Icy patches on the road. Corners taken a tad too fast. Teen drivers still learning how to pull in and out of the driveway. Accidents happen, and your curbside mailbox could end up in the path of destruction.
If your mailbox was hit by a car, you’re not alone. In fact, one of the most common reasons homeowners shop for a replacement mailbox is because their old one was taken out by a vehicle. Still, it can be a weird situation to find yourself in, and you may not know what to do if your mailbox is hit by a car. We’ve got you covered with this guide.
Someone Hit My Mailbox! What Are My Next Steps?
You hear a crash, rush outside, and find your mailbox crumpled by a vehicle. Now you’re left wondering what to do next. The first step is to document the incident. Take photos, file a police report, and gather insurance information from the responsible party (if possible).
After you’ve taken photos and talked with the police or responsible party, you need to contact your local post office. You can temporarily put mail deliveries on hold until you fix or replace your mailbox.
Assess the Damage: Should You Repair or Replace Your Mailbox?
Depending on the type of mailbox you have and the extent of the damage, you may be able to get away with a quick repair instead of a complete replacement. Be sure
to factor in cost and level of effort.
Let’s say you had a mailbox sitting on a standard post and only the post was damaged. It would probably make more sense just to install a new post and attach your old mailbox than to purchase a whole new one. If the box part of the mailbox is severely damaged, though, you will need to replace it.
If your mailbox was attached to a stone pillar or similar structure, buying a new mailbox is likely the easier and more cost-effective solution than rebuilding the pillar.
Choosing a Replacement Mailbox That Will Last
When going the replacement route, you want to ensure you choose a durable mailbox that can withstand wear. If a similar incident should happen again (knock on wood), you want to give your mailbox the best chance of coming out the other side still standing.
Material Selection
Picture a basic post-mount mailbox you can find at a big box store — one with a wooden stick and a plastic box. Now, imagine a car hitting it. The aftermath isn’t pretty, is it?
While shopping for your new mailbox, try to find one made of thicker steel or another type of metal. Metal mailboxes are far more resistant to impacts, weather, and general wear. Even if we take accidents out of the equation, a plastic mailbox will likely need more frequent replacement due to general wear and tear. A steel mailbox is a fantastic long-term investment that can be more cost-effective and looks great.
Design Considerations
Depending on the positioning of your house and how close your mailbox is to the street, you may want to invest in a more visible mailbox that drivers can easily see. Instead of a post-mount, consider something like the Overland Mailbox, which has a larger, more noticeable profile.
If you like the simple design of a post-mount like the Barton LG Mailbox, you can enhance its visibility in other ways. This mailbox comes with laser-cut house numbers and an acrylic backplate color of your choosing. A high-contrast color like sunrise, turquoise, or red can help your mailbox stand out.
Installing Your New Mailbox
Even the most durable mailbox can become curbside collateral damage if installed improperly. Follow your mailbox’s installation instructions carefully to ensure your mailbox is stable and secure. Here are some tips that can help:
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Choose a durable post. (Bold MFG offers rugged 2x2 or 3x3 steel posts, depending on the mailbox style.)
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Set the post deep enough if using a concrete post to guarantee stability.
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Use heavy-duty screws and/or anchors to prevent loosening over time.
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Regularly check your mailbox for stability and tighten hardware as needed.
Ensure Your Mailbox Is USPS-Approved
Before beginning your installation, ensure your mailbox meets the criteria outlined by the U.S. Postal Service. Get approval from your local post office for your mailbox’s design, and follow guidelines set regarding placement and height at the street.
Give Your Mailbox and Upgrade with Bold MFG
Was your mailbox a casualty of a driveway mishap? Let Bold MFG help you choose a robust solution that adds character to your curb. Discover our range of durable, stylish mailboxes custom-made for your home. Shop now and safeguard your mail today.
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