Package theft is a significant problem in America. According to a report by C+R Research, 36% of Americans have lost a package at least once. With 92% of Americans expecting to receive a package during the holiday season, it is essential to take some precautions to avoid losing your holiday gifts to package thieves.
Here are some holiday gift protection ideas to get you started.
Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
When leaving a store or your home, pay attention to your surroundings. Look out for anything or anyone suspicious. If you notice someone following you, checking out your car, walking, or driving around your neighborhood suspiciously, or making you feel uncomfortable in any way, go back to the store and alert security. Thieves also look for valuables in homes and cars through windows. Therefore, do not leave valuable items in your car or home in plain sight. If you have an SUV, consider using a cargo cover to hide boxes or any other items in your cargo hold.
Install a Home Security System
According to a survey by Insurance Quotes, about 26 million Americans have lost their holiday gifts and packages to porch pirates. A home security system can help prevent home invasions and porch pirates. The same survey also shows that homes without security systems are 300 times more likely to attract intruders. Security systems like a doorbell or front door camera will help you catch the thief red-handed and make tracing them easy. Porch pirates don’t like being in the spotlight, and to deter them, you can install motion-sensor lights. Other security measures you can take to protect your gifts include installing a security alarm system to protect your home at night or when you’re away from home.
Require a Signature for the Packages You Mail
When mailing packages to your friends or family using a delivery service, ensure that the recipient signs for the packages to confirm delivery and, more importantly, make sure the deliverers do not just leave your packages at front doors unattended. Almost all major courier companies, including FedEx, USPS, UPS, and DHL, offer this service. You can also request to sign for the items you buy online. Though this service involves a small fee, you can rest assured that the package will not fall into the wrong hands.
Have an Alternative Delivery or Pickup Option
Many delivery services offer alternative pickup and delivery options and locker services. If you are not at home to receive your package, the delivery service will deliver your package to an alternative location of your choice, where your package will remain until you pick it up. If such services are not available in your area, talk to your neighbor, and set up the delivery with them. If you are hardly home, have the packages delivered to your workplace instead. This way, you can protect your gifts from falling into the wrong hands.
Buy a Supplemental Coverage for Expensive Gifts
Most home insurance policies usually have exclusions and coverage limits for expensive items. To cover your expensive gifts fully, you should add a supplemental coverage called personal property endorsement to your home insurance coverage. Remember to keep the receipts of such gifts safe in case you need to file an insurance claim.
Use these five tips to protect your holiday gifts. For extra peace of mind, purchase the right insurance coverage. To find out if your existing insurance policy covers your holiday gifts, contact the experts at Mike Leonard Insurance Agency in Texas. We can connect you with our top insurance carriers, including Kemper, MetLife, Nationwide, Travelers, Safeco Insurance, Progressive, and American Strategic Insurance, to find the coverage you need.