For many online shoppers and apartment dwellers, the excitement of a delivery can quickly turn into frustration if a package disappears. Luckily, renters insurance will generally cover stolen packages, but there are several factors to consider.
Let’s explore how renters insurance can protect you from package theft and what you can do to safeguard your deliveries. We’ll also take a look at some practical tips to prevent theft from porch pirates.
TL;DR
- Renters insurance can cover stolen packages, but whether you get reimbursed depends on your policy details, like your deductible and how much the package is worth
- To file a claim, you’ll need proof of theft (like a police report) and proof of purchase, so keeping records is essential
- Coverage might not kick in if the package value is under your deductible or if you don’t have adequate proof of theft or purchase
Does renters insurance cover stolen packages?
Yes, if someone swipes your package from your doorstep, your renters policy could help cover the loss.
However, this depends on the specifics of your policy, including any applicable deductible you must meet before receiving a payout.
When it comes to payment, insurance companies often consider the actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost when calculating your reimbursement.
Think of replacement cost as the “Amazon price” of how much your item (same make and model) would sell for today, if it were new.
Actual cash value, or ACV accounts for depreciation, such as wear and tear or your item becoming outdated. So your insurer will generally reimburse you how much your item is worth today, rather than how much it would cost to replace the item.
What to do if your package is stolen
If you suspect package theft, it’s best to take immediate action. Start by checking with your neighbors to see if they mistakenly picked up your delivery. Delivery mix-ups happen, and you may be able to locate your items after a quick conversation.
If not, contact the delivery company for confirmation that your package has been delivered, and to what address. Some companies might even offer compensation or a replacement for stolen packages.
If you’re sure that your package was stolen, report the theft to your local police department. A police report can be essential for filing a renters insurance claim. When communicating with your insurance provider, you’ll want to have the following information ready:
- A detailed description of the stolen package, including contents and estimated value
- Proof of purchase, such as digital receipts or order confirmations
- The police report number
- Any photos or video footage that can support your claim
Finally, contact your renters insurance company to file a claim. Provide all necessary documentation and be prepared to answer questions from an insurance adjuster.
How can I prevent my packages from being stolen?
Prevention is key when it comes to package theft. Here are some practical steps you can take:
1. Choose secure delivery options
Opt for delivery services that require a signature upon receipt. You can also use package lockers or delivery boxes if available. Some retailers offer in-store pickup, which eliminates the risk of doorstep theft altogether.
2. Install security cameras
A visible security camera can deter potential thieves. Modern cameras often come with motion alerts and recording features, providing evidence if theft occurs. Check with your insurance provider, as some might offer discounts for homes equipped with security systems.
3. Schedule deliveries wisely
Arrange for packages to arrive when you’re home or ask a trusted neighbor to collect them on your behalf. It’s wise to avoid ordering an expensive item to be delivered while you’re on vacation, for example. Some delivery services even allow you to specify a convenient time window for delivery.
4. Stay safe!
While taking steps to prevent package theft can significantly reduce the chance of theft, it’s not guaranteed that your packages are safe. Getting renters insurance is a great start to keeping your stuff safe, and covers you for more incidents than just package theft.
Where is package theft most common?
Let’s take a look at the top ten U.S. metro areas that experienced the highest monetary losses due to package theft in 2023.
| Metro-areas | Estimated $ value lost in 2023 |
|---|---|
| New York, NY | $945,109,214 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $449,999,644 |
| Chicago, IL | $261,868,915 |
| Washington, D.C. | $231,606,394 |
| Houston, TX | $207,429,721 |
| Atlanta, GA | $154,524,169 |
| Charlotte, NC | $152,451,134 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth, TX | $151,202,447 |
| Boston, MA | $143,707,335 |
| Cleveland, OH | $132,599,179 |
When will renters insurance not cover a stolen package?
There are some situations where renters insurance might not cover the cost of a stolen package. Here are a few examples:
Value below the deductible
An insurance deductible is an amount of money you choose when purchasing a policy that will be subtracted from any future claims payouts. If the value of your stolen package is below your policy’s deductible, you won’t receive any compensation.
Lack of proof
When it comes time to file a claim, you’ll need two kinds of proof in order to process your claim.
Proof of theft, which should include:
- Police reports: Always file a report with local authorities immediately after the theft occurs, as this serves as an official record of the incident
- Witness statements: If someone witnessed the theft or can vouch for your ownership, their statement can be valuable
- Security footage: If you have security cameras, the footage can provide proof of the crime
Proof of purchase, including:
- Confirmation of the transaction: Always document your purchases by keeping receipts, invoices, and bank statements
- Record of delivery timeline: Maintaining a record of delivery confirmations can help establish the timeline and authenticity of your items
Without sufficient proof of theft and purchase, your claim may be denied, which is why it’s crucial to provide solid evidence when filing a report.
Coverage limits
Be aware of your policy limits. High-value items, such as jewelry, art, and collectibles, typically have sub-limits under a standard renters insurance policy, so you may not be covered for the full worth of your package.
For example, let’s say you’re getting ready to propose and find a beautiful engagement ring online for $10,000. Your base policy would only cover jewelry theft up to $1,500 (aka the sub-limit).
If your ring is delivered and stolen off your porch while you’re out grocery shopping, your insurance company will only reimburse you up to $1,500 for the stolen engagement ring, if the claim is approved.
For high value items, consider purchasing Extra Coverage, which will make sure they’re covered for what they’re worth.
Before we go…
Renters insurance can be a vital tool in protecting your personal belongings against theft—including stolen packages.
In addition to keeping your stuff safe through personal property coverage, a renters insurance policy may also provide coverage for:
- Temporary living expenses: Also known as loss of use, covers costs like hotel bills, food, and laundry, above your normal living expenses, if a covered loss causes your place to be unlivable.
- Liability coverage: Provides protection for instances in which someone gets hurt at your place in an accident – whether that means medical expenses or legal fees from a lawsuit. This coverage also provides protection if you accidentally damage someone else’s property.
Ready to protect your peace? Click below to get your free renters insurance quote.
FAQs
Does renters insurance cover stolen money in a delivered package?
Renters insurance can cover stolen money, but only up to a certain limit, usually no more than a couple hundred dollars. At Lemonade, the sub-limit for stolen money is $200.
This cap exists because cash and similar items fall under a special sub-limit on the policy, which means $200 is the maximum reimbursement available, regardless of the total amount stolen.
Does renters insurance cover food deliveries stolen from your doorstep?
Renters insurance generally covers theft of personal property, including packages. In most cases, the cost of a food delivery is likely to be lower than your deductible, meaning you may not qualify for any compensation.
Does renters insurance cover packages stolen while being delivered to my work address?
Well, it depends. Renters insurance can cover theft of personal property, even if it happens away from home, like at your workplace. However, if the items delivered to your work address were intended for work purposes, renters insurance may not cover the loss.
Does renters insurance cover stolen gifts purchased online and shipped to someone else?
Generally, your renter’s insurance can cover a stolen package that was shipped to someone else, provided you purchased the item and the recipient had not yet received it. However, if the package was delivered and the recipient took ownership before it was stolen, they would need to file a claim with their own insurance.
If you’re sending gift cards to friends or family, remember that money also has a sub-limit, which is $200 at Lemonade.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.
