I have been denied twice for my claim, they state not enough info even though we have supplied a receipt from the cuemaker and the person I bought it from in 2008. Does this sound like how the USPS does business, keeps turning you down till you have had enough and hope you go away.
I paid and had it insured for $500, it looks like they would work with me better. I guess I need some good advice.
Thanks
Tom Harris
Here is what you have to do. First get a copy of the insurance policy. Yes, there is a formal policy in writing. I don't know if they have it online, or if you will have to request it from them, or whatever, but get a copy. Every insurance policy sold in the US will tell you exactly what kinds of things it covers, and under what circumstances. It will also tell you exactly what your obligations are to be able to collect for your loss, as far as what proof you need of the loss or damage, how long you have to file the claim, and things like that. Read it very carefully and make sure you understand it all completely.
Next ask whoever is handling your claim from the post office to tell you exactly and very specifically why your claim is being denied, and what they would further need in order to approve your claim.
Now compare what they are telling you to what the policy says. Does the policy actually agree with them? If it does, then you are out of luck because you only get the coverage you paid for, and you only paid for exactly what the policy says. And as much as it sucks it would really be your own fault for not reading the policy before buying it to know exactly what was covered under what circumstances and how it worked. Yes I know we don't have time to do all that (or don't want to take the time anyway) and most people don't do it but it's still our own fault. I mean it certainly isn't somebody else's fault when we don't bother to find out exactly what we are buying.
Does it appear that the policy is not in fact agreeing with them? Then tell them exactly what the policy says (they will have a copy at their desk as well so they can refer to it if they need to) and why your claim is in fact covered by the policy and how you met all the obligations on your end according to the policy in order to be able to collect. If they still aren't approving your claim, and you are positive that you have fully read and understood the policy and that your claim should in fact be covered, then ask to deal with a supervisor or another claims rep but not until you are absolutely certain you are not going to get anywhere with the original person you were dealing with. They will usually allow that but sometimes you have to push for it.
The final thing is that the policy may (or may not) have a section spelling out other options you have if you find yourself in just such a position where you just absolutely cannot come to an agreement and want to pursue it further. Arbitration is often one of these options where an impartial but qualified 3rd party hears both of your arguments and then rules in favor of one of you. Usually the insurance policy specifies that their decision is final and binding and you both have to live with it. Who has to pay what portion of their services, if any, varies and will also be spelled out in the policy (assuming it even offers arbitration or anything else along those lines). With a government agency like the post office there may not be any options like that. You certainly can't take them to small claims court.
