How late can you claim for a royal mail letter
According to Royal Mail's guidelines, you can claim compensation for a lost or delayed letter up to 12 months after the expected delivery date. This is known as the "time limit" for making a claim.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
- Check the expected delivery date: First, check the expected delivery date on the Royal Mail tracking information or the postmark on the letter.
- Wait 15 working days: Allow 15 working days (3 weeks) from the expected delivery date to pass before making a claim. This is to give Royal Mail time to investigate and potentially deliver the letter.
- Make a claim: If the letter hasn't arrived after 15 working days, you can make a claim online or by phone. You'll need to provide the tracking number, the expected delivery date, and a detailed description of the letter and its contents.
- Time limit: You have up to 12 months from the expected delivery date to make a claim. If you miss this deadline, Royal Mail won't accept your claim.
Some important notes:
- Proof of posting: You'll need to provide proof of posting, such as a receipt or a copy of the postmark, to support your claim.
- Value of the letter: The value of the letter will affect the compensation you receive. Royal Mail will pay up to £20 for a lost or delayed letter, and up to £40 for a letter containing valuable items like cash, cheques, or important documents.
- Claims process: Royal Mail will investigate your claim and may request additional information. If your claim is successful, they'll pay the compensation directly to you.
Remember to keep a record of your claim, including the expected delivery date, tracking number, and any correspondence with Royal Mail.