Follow-up on my USPS Insurance Claim

chiefbob

I insured the package to PCGS for $300 (overinsured, as the coins were actually worth $125.00 and I forgot which ones I had in the package. Doh!). It was "lost" at Newport Beach, during the time the postal thefts occured.

I filed my claim for $125. The USPS sent a check for $45.00, as they said it was the most they could reimburse by law without an invoice. It sat on my desk for a month as I stewed about it. Then I sent a letter to them, advising them they took my money in good faith for the insurance fee, so why are they short-changing me now? I mentioned that the coins belonged to my Uncle Jim, and there was no "invoice". I also gave them the analogy that I could have bought an antique for $5.00 at a yard sale, then 10 years later it was worth $500. If I sent it insured, for $500, would they only reimburse me for $5? I returned their uncashed check along with the letter.

Miracles do happen! I got a check for the $125 about 2 weeks later. All I can say is, if you find yourself in this situation don't accept anything less than what you insured for and challenge them to the nth degree.

Bob

coinlover

Happy to hear it worked out well for you. Stick to your guns and more often than not things turn out ok

Karen

mbbiker

congrats on getting what you deserve. They should have been more than happy to give you 125 when you paid insurance for 300.

DesertLizard

Glad it worked out but their excuse was flimsy at best!

How many of us have an "invoice" for everything we ship?!

I loved your analogy about the yard sale. Most PO people are brain dead and they need help, a lot of help.

Gilbert

Good goin' Chief,

I expected no less. Did you post a thread initially, and followed some advice given, or did you just do your own thing? BTW, congrats on your PR70.

Wingsrule

The USPS sent a check for $45.00, as they said it was the most they could reimburse by law without an invoice.

That would be a good question for some of the legal beagles on the boards.

1) If they stated that in their correspondence to you, would that constitute mail fraud?
2) If it is true, then did they break the law by paying you more than the law allows?

(killing time until a birthday party starts...)

chiefbob

Gilbert:

I have seen threads regarding the same thing, but decided on my own to challenge them. I'm getting ornery in my old age and "ain't gonna take it no more". The USPS sets my hair (ok, fuzz) on fire most of the time. I got the impression from reading other tales of woe that the USPS will purposely low-ball you on a claim, hoping you'll give up and cash their check. I figured the only cost to me to challenge them would be my time in doing the letter. I've seen worse horror stories than mine, involving real big bucks. And I've also read those that said FEDEX and UPS are no better.

Thanks for the kind words on my PR70. I will be listing it on eBay soon after I get the coin. My submissions were sent back to me on Friday. It would be great if the other forum members are right about a bidding war and high price for it!

Wingsrule:

"1) If they stated that in their correspondence to you, would that constitute mail fraud?
2) If it is true, then did they break the law by paying you more than the law allows?"

Are you implying that I engaged in mail fraud or them? I can read it both ways. I think you mean the USPS, as the counter clerks that take your money for the insurance are not required (maybe not allowed) to ask what the contents are and if an invoice is enclosed. If later on, when a claim is filed, they demand an invoice for reimbursement, that is at least deceptive if not fraudulent.

Regarding question #2, it is probably a typical governmental double-standard. One law applies to the public, while the government agency is exempt from the same law. In any case, it's extremely difficult to take "them" to court.


Holiday Greetings to All!