Consider Shipping Insurance
Shipping insurance is sold by postal services, courier companies, and shipping-insurance companies. Not all insurers will insure all goods. However, if you are ordering high-value items online, you may purchase shipping insurance to ensure its delivery.
Give Specific Instructions
Instead of having deliveries left unsecured at your front door, you can instruct drivers to leave the packages at a back door or in a bolted, coded lockbox. The delivery person can snap a lock on the box that only you can access. Using a specialty service, such as Amazon Key, allows delivery representatives to access your home, garage, or vehicle to securely drop-off packages.
Deliver to Store
Always ensure that your packages are delivered to a secure location if you do not think that you will be home to accept them yourself. Most retailers give you the option to order items online and pick up at their nearest store. You can also have your packages delivered to a local UPS or FedEx store. These locations are fully staffed and equipped to keep your packages safe until you can come by to pick them up.
As an alternative, you can have your parcels safely delivered to an Amazon Hub locker. These secure, self-service kiosks allow you to pick up packages at a time and place that is convenient for you.
Install Security Camera or Video Doorbell
One of the most inexpensive solutions for the problem of package theft is installing a security device, camera, or video doorbell to monitor your front porch. You can watch your home on a whim, receive notifications, and converse with the person on your porch.
The mere presence of cameras or smart doorbells may be enough to discourage and ward off the "porch pirates." If the thoughtless thief has the steely nerve to swipe a package, the camera will photograph the culprit. This leaves you with the evidence needed to file a police report and homeowners’ insurance claim.
Additionally, installing these cameras may qualify you for a homeowners’ insurance discount.
Sign Up for Tracking and Alerts
Most mailing carriers and retailers offer package tracking services and alerts. Many delivery services will not only send you a delivery notification but will also take a photo of the package on your doorstep.
Schedule the Delivery
A simple and effective tactic is to require a signature for delivery, request a specific delivery time, or schedule the deliveries for the same day each week. Most shipping companies offer these options.
The Grinch Stole the Package, Now What
If your unattended packages fall into the hands of “porch pirates, scurvy thieves, and Christmas Grinches”, follow these tips:
- Contact the Seller: File a claim with the seller and ask for a replacement or refund.
- Contact the Shipping Company: File a claim with the mailing service that shipped your package. FedEx, UPS, USPS, and Amazon accept claims for damaged, lost, or stolen property.
- Check Your Credit Card: Many credit card companies offer purchase protection plans that may reimburse you for the lost or stolen items. The credit card company may require you to file a police report and homeowners’ insurance claim before considering your request for reimbursement.
- File an Insurance Claim: If you have homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, it may cover lost or stolen packages. The theft would be covered because the package was on your property. Keep in mind that filing a claim would be fruitless if the value of the stolen goods is less than the deductible on your policy.
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