‘Porch Pirates’ mean spending big on package protection this holiday season

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Published Date 12/6/2024

You’re at work all day. But because of notifications you’ve received on your smartphone, you can see that a box sits in front of your entry door. As the day continues, other boxes and bags are added. It’s bothersome to call neighbors to collect them, so you just cross your fingers and hope they are still there when you get home in the dark.

The problem? It’s not a safe bet any more. The rise of package theft has become a major concern for online shoppers, with nearly half expected to lose at least one delivery during the holiday season, according to ValuePenguin. As ’s reporter Imani Moise explores, this growing problem has spawned an entire industry of protective measures, from high-tech solutions to insurance coverage.

Key points from Moise's reporting:

• Americans are investing heavily in protection, with many spending hundreds on doorbell cameras and secure lockboxes. As she notes, "Nearly half of consumers have security systems in place to monitor package delivery," with average costs around $143.45.

• A new insurance startup called PorchPals is expanding nationwide, offering coverage of "up to $2,000 of deliveries, or up to three claims a year" for $120 annually. However, as insurance specialist Divya Sangameshwar points out, "Porch pirates tend to hit the same locations over and over," potentially making the three-claim limit problematic.

• The impact on living choices is significant. Moise shares the story of Jenny Eckstein, a 31-year-old software developer who "moved to an apartment with a doorman after living in a building that was a favorite of porch pirates," despite the higher monthly cost.

• Existing protections often fall short. As PorchPals co-founder James Moore explains, "They usually send you back to the retailer, creating an endless loop of finger-pointing." Even surveillance systems have limited utility. Minneapolis resident Adam Sticha observes, "All the cameras are good for getting an FYI that your package was stolen."

• Traditional insurance isn't always helpful. As Sangameshwar cautions, "With home insurance rates rising as quickly as they are, you probably don't want to be filing a claim for frivolous things like a package going missing." The high deductibles often make claims impractical.

• Financial counselor Terri Bailey suggests careful consideration before purchasing additional protection, noting that "a lot of insurance products duplicate what you already have access to as a consumer." Many retailers will replace stolen items to maintain customer satisfaction, though this isn't guaranteed.

WSJ, TBWS

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