I usually register my important domains for several years in the future, and have the register lock on. Some registrars call it transfer lock. I also Backorder

I usually register my important domains for several years in the future, and have the register lock on. Some registrars call it transfer lock. I also Backorder my own domains on namejet, GoDaddy, etc just in case they ever do expire there’s still a chance to get them back. If only there was a company that offered domain name insurance, to make sure you never lose your domain, it’s never stolen, dns isn’t hijacked, and the site never goes down (ddos attacks, etc.).