing receipt and a record of delivery, which is kept at the recipient's post office. However, you can purchase insurance coverage for your mail items separately. The insurance fees are based on the item's declared value, and there are limitations for insuring certain products and items.

Certified mail is not available for international mail

Certified mail is a service provided by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that requires a signature upon delivery. It provides a mailing receipt and a record of delivery is kept at the recipient's post office. A return receipt can also be purchased for an additional fee, providing the sender with proof of delivery.

However, this service is only available within the United States. Certified mail cannot be used to send packages outside of the US, including to Canada and Mexico. This is because USPS is an American government institution and cannot cross the border. As a result, they are unable to obtain the required signature upon delivery for certified mail.

While certified mail is a great option for domestic shipping, it is not available for international mail. If you need to send important or valuable documents or items internationally, there are other services you can use.

The USPS offers International Registered Mail options, which provide similar benefits to certified mail, such as tracking and delivery confirmation. These services are available with delivery times as quick as 1-3 days.

Alternatively, you can consider using private shipping companies such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL, which operate globally and offer signature options in many countries. These companies have their own fleets of planes and extensive networks, ensuring reliable and timely delivery of your international mail.

Therefore, while certified mail is a valuable option for domestic mail within the US, it is not available for international mail. There are, however, alternative services offered by USPS and private companies to meet your international mailing needs.

Insured mail coverage is up to $5000 for standard mail

The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers insurance for various package sizes and forms, including envelopes, tubes, and boxes. USPS insurance is unique because it covers both domestic and international packages. This means that whether you're sending a package nationwide or worldwide, you can purchase insurance and additional coverage to ensure its safe arrival.

The typical insurance policy offered by the USPS is Retail Ground, which protects parcels for up to $50 in the event of loss, damage, or theft. However, for people who need more coverage, the USPS offers additional insurance of up to $5,000 per package. This insurance is available for purchase in person at a Post Office or online. The price of the insurance is based on the declared value of the item, starting at $2.75.

For example, insurance for items valued between $600.01 and $5,000 is priced at $12.15 plus $1.85 per $100 or fraction thereof over $600 in declared value. It is important to note that additional services, such as signature confirmation, cost an extra fee.

USPS shipping insurance provides peace of mind and protects your business from the unpredictable effects of loss, theft, and accidents. It is an optional layer of protection that you can apply to your packages to recover costs in case of damages, missing shipments, or accidents in transit.

Return receipt shows who signed for the item

When sending an envelope via Certified Mail (USPS), you can request a Return Receipt. This provides delivery confirmation and proof of delivery. The Return Receipt is a green card that the recipient signs and dates when they receive the envelope. The signed card is then mailed back to the sender. The Return Receipt typically costs $3.35.

The USPS tracking system will show when the envelope has been delivered. However, there may be a delay before the tracking for the receipt is updated to show the recipient's signature. If the recipient has a PO Box, the post office will put a notice in their box, and they will need to go to the counter to receive and sign for the letter.

If you are the sender and have not received the Return Receipt within a reasonable amount of time, you may be able to get a refund. You can also request an electronic Return Receipt, which is cheaper.

Registered mail is the most secure option offered by the US Postal Service

Tracking for registered mail begins from the moment the sender presents the mail to the Postal Service. An accountable individual must sign for the item each time it changes hands, and each intermediary office must prepare control logs. This type of mail also requires specific packaging and sealing methods for security and protection. When not in transit, registered mail must be stored in a locked safe, room, or cage, separated from other mail.

Insurance can be purchased for domestic registered mail up to $25,000 at the option of the mailer. Return receipt and restricted delivery services are also available for additional fees. Registered mail to Canada is subject to a $1,000 indemnity limit, while the limit for all other foreign countries is $42.30.

For added peace of mind when sending valuable or important items, registered mail is the best option available through the US Postal Service. It offers enhanced security, tracking, and protection throughout the entire delivery process.

Insurance coverage is provided against loss, damage or missing contents

Insurance coverage is provided against loss, damage, or missing contents for mailpieces sent through USPS. This coverage is limited to a maximum liability of $100 when the mailpiece bears an Intelligent Mail package barcode (IMpb) or a USPS retail tracking barcode, and the mailer pays retail or commercial prices. The insurance fees are based on the item's declared value, with prices starting at $2.75.

USPS offers standard shipping insurance, which allows customers to purchase coverage for their mailpieces for up to $5,000 in indemnity to protect against loss or damage. This insurance is available for purchase in person at a Post Office or online. The Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail services include up to $100 of insurance in the price, and additional coverage is typically available for more valuable shipments.

For Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail domestic shipments, an applicable USPS Tracking barcode is required to qualify for the included insurance. It is important to note that Priority Mail insurance is not included when purchased with certain extra services. In case of loss, damage, or missing contents, customers should file a claim immediately but no later than 60 days from the mailing date.

Frequently asked questions