Tips to protect your packages
December 4, 2020 — Homeowner insights
Without a doubt, most Americans are ready to bid farewell to 2020. It’s safe to say this year has presented challenges to the way we do everything–and holiday gift shopping will be no different.
In fact, the numbers are in: more people participated in Black Friday shopping online than ever before. According to Adobe Analytics, which analyzes website transactions from 80 of the top 100 U.S. online retailers, consumers spent $9 billion online the day after Thanksgiving, up 21.6% year over year.1
Porch pirates aren’t new this year–36 percent of Americans report having had a package stolen, according to C+R Research. As a result of the increase in online purchases, certain options for preventing holiday package theft might not be possible to decrease the potential for theft.
With so many people working from home, having expensive packages delivered to a work address may not be an option. Using a friend or relative’s home, having packages delivered to the store or held at the post office are options but all require public interactions, which many aren’t comfortable with during these times.
So how can you protect your holiday purchases from theft?
Insurance might be the first thought as a way to protect your new purchases. However, while homeowners or renters insurance policies typically cover stolen packages, it might not provide the protection you were hoping to have. Insurance policies typically pay only when the amount of the loss exceeds the deductible. Most homeowners insurance deductibles are between $500 and $2,000. Consult your insurance professional for more information.
If your son’s new gaming system disappears from your porch, you’re not only going to have a sad guy on Christmas morning, you’re going to be out $300. Instead of navigating the loss of theft, consider implementing one of the following tips.
1. Light it up
As the days get shorter in some parts of the country it’s dark before dinner. Adding a motion detector light to your porch is one way to deter package thieves. No one wants to be in the spotlight when they are committing a crime.
2. Put it in the proper place
From padlock-protected bags and lockboxes to alarm-enabled devices on your stoop, providing delivery drivers with a secure location to deliver your package is another way to safeguard expensive items before you arrive home to retrieve them. Delivery services like Amazon also offer locker locations in some cities where packages can be securely left and retrieved without human contact.
3. Keep an eye on things, the smart way
Security cameras and smart doorbells are another way to monitor your entryway. These devices can provide peace of mind to protect your packages and your family. Another smart device–the smart lock allows delivery personnel to unlock the door to your home or car, place the package securely inside as you watch on your device and securely lock the door upon completion.
With one or two of these protective steps in place, you’ll have your holiday lute safe and secure. Then, while you’re cozy on the couch watching your latest binge on the new TV Santa brought, don’t forget to take the time to review your homeowners coverages to be sure you’re new high dollar ticket items are covered under your current amounts.
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