There is new service by Amazon is called “Key”, and with it, Amazon delivery drivers can enter a home while the owners are away so that they can deliver their packages. But is it such a good idea to give a virtual stranger access to your home while you’re away?
Once you sign up for the service you are asked to pay $249 for the secure lock service which allows the companies delivery drivers to open the customers front door electronically and place the package inside the home. Included with the Amazon Key service is a smart lock for the door and a cloud cam that allows the customer to watch the delivery in real time using the Amazon Key app.
All seems fairly straight forward, but what are the risks and potential costs of letting a stranger into a house or apartment unsupervised? People who are contemplating signing up for this service should first consider these risks, especially those individuals who don’t have homeowners or renter’s insurance.
Of course, there have been many questions and fears about allowing a stranger access to the front door. Amazon says it understands these concerns and that is why there’s an electronic lock and cloud cam supplied. The problem is that even houses with cameras and alarms often get broken into.
There are also other concerns like what happens if the driver forgets to shut the front door, or what if a robber sneaks past the delivery person? These are all valid concerns to which Amazon has responded to by offering “Amazon Key Happiness Guarantee” which allows users to file a claim if there are problems with the delivery or service.
But what is still a bigger problem is that many of Amazons customers are millennials without renter’s insurance. For these people the advice is simple, either get insurance or wait to see what others experience with Amazon Key before deciding to sign up.
