- Key Takeaways
- Why Does Property Crime Increase During the Holidays?
- What is "Porch Piracy" and how does it relate to the holidays?
- How much higher is the risk in Florida during December?
- Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover Stolen Packages and Gifts?
- How does my deductible affect a package theft claim?
- What about gifts stolen from inside my home?
- What Steps Can I Take to Prevent Burglary and Theft?
- How can I make my home look occupied when I travel?
- How can I protect my deliveries from porch pirates?
- How Can I Use Technology to Get an Insurance Discount?
- Which security devices qualify for a discount?
- Is a DIY security system better than a professionally monitored one?
- What Should I Do IMMEDIATELY After a Break-In or Theft?
- What is the first thing I need to do?
- What documents should I have ready for my agent?
- Holiday Security FAQs
- If a burglar breaks my window, does my homeowners policy pay for the repair?
- What if my wallet or laptop is stolen from my car while I'm Christmas shopping?
- What is the difference between Actual Cash Value (ACV) and Replacement Cost Value (RCV) for stolen gifts?
- If I schedule an expensive piece of jewelry, how does that protect it?
- Conclusion
The holiday season should be a time of joy and celebration, but unfortunately, it’s also when burglary and theft risks spike. As you shop, travel, and welcome guests, criminals see opportunities. In fact, Florida ranks as the state with the highest burglary rates during the Christmas season, with significantly more incidents per capita than the national average (Source: Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers). Protecting your home and your precious gifts is vital, and the team at Finney Insurance Corporation is here to ensure your insurance coverage is just as secure as your locks.
Key Takeaways
- Risk Spikes During Holidays: Property crime, including home burglary and “porch piracy” (package theft), increases significantly during the holiday season because homes are full of new, valuable gifts or are left empty while residents are traveling. Florida has one of the highest burglary rates during December.
- Your Policy Covers Theft (But Check Limits): Your Homeowners, Condo, or Renters Insurance policy covers the theft of packages and gifts under your Personal Property Coverage (Coverage C).
- Deductibles Matter: Small thefts (like a single package) often fall below your policy’s deductible, meaning you pay the cost out-of-pocket.
- Special Limits: Standard policies have low limits (e.g., $1,500) for high-value items like jewelry, firearms, and cash. If you receive an expensive gift, you must add a Scheduled Personal Property Endorsement (a “floater”) to cover its full value.
- Proactive Security Prevents Claims: The best defense is making your home a harder target.
- Travel Security: When traveling, always halt mail/deliveries, use programmable smart lights to make the home look occupied, and avoid posting vacation details on social media until you return.
- Package Protection: Avoid porch piracy by using secure delivery locations (workplace, secure lockers) or installing a video doorbell and a secure delivery box.
- Technology Earns Discounts: Installing devices that lower risk can save you money.
- Protective Device Discounts are offered for centrally monitored alarm systems and video surveillance. Always inform your agent about your security devices to ensure you get the maximum discount.
- Know the Claims Steps: If a break-in occurs, the first steps are critical: ensure safety, call the police immediately to get a police report number, and then contact your insurance agent with your home inventory and receipts. The police report is mandatory for all theft claims.
Why Does Property Crime Increase During the Holidays?
Property crime, including home burglaries and package theft (known as “porch piracy”), increases significantly during the holidays for simple reasons: opportunity and valuables. Burglars know that homes are either filled with new, expensive gifts or are sitting empty while the owners are traveling. This heightened risk makes reviewing your security steps and insurance coverage more critical than ever.
What is “Porch Piracy” and how does it relate to the holidays?
Porch piracy is the theft of packages delivered to your home, and it’s a booming business for thieves during the holiday shopping rush. Americans collectively lose billions of dollars to package theft annually, with the average stolen package valued at around $132 (Source: Capital One Shopping). As more shopping moves online, thieves stake out neighborhoods, looking for valuable, easily-snatched boxes left on your Hollywood doorstep.
How much higher is the risk in Florida during December?
The risk is substantially higher in the Sunshine State. Florida has been shown to have an average of 88.5 burglary incidents per 100,000 people during December, which is almost four times the national average (Source: Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers). This sharp increase shows that thieves are highly active in our area during this time, targeting homes that look un-occupied or have valuable items visible.
Does My Homeowners Insurance Cover Stolen Packages and Gifts?
Yes, generally your renters, condo, or home insurance policy covers stolen property, including holiday packages stolen from your porch and gifts stolen during a home break-in. This coverage falls under the Personal Property Coverage (Coverage C) part of your policy. However, two important things apply: your deductible and your coverage limits.
How does my deductible affect a package theft claim?
Your deductible is the amount you must pay out of your own pocket before your insurance coverage starts paying. If you have a $1,000 deductible and a thief steals two packages worth $500 total, filing a claim likely won’t make sense because the loss is less than your deductible. For small losses like a single package, it’s often better to seek a refund or replacement from the retailer or shipping carrier first.
What about gifts stolen from inside my home?
If a burglar breaks into your Hollywood home and steals expensive electronics, jewelry, or cash, the loss is covered by your Personal Property Coverage, subject to your policy’s limits.
- Hypothetical Example: A thief breaks in while you’re away and steals $3,000 worth of wrapped gifts (electronics, clothes, etc.). If your deductible is $500, the insurance company would pay you $2,500 (minus any depreciation if you have Actual Cash Value coverage) to replace those items.
- Special Limits: Be aware that standard policies have special limits (or sub-limits) on high-value items like jewelry, firearms, and cash. If you receive a very expensive watch or diamond necklace as a gift, the standard limit for jewelry might only be $1,500 or $2,000. You need a Scheduled Personal Property Endorsement (often called a ‘floater’) to fully cover its value.
What Steps Can I Take to Prevent Burglary and Theft?
The best claim is the one you never have to file. Taking a few proactive, low-cost steps to secure your home is your strongest defense against holiday crime. The two main goals are to make your home look occupied and remove temptations.
How can I make my home look occupied when I travel?
If you are traveling away from Hollywood to visit family, burglars often target homes that look empty. Here are essential tips to confuse would-be thieves:
- Manage Mail and Deliveries: Halt your mail and newspaper delivery by notifying the USPS or ask a trusted neighbor to collect them daily. A growing pile of packages or newspapers is a clear sign that no one is home (Source: Nationwide).
- Use Smart Lighting: Use programmable timers or smart light bulbs to turn different lights (living room, bedroom) on and off at staggered times in the evening. Don’t leave a single light burning 24/7, as this is a clear indication that no one is home.
- Keep Up Appearances: If you have any lawn or yard service, ensure it continues. Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway occasionally to make the home look lived-in.
- Avoid Social Media Posts: Do not post about your vacation plans or check in to destinations on social media until after you return home. Thieves use social media to find easy targets (Source: Habitec Security).
How can I protect my deliveries from porch pirates?
With more than one out of every seven Americans losing packages to porch piracy last year, protecting your deliveries is non-negotiable (Source: Capital One Shopping).
- Use Secure Delivery Locations: Have packages delivered to your workplace, a secure Amazon locker, or a local FedEx/UPS store.
- Install a Video Doorbell: Devices like a Ring or Nest doorbell camera act as a major deterrent and provide valuable video evidence if theft occurs. Some devices allow you to talk to the delivery driver or even yell at a thief remotely.
- Use a Delivery Box: Consider a dedicated, secure delivery box or container on your porch that can be latched shut after the package is placed inside.
- Signature Required: For high-value purchases, opt for the “signature required” shipping option.
How Can I Use Technology to Get an Insurance Discount?
Many insurance companies reward homeowners who take proactive steps to secure their property, offering discounts for protective devices that lower the risk of a claim. Installing and using modern security technology can save you money on your premium.
Which security devices qualify for a discount?
You can often get a percentage off your homeowners insurance premium (ranging from 5% to 20%) by installing and maintaining these systems:
- Central Monitored Alarm System: A system that automatically alerts a professional monitoring service (and the police/fire department) when a door or window sensor is tripped.
- Video Surveillance: Having a functional system with outdoor cameras, like a video doorbell, that provides recordings of any incident.
- Smart Home Locks/Sensors: Devices that lock your doors remotely or sense when a door or window is opened or shattered.
Is a DIY security system better than a professionally monitored one?
While a DIY system (like self-monitored cameras) is a great visual deterrent and provides evidence, a professionally monitored system often qualifies for a higher insurance discount. That’s because the monitored system guarantees immediate dispatch of emergency services, which means less damage and a lower claim cost for the insurer. Always tell your Finney Insurance agent what type of system you have to ensure you get the maximum discount.
What Should I Do IMMEDIATELY After a Break-In or Theft?
In the unfortunate event that your Hollywood home is burglarized or packages are stolen, the steps you take immediately afterward are critical for your safety and for filing a successful insurance claim.
What is the first thing I need to do?
The very first thing to do is ensure your safety. Do not enter a home if you suspect an intruder is still inside. Once safe, immediately call the police to file a report. You must get a police report number for any insurance claim involving theft, including stolen packages.
What documents should I have ready for my agent?
Once you have secured a police report, contact your Finney Insurance agent immediately. You can speed up the claims process by having the following ready:
- Police Report Number: This proves the event occurred and was documented by law enforcement.
- Home Inventory: A detailed list (with photos, if possible) of the stolen items. This is crucial for proving the ownership and value of the lost items.
- Receipts/Proof of Value: Receipts, credit card statements, or tracking numbers for stolen packages or new gifts.
- Photos of Damage: Pictures of any damage caused by the break-in (broken windows, forced doors), which is covered under your Dwelling Coverage (Source: Progressive).
Holiday Security FAQs
If a burglar breaks my window, does my homeowners policy pay for the repair?
Yes. If a thief breaks a window, shatters a lock, or splinters a door frame to gain entry, the damage to the structure of your home is covered under your Dwelling Coverage (Coverage A). The cost of replacing the stolen items is covered under Personal Property Coverage (Coverage C). Both coverages would be subject to your single homeowners deductible.
What if my wallet or laptop is stolen from my car while I’m Christmas shopping?
Your Homeowners or Renters Insurance policy (Personal Property Coverage) usually covers personal belongings stolen from your car, even when you’re away from home. However, the broken car window or damaged lock would be covered by the Comprehensive section of your Auto Insurance policy, if you carry that coverage. You might have to pay two different deductibles (one for auto and one for home) in this scenario (Source: Nationwide).
What is the difference between Actual Cash Value (ACV) and Replacement Cost Value (RCV) for stolen gifts?
Actual Cash Value (ACV): Pays you the value of the item minus depreciation (wear and tear). If your three-year-old laptop was stolen, the payout would be much less than what you paid for it.
Replacement Cost Value (RCV): Pays the full cost to replace the stolen item with a brand-new, comparable one, without taking away money for age. RCV is strongly recommended for protecting new holiday gifts.
If I schedule an expensive piece of jewelry, how does that protect it?
When you schedule a high-value item (like a $15,000 diamond ring) by adding a Scheduled Personal Property Endorsement, that item is listed separately on your policy. This gives it its own specific coverage limit and often eliminates the standard policy deductible for that item, ensuring it is protected for its full appraised value (Source: Progressive). This is critical for high-end gifts.
Conclusion
The holiday season brings wonderful things—but also real risks to your property here in Hollywood. Given that Florida faces extremely high burglary rates during December, the cost of being unprepared is simply too high, potentially leaving you to pay thousands out-of-pocket to replace your belongings. A secure home, paired with the right insurance policy, is the best gift you can give yourself and your family this year.
Don’t let holiday crime turn your celebration into a financial headache! Contact Finney Insurance Corporation today. We will review your Personal Property Coverage, check for special limits on jewelry or electronics, and ensure you have all the protective device discounts you’ve earned. Call us or visit our office to safeguard your home and holiday cheer!
