Mailbox Damage Policy
During winter snow and ice events, our drivers work hard to clear the roadways while avoiding damage to mailboxes. Despite these efforts, heavy snow accumulation and reduced visibility can occasionally lead to damage during plowing operations. In most cases, the primary causes are weakened or rotten posts and the force of snow being thrown from the plow—not direct contact with equipment.
Although government agencies are not required to repair or replace mailboxes located within the public right‑of‑way, the Allen County Engineer chooses to do so as a courtesy to our residents. If you live on a road maintained by our office and believe your mailbox was damaged, please contact the Allen County Engineer’s Office at (419) 228‑3196. A representative will visit the site to evaluate the damage.
If your mailbox or post meets Allen County Standards and was damaged due to direct contact with our equipment, we will repair or replace it. However, we do not replace non‑standard, specialty, or decorative mailboxes. Replacements will consist of a standard USPS‑approved lightweight steel mailbox mounted on a breakaway 4″ x 4″ timber post, installed according to Allen County Standards.
Mailboxes damaged by snow, ice, or slush thrown from the plow will not be replaced. Mailboxes installed too close to the roadway or those that do not meet Allen County Standards will also not be replaced. Please note that plastic mailboxes are especially vulnerable in cold weather and often fail when struck by snow or slush. For this reason, we do not recommend plastic mailboxes or supports.
Allen County Mailbox Standards can be found on our website under Standard Drawings: https://allencountyohengineer.com/
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