Did you know that half of all home burglaries occur in the daytime? That means you must take property protection seriously, including securing your home and getting the right insurance. Here’s what you should know when filing home insurance theft claims.
How Home Insurance Treats Theft and Break-Ins
Filing home insurance theft claims is fairly straightforward, as your property can be covered under the following different types of plans:
- Dwelling coverage – pays for repairs for damage to the home resulting from a break-in, such as broken windows.
- Personal property coverage – pays to replace or repair personal items after they are damaged or go missing.
- Other structures coverage – pays for repairs to detached structures such as a shed door.
Amount of Coverage You Need for Break-Ins and Theft
The amount of coverage you get for break-ins and theft depends on the value of your assets. The more valuable items you possess, the more coverage you need. Usually, the coverage limit for personal property is about half to 70 percent of your dwelling coverage amount.
However, remember that certain items such as art, jewelry, or computer equipment have “sub-limits.” That means they are covered only up to a certain amount in your policy. You can raise these limits by paying for extra coverage.
Steps to Filing a Theft Claim
- Report the missing item to the police – You’ll need a police report to go along with your insurance claim.
- Get emergency repairs done – If the security of your home is compromised, such as by broken locks or windows, get the problem fixed immediately. Save the receipts and send them to your insurer.
- Take photos or videos – Be sure to document the damage or evidence of a break-in and provide the photos or videos to your insurer.
- File your claim – Submit your claim to your insurance company, then wait for the agency’s insurance adjuster to review your policy.
- Get your reimbursement check – Once your insurer reviews your claim, they will either issue a check or send you a notice why the claim was rejected.
It further helps to provide your insurance company with details about your missing items, such as where and when you purchased them. Other details include each item’s estimated value, brand, and model. These purchases should be verified with receipts, bank or credit card statements, serial numbers, or warranties.
Home Security Measures to Lower Insurance Costs
You can lower your monthly home insurance premiums by investing in various types of products that make your home more secure such as the following:
- Install deadbolts on doors
- Install a burglar alarm system that communicates with law enforcement
- Use smart technology to detect break-ins and send alerts to your smartphone
- Install security cameras to monitor your property
Contact us today at CAV Insurance Agency Inc. for more information about home insurance theft claims. Our knowledgeable insurance experts are ready to help you secure the insurance you need to protect your valuable assets.