Lost passport in post who is responsible?

irishjohn

Hi
I am with the bank - where I work we often need to see documents like passports and our return service is as received. I recommend that our customers either bring the document in person, and wait for its return immediately once validated, or send it by Guaranteed next day delivery. This is the only Royal Mail service where the item is tracked from the moment it is received by them in a Post Offfice and a receipt given to the point at which it is delivered and a signature obtained to confirm delivery.

Recorded delivery is just thrown in with all other mail and delivered either 1st or 2nd class and is only given special attention when handed over by the postman - where he is required to obtain a signature to confirm delivery - so lots of opportunity for it to get lost.

If I want to ensure the care of my property I would fork out for special delivery for both delivery and return - ensuring its absolute safety - £500 compensation for about £4.50 each way.

smellslikemarmite

If you knew about the Like for Like policy and that you're only insured up to £30 then it's your own fault, really.
If you won't post something valuable to you as Recorded Delivery then why should the bank?

marleyboy

You took a huge gamble sending such an important document off via a 1st class stamp. But the bank have admitted it was received by them, so it paid off.

However, from the bank having the item til you receive it, it is the banks responcability to ensure it gets back to you.

I used to work the mail for Natwest, I do remember, as long as I sent the item to a customer "special delivery", from the moment it left the bank, it would by Royal Mails responcability.

However, should the item be lost in post on the return journey, it would be the banks job to compensate the customer, and claim it back from RM, having a signed "special Delivery" form to prove the it was sent.

I had one item slip fru the net at the bank, Title deeds, that went fru regular mail instead of "special delivery", although the item did get to its destination, I still got my !!! kicked for it .

custardy

its surprising how many companies/organisations send important docs by standard mail
the government depts(especially immigration) seem to do this as a norm

smcaul

Marleyboy has raised a good point. Ask the bank to see proof of posting, if they can't then how do they know the item is not lost internally at the bank and has never actually made it as far as the post room?

Many companies blame RM for lost items when in fact RM has never even seen them.

amandaooo

Thank you all for your responses - lol to mobyfix - I think you are onto something there...