Switzerland: Parcel thefts up around 20% compared to 2023

It is increasingly common for products ordered online and already paid for to not arrive safely, or to disappear after being distributed. We learned last year that home parcel thefts had tripled since Covid. For 2024, AXA is already seeing an increase of around 20% compared to 2023. The insurance company recommends paying particular attention in November and December, due to sales days and Christmas sales.

“Since the end of the pandemic and the return of mobility, we have seen a general increase in flights. Furthermore, shopping on the Internet has become normal. So there are a lot of packages in circulation,” says Stefan Müller, head of property insurance claims at AXA. However, the number of stolen packages only represents around 2% of flights operated by AXA. “It seems that people care more about the security of the delivery process,” notes the expert.

Victims of package theft must file a complaint with the police before reporting the incident to their insurer. But be careful, household contents insurance covers cases when it is proven that a package was stolen after being distributed. At AXA, the amount of damages remains unchanged in 2024. Around 300 francs per case are paid, on average. Packages that have not been delivered are, however, not insured. “In this case, we recommend contacting the supplier or shipper first,” adds Stefan Müller.

For a distribution error, it is necessary to check whether the carrier is liable, according to the contractual delivery conditions. The Post Office can only leave a package on site when the package does not fit in the milk box and no one is there to receive it. But if the location is not safe and not protected from bad weather, or if it has been agreed otherwise with the sender or recipient, the carrier must issue a collection notice and take back the package.

How to avoid risks?