Snowplow hit your mailbox in Lake Elmo, MN? What the city pays

Minnesota · Last checked November 2026

Key facts

Replacement

At the city's discretion.

Not covered

Snow off the plow dislodging the mailbox.

How it works

Mailboxes sit in the public right-of-way, so plows hit them every winter. Most cities pay only when the plow blade or truck touches the mailbox, not when the weight of thrown snow knocks it over, and most cap the payout at $40 to $100.

1. Take photos of the damage and the plow path before you clear anything.
2. Report it quickly. Some places want a call within 24 hours, others set a spring deadline.
3. Check that your mailbox met USPS height and setback rules, since many policies require it.
4. Keep receipts for the new box and post if you replace it yourself.
5. Put up a temporary box so mail delivery does not stop.

What it costs

City payouts usually run $40 to $100, with a few higher. A standard post and box from a store often costs more than the cap, and a custom or masonry mailbox is usually only covered up to the standard amount.

Full guide: what to do when a snowplow hits your mailbox.

More in Minnesota and nearby

• Blaine Only if the plow hits it
• Jackson Plow hit or plowed snow
• Owatonna Reimbursement available
• Stillwater Township Only if the plow hits it
• Woodbury Only if the plow hits it
• Traverse City Only if the plow hits it