What to Do If Your Package Gets Stolen

February 19, 2026 | by Strock Insurance

Table of Contents

My Package Was Stolen From My Porch: What Do I Do?
Does Renters Insurance Cover Stolen Packages and Should I File a Claim?
Stop Package Theft Before it Happens
What to Do If Your Package Gets Stolen

If you’re worried about having a package stolen from your porch, it may be a real concern. Pennsylvania was fifth in the country for package theft in 2025, with an average of 14,332 thefts daily. Knowing what to do if your package gets stolen helps you stay prepared.

My Package Was Stolen From My Porch: What Do I Do?

If you were expecting a delivery but it’s not on your property, here’s what to do.

Look for the Package

Check to make sure that the item wasn’t mistakenly delivered to another address or picked up by someone else. Look beyond your porch or front door, in case the wind blew your delivery away.

Contact the Carrier and Seller

Find out as much as you can to determine whether there was a delay or miscommunication. If there was not, ask how to report a stolen package. Major companies, including USPS, Amazon and FedEx, have processes in place to help you.

File a Claim

You can file a claim with the seller, sender, or the service that actually delivered the item. Always follow the claims process carefully and submit your claim in writing as soon as you can. Keep copies of any paperwork and information you send.

Check Your Credit Card

If you paid with your credit card, check to see if you have purchase protection. Your credit card company may refund you the amount you spent on the item. Be aware that some items are not covered and there is typically a limit on how much you can claim, depending on your credit card.

File a Claim With Your Insurance

Your homeowners or renters insurance can cover packages stolen from your porch or property. You will need to file a claim, and policies may have limits in place.

File a Police Report

When you file a claim, your insurer or the carrier may ask for a copy of the police report. Filing a police report also helps your local area assess the prevalence of porch piracy in your area.

Does Renters Insurance Cover Stolen Packages and Should I File a Claim?

In many cases, renters insurance does cover items stolen by porch pirates, but some policies require the value of the stolen item to exceed your deductible. If you successfully file a claim, your insurance company will reimburse you for the replacement value of the item.

Stop Package Theft Before it Happens

Knowing how to report a stolen package is great, but it’s even better to avoid theft in the first place. Here’s how:

Use technology: A Ring doorbell or security system with cameras can deter thieves and capture images of any theft that does occur. This data can facilitate claims and help track down stolen items more easily. You can even invest in smart garage doors that let you communicate with delivery personnel remotely and grant them access to your garage. This system ensures your packages stay in your locked garage until you get home.
Consider delivery carefully: Schedule deliveries for times when someone will be home, or consider having packages sent to your workplace.
Get a PO box: With a PO box, your packages are stored inside a secure location, often inside a post office.
Provide carriers with additional instructions: You can request that your items be delivered to a less visible spot, such as a side door. You can also get a box or chest for your front porch so that delivery personnel can place your packages out of sight.