Mailbox Damage Policy

Rural Mailboxes

When there is a heavy accumulation of snow, or the snow is slushy or dense, the location of mailboxes close to the highway makes it difficult for the operations of the Public Works Department and renders the boxes susceptible to damage as a result of our activity. It shall be the Public Works policy to avoid  leaving large amounts of snow in front of mailboxes and to use special care and consideration when plowing in their vicinity. If mailboxes are damaged during plowing operations, and the snow plow operator observes and is aware of the damage, he shall report the incident to their General Supervisor.

The Town of Trumbull will replace a damaged mailbox and/or post at no cost to the homeowner if damage to the mailbox has occurred as a result of ACTUAL CONTACT between the plow or plowing vehicle and the mailbox. If the mailbox/post was damaged due to the WEIGHT OF THE SNOW/ICE, and not actual contact, then the town will do a “courtesy” repair for mail delivery only and any permanent repair is the homeowner’s responsibility. In the event that the town does a “courtesy” repair, a letter will be placed in the mailbox at that time.

The latter situation can result from mailbox posts aging and rotting, or being installed in such a way that they cannot withstand these normal snow loads. This latter situation occurs generally through too weak a mailbox shaft, or too extensive a "sail" area (too large a box for the post size, or more than one box, decorations or flower boxes). We do not recommend plastic posts because they become rigid in cold weather. We will not replace plastic posts of any kind.

Anyone claiming damage to their mailbox or post should file a work order for repair WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF THE OCCURRENCE, through the Town website, www.trumbull-ct.gov. At the very bottom of the home page, under "Quick Links", click on "Citizen Service Request" and enter your information. If you do not have access to a computer, you can call the Highway Department at (203) 452-5070.

NOTE:  The first 10 feet of a road right-of-way is town property. The town will not be responsible for anything other than a mailbox being installed in the right-of-way. Damage from the action of the plowed material after leaving the edge of the plow must remain the risk of the owner of the encroaching item.