With Black Friday and Christmas shopping in full swing, millions of Brits are set to have deliveries arriving to their homes. But the home insurance experts at Go.Compare are warning homeowners about the risks of leaving valuable parcels on their doorsteps, as ONS data reveals a 20% rise in thefts from outside dwellings between March 2024 and March 2025.*

New research carried out by the price comparison website has also found that three-quarters of Brits surveyed (75%) have had problems with parcel deliveries:** nearly a quarter (24%) have had items marked as delivered but never received, and more than one in ten (11%) have had parcels left outside their home stolen.

The survey also found that parcels often go awry. Almost a third of Brits (31%) received parcels that were left out in the rain, 29% were delivered to the wrong property, almost a quarter (23%) were left in a rubbish bin and 13% were left in a bush.

Nathan Blackler, expert at Go.Compare home insurance, warns that parcels stolen from outside your home may not be covered by insurance, making it crucial to think carefully about where and when deliveries are made to avoid the risk of so-called porch-pirates.

He encourages Brits to use delivery options that require a signature, arrange for parcels to be left with a trusted neighbour, or use secure pickup points such as parcel lockers or the post office. Planning ahead can keep purchases safe and ease the pressure of the festive season.

He said: “Having gifts delivered to the house can take some stress out of the busy festive period, but it’s important to remember that you won’t always be home when items arrive. Leaving parcels in the porch – or in sight of potential thieves – not only increases the risk of theft but could also mean they aren’t covered by home insurance.

“The ONS figures highlight a sharp rise in thefts from outside homes, which is a timely reminder to check what your home contents insurance does and doesn’t cover. Some policies include protection for parcel theft, but this is usually only the case if items were taken from your property and you took reasonable steps to keep them secure.”

As well as checking your home insurance policy, Nathan also offered some practical tips to reduce the risk of doorstep parcel theft:

• Schedule deliveries carefully: Arrange for parcels to be delivered when someone is home or choose a delivery time that suits you.
• Use secure collection points: Opt for parcel lockers, collection points, or delivery to a trusted neighbour or workplace.
• Install security measures: Use doorbell cameras, CCTV, or smart door locks to monitor deliveries.
• Track your deliveries: Many courier services provide real-time tracking and notifications to reduce the time parcels spend unattended.
• Use parcel theft deterrents: Signs indicating CCTV, motion-sensor lights, or secure parcel boxes can discourage thieves.

To find out more about what home insurance covers, visit Go.Compare’s guide: https://www.gocompare.com/home-insurance/guide/what-does-home-insurance-cover/