Home Insurance and Package Theft: 7 Tips To Keep Porch Pirates Away

Installing extra security, tracking your packages and asking neighbors to help watch your porch are all ways to protect your packages from theft. While homeowners insurance may cover package theft, low-cost items might not exceed your deductible — so it’s essential to take precautions to avoid filing a claim.

Keep reading to learn what porch pirates are and get tips on how to stop porch piracy and protect your home from theft.

What Is a Porch Pirate?

Porch pirates are thieves who steal packages from other people’s doorsteps to either resell the items or keep them for themselves. Some porch pirates will simply walk up, pick up the package and walk away. Others may work with a partner — one takes the package while the other drives the getaway car.

Is Porch Piracy a Crime?

Porch piracy is a crime in several states, and the legal consequences depend on the value or quantity of stolen property. For example, in Arkansas, stealing a package worth $1,001 to $5,000 from another person’s doorstep is considered a Class D felony, punishable by up to six years in jail.^[1][2] In Washington, a person must steal at least 10 pieces of mail from three or more addresses before being charged with a class C felony, which carries fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to five years.^[3][4]

How Often Are Packages Stolen From Porches?

It's estimated that 120.5 million packages were stolen in 2023 – an increase of 1 million packages compared to the previous year. Additionally, 79% of people who have experienced porch piracy said another package was stolen from them within the last 12 months. This suggests that if porch pirates have targeted your home once, they may attempt to return.^[5]

Listed below are the highest-risk U.S. metro areas for package theft as of 2024. If you live in one of these cities, consider taking extra precautions to prevent theft:^[5]

1. New York
2. Philadelphia
3. Chicago
4. Washington, D.C.
5. Houston
6. Atlanta
7. Charlotte, N.C.
8. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
9. Boston
10. Cleveland

Which Packages Do Porch Pirates Steal the Most?

When comparing package theft across major delivery companies, most stolen packages were delivered by Amazon (33.2%), followed by USPS (18.3%), FedEx (17.1%) and UPS (15.7%). Grocery and meal kit deliveries, such as HelloFresh, were also frequently reported stolen from porches.^[5]

When Do Porch Pirates Typically Steal Packages?

Most package thefts occur in the afternoon (56%), likely because home residents are still at school or work. The evening (34%) and morning (33%) are the next most common times for package theft, when people may be commuting to or from school or work. Additionally, most thefts happen between Monday and Wednesday and are least common on Saturday.^[6]

What Should I Do if I’m a Victim of Porch Piracy?

If you’re confident that someone stole your package, report the theft to the police. If you have video footage of the incident, share it with the responding officer. Your case may be part of a broader pattern of package thefts, and your documentation can help authorities identify the thief — potentially preventing future crimes.

Next, contact the retailer to request a replacement or refund.

If the package was high-value and its cost exceeds your deductible, consider filing a homeowners insurance claim for reimbursement.

Does Home Insurance Cover Package Theft?

Theft is a covered peril under standard homeowners insurance, and this coverage can extend to packages stolen from your doorstep. Your policy may also include off-premise coverage, which can insure packages stolen from your car.^[7]

Keep in mind that low-cost packages likely won’t exceed your homeowners insurance deductible. While the average deductible is about $1,000, 67% of packages stolen are valued at $100 or less. In these cases, it usually wouldn’t make sense to file a claim for a low-value item.^[5][8]

However, if multiple items are stolen and their combined value exceeds your deductible, filing a homeowners insurance claim may be worthwhile — especially if other options, such as a refund or replacement from the retailer, don't work out.

How To Keep Your Home Safe From Porch Pirates

You’ve spent your hard-earned money on online orders — don’t let porch pirates steal your packages. Use the tips below to help stop porch piracy and keep your deliveries safe.

1. Install a Security Camera

Security cameras can help deter package theft by scaring off potential thieves who don’t want to be caught on video. If a porch pirate steals a package anyway, the footage can serve as evidence for police reports or insurance claims — whether with the retailer, shipping company or your homeowners insurance provider.

Additionally, installing security devices, like doorbell cameras, may qualify you for a smart home discount.

2. Pay for Extra Shipping Protection

Many shipping companies offer the option to purchase additional protection, ensuring your package arrives safely and securely. For example, USPS offers package insurance or signature confirmation, which requires the delivery person to obtain a signature before releasing the package.^[9]

3. Sign Up for Delivery Management

Some shipping companies, such as FedEx and UPS, offer customers the option to sign up for free delivery management programs. With UPS My Choice, for example, you can specify where on your porch to leave a package or request delivery to a neighbor instead. Certain features may incur additional charges, such as rescheduling delivery or selecting a two-hour delivery window.^[10]

4. Get a Delivery Drop Box

You can install a delivery drop box, allowing couriers to place packages inside a secure container instead of leaving them exposed on your doorstep. This conceals your packages from plain view after delivery and secures them.

The added effort required to break into a locked box that might be empty can deter thieves. Be sure to include delivery instructions mentioning your lockbox — missed details could cause delays or delivery errors.

5. Sign Up for Shipping Notifications

Most major shipping companies allow consumers to opt in to receive mobile or email notifications for delivery updates. These alerts keep you informed of your package’s journey to your doorstep and help you know exactly when to expect it.

You can usually enable tracking notifications directly on the carrier’s tracking page, using your package’s tracking number.

6. Rally Your Neighbors

If someone steals your package, your neighbors may also be at risk. Work together to watch for signs of porch pirates, such as unknown vehicles driving slowly through the neighborhood.

Consider exchanging contact information with a trusted neighbor and asking them to pick up your package if you’re not home. A connected community can help deter porch piracy and make everyone’s deliveries safer.

7. Ship to a Secure Location

If you live in an area prone to package theft, consider shipping your order to a secure location — such as your workplace, a family member’s home in a gated community or a friend who works from home. Amazon customers may also be able to ship orders to an Amazon Locker, which requires the recipient to enter a code to retrieve the package.^[11]

How To File a Claim for Package Theft

If you believe porch pirates have stolen your order, follow these steps to locate your package, arrange a replacement or request a refund.

Step 1: Track the Package

Start by confirming that your package was delivered. After placing your order, the retailer should have provided a tracking number that you can enter on the shipping carrier’s website. You may find that the package was scheduled for delivery but was delayed.

Step 2: Look Around

Sometimes, delivery drivers leave packages in unexpected or hidden places, such as in a bush, behind porch decorations or in the backyard. Small packages delivered by the U.S. Postal Service may even be waiting in your mailbox. You should also check with your neighbors, as the courier may have mistakenly delivered your package to a nearby address.

If you still can’t find your package, look for a notice of attempted delivery. A notice will indicate the status of your package, such as:

• Delivery will be re-attempted the following business day.
• Your package is available for pick-up at a specified address.
• Your package is being returned to the sender.

Please note that your package may still be in transit, even if your tracking information indicates it has been delivered. Amazon notes that some orders may be mistakenly marked as delivered up to 48 hours before arrival.^[12]

If you have a security camera, review your footage. It can confirm whether the package was delivered, and if a porch pirate stole it, that evidence can be shared with the police or used in a reimbursement claim.

Step 3: Contact the Retailer

If you can’t locate your package, contact the retailer. Depending on the company’s policy, they may send you a replacement or issue a full refund. However, this is not always guaranteed — once the package reaches your doorstep, the retailer has fulfilled its delivery obligation and can’t control when you’re home to receive it.

Step 4: File a Claim With the Shipping Company

If the retailer can’t replace or refund your order, you may be able to file a claim with the shipping company for reimbursement. Most claims can be started online through the carrier’s website or by contacting customer service. If your claim is approved, the shipping company will provide instructions for reimbursement.

Step 5: Dispute the Charge With Your Credit Card Company

Credit cards often include consumer protection benefits that may help if you have never received your order. If the retailer and shipping company can’t resolve the issue, you can dispute the charge with your credit card issuer.

Keep in mind that disputes must usually be filed within a limited timeframe, so it’s best to act as soon as possible.^[13]

Step 6: File a Homeowners Insurance Claim for High-Value Packages

If you ordered an item worth more than your deductible, consider filing a homeowners insurance claim. However, keep in mind that your premiums may increase after filing a claim.^[14]

In many cases, it may be better not to file a claim unless the value of the stolen items is substantial enough to outweigh a potential rate increase.