Knowledge Base

As a result of snow removal/plowing operations, mailboxes can be damaged.  The damage may result from a direct strike of the snowplow (or snow removal equipment) or from snow being thrown by the plow/equipment. 

Please note that the State of Connecticut plows several of the major roads through East Hartford.  Mailbox damage on state roads should be reported to the Department of Transportation using their website:  Sending a Comment to the CTDOT.  If you aren't sure if your road is a state or Town road, you can find out using this website:    State Roads In East Hartford.

Residents and business owners are advised of the importance of proper placement and anchoring for their mailboxes, which will minimize or eliminate damage to mailboxes from snow plowing operations. Details can be found in US Postal Service guidelines about mailboxes:  How to Install a Mailbox  It is critically important that the face of the mailbox or the end of mailbox arm are no closer than 6-8" from the face of curb or edge of the pavement.

When notified of mailbox damage, the Highway Manager, or a Public Works Supervisor, will investigate the damage to determine eligibility for reimbursement.  In order to be eligible for reimbursement, the mailbox must have sustained damage from a direct strike by the snow removal equipment/snowplow.  Damage from the force of the snow against the mailbox is not reimbursable.  Town policy no longer includes replacement of the mailbox and/or post by Town employees.

Reimbursement amounts are: 

• $25.00 for the mailbox damage (not including the post),
• $50.00 for mailbox post damage, and
• $75.00 for damage to both the mailbox and the post.

To report mailbox damage, residents can use enter a service request using the MyEastHartford app, enter a service request using the Town website Request for Service, or by calling the Department of Public Works at (860) 291-7374.