With the push to stay home in 2020, shopping online is more popular than ever. Now that more packages are showing up at our doorsteps, package theft is also on the rise. According to a ValuePenguin survey taken in July, about one in five consumers has had a package stolen since the coronavirus pandemic started spreading in the U.S. in March. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to protect your property and save the holidays this year.
1. Leave Delivery Instructions
Instead of having the package dropped off at your front door, you may be able to instruct the delivery driver to leave the package at your back door, with a neighbor, or in a coded lockbox.
2. Consider Shipping Insurance
If you’ve purchased something particularly valuable, it may be a good idea to purchase shipping insurance on the item to protect against damage, loss or theft. You can purchase insurance directly from many shipping carriers such as UPS, FedEx and USPS.
3. Use Credit Cards
When making online purchases, you may be able to better protect your finances by using a credit card instead of your debit card or another payment method. If you have a package stolen, damaged, or lost in transit, your credit card company may be able to credit back your account. This is not an option when using a debit card.
4. Sign Up for Tracking Notifications
Many carriers allow you to follow the progress of shipments to your door with tracking services. With these text or email alerts turned on, you can know when a delivery is due and make sure someone you trust will be home to receive your package.
5. Invest in a Security Camera
Installing a security camera or video doorbell can help deter porch pirates through its presence alone. This option gives you the ability to see exactly when your package is delivered. If a package is still stolen, you may have video evidence for a police report.
6. Use Secure Boxes
Consider installing a locked mailbox or large parcel lockbox on your property. Some online retailers are also making use of parcel lockers that allow you to pick up your package from a secure location.
Protecting your property isn’t just about those packages showing up on your doorstep. Explore our blog to learn more about how you can protect your home’s smart devices, secure your smartphone, stop wire fraud in its tracks, and more. But one of the best ways to protect your most valuable purchase? Title insurance. Talk to your Old Republic Title representative today to learn how title insurance can protect the title to your home.