Caleb Meriwether, Haven Insurance Partners, visits with Dan Reaves, host of ‘The Dan Reaves Show,’ today, and each Wednesday at 3:30 p.m., to discuss all things insurance.
The holiday season brings family time, goodwill, and a significant rise in home deliveries. Unfortunately, it also brings an increase in package theft from porches and mailboxes across the country. If a delivery goes missing this year, you may have more protection than you think.
This guide explains the different coverage options available and offers practical tips to help safeguard your purchases.
What Is Porch Piracy?
Porch piracy refers to the theft of delivered packages from a doorstep, entryway, or mailbox before the recipient retrieves them. Because of the sheer volume of online holiday shopping, this type of theft reaches its peak during November and December.
Homeowners and Renters Insurance
Many homeowners and renters insurance policies will provide coverage for stolen packages under the personal property coverage section. Here are a few important considerations:
- You will need to file a claim.
- Your deductible applies, so coverage is most helpful for higher-value items.
- Coverage may differ depending on how and where the theft occurred.
Always review your policy or contact your insurance agent to understand the specific terms and limits.
Credit Card Purchase Protection
Many major credit cards automatically include purchase protection for newly bought items. If a package is stolen shortly after you purchased it, the card issuer may reimburse you directly. Coverage rules vary by card, but often include:
- A protection period such as 60 to 120 days from the date of purchase.
- A maximum dollar limit per claim or per year.
- Minimal or no deductible.
Check your card benefits guide or online account for details.
Retailer and Carrier Support
Before filing an insurance claim, check with the merchant and the shipping company. Many retailers offer free replacements or refunds if the delivery never arrived or if the carrier confirms it was lost in transit. Major carriers such as UPS, FedEx, USPS, and Amazon also have shipping protection programs that may apply when the package is not successfully delivered.
Third-Party Package Protection
Some online stores offer optional package protection during checkout. This coverage can be a simple, low-cost way to ensure you are reimbursed for stolen or damaged goods, especially for valuable purchases during the holiday season.
Ways to Reduce the Risk of Package Theft
A few practical steps can make a major difference in protecting your holiday deliveries:
- Use secure delivery lockers or pickup locations.
- Require a delivery signature whenever possible.
- Schedule deliveries for times when you will be home.
- Ask a trusted neighbor to bring packages inside for you.
- Install a door camera or security system focused on the delivery area.
- Consider using your workplace as the delivery address if permitted.
Final Thoughts
Package theft can quickly take the joy out of holiday gift-giving, but you are not without protection. Between homeowner or renter coverage, credit card protections, retailer policies, and optional delivery insurance, there are multiple ways to recover the value of a stolen item.
Being proactive with delivery methods and knowing your coverage options can help ensure that the gifts you purchase arrive safely into the hands of the people you care about.
