Mailbox Damage Claims Policy

Policy adopted January 2018  \     pdf Download a PDF version of the Mailbox Damage Claims Policy(16 KB)

If a mailbox is damaged by Road Commission equipment during maintenance operations, the property owner may receive a new standard mailbox and/or post as a replacement. This policy provides guidance for appropriate procedures to follow when mailboxes are damaged during maintenance operations.

Eligibility Requirements

• The mailbox and/or post must be physically hit by equipment. Damage from the force of snow or ice coming off the plow blade will not qualify for replacement.
• Lack of maintenance of the mailbox and/or post will not qualify for replacement.
• Any previously existing mailbox or post that was a fancy ornate type will only be replaced with a standard type box and/or post as approved by the US Postal Service.

Pickup Process

The property owner is responsible for removing the damaged mailbox/post and installing the replacement using standards acceptable and approved by the United States Postal Service and Muskegon County Road Commission.

Standard mailboxes and posts can be picked up at any of the locations listed below. You must call 231.788.2381 (press 0) to set up an appointment. Locations are open Monday through Friday, except on holidays or observed holidays established by the Board. Appointments are scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

The property owner must bring the actual damaged mailbox and/or post for inspection before a new standard mailbox and/or single wood post will be issued. Upon receipt of a new mailbox and/or post, the property owner is expected to sign a register and provide the property address.

Pickup Locations

Legal Notice

Road agencies are not legally required or obligated by statute to repair, replace, or compensate the owners of private mailboxes located in the public road right-of-way. However, the Muskegon County Road Commission is not insensitive to the inconveniences this causes and has adopted this policy accordingly.