Theft & Vandalism Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

Having your house broken into is traumatic, leaving you feeling violated and unsafe in your own home. Theft and vandalism cause extensive damage and even irreparable loss of stolen items.

Yet, there is some hope of not paying out of pocket for your losses. Your home insurance policy helps recover the value from damaged and stolen goods, but you must know how to file a claim for theft and vandalism to maximize your claim. 

What Qualifies as Theft and Vandalism to Submit a Claim?

Theft qualifies as having personal property removed without authorization from the owner, whereas vandalism involves property damage without theft. For example, graffiti on walls or broken fixtures qualifies as vandalism. 

While damage to doors and windows is common in burglaries, they would be included under theft when you claim your homeowner insurance. Therefore, it is vital to follow all instructions as you determine the extent of stolen property and vandalized areas for both the authorities and your insurance company.

What Are the Best Steps to Follow?

Follow these steps to make your insurance claim:

1. 
   Call the police and report any theft and vandalism.
2. Allow authorities to investigate and clear the area for your safety.
3. Call your home insurance company to notify them of the incident.
4. Review your home insurance policy for coverage details.
5. Take photos and document any damages and stolen goods.
6. Send your findings to your insurance company for their adjuster to assess.
7. Secure the property as needed. (Change locks, board broken windows, etc.)
8. Arrange somewhere to stay if necessary and inform your insurance company about these living expenses. 

Your safety is always the first concern when your home has been broken into or vandalized. Whether you are home during the incident or not, you should call the police immediately and ensure that no one is still inside your home or hiding on the property. Once allowed, you can begin documenting the damage and the missing items for the police and your insurance company.

What Information Do You Need to Document?

The stress and anxiety that these issues cause can make you overlook vital elements of your insurance claim documentation, missing small but essential details. So, here is a list of what you should include:

• 
  Any photos or video from security cameras
• Photo documentation of each room or area
• Pictures of broken locks, windows, and entry points
• A physical list of all broken, damaged, and missing items or property
• Document the home’s interior and exterior, including any outbuildings, if affected
• Proof of purchase, warranty, or owners manuals of items

How Soon After to Submit the Claim?

Knowing when to file a theft claim is extremely important. Any delay could lead to your insurance provider questioning the authenticity of your claim or, worse, declining it outright.

To avoid this, you should first notify them of the theft or vandalism. Then, once you have finished documenting the damage and losses, you should submit your claim along with the police report as soon as possible. 

Take the Guesswork Out of Filing Theft Claims

No one needs the additional stress of having a difficult time filing theft claims, and it is easy to get overwhelmed with the process after a home intrusion. That’s where TSO Adjustment Service steps in and works with the insurance company on your behalf. Rather than managing the claim on your own, a TSO adjuster will help assess the damages and provide a thorough claim that ensures you get the maximum payout. 

Let their professional and knowledgeable staff take care of the insurance claim details so you can rest easy again. Schedule your consultation online or call 215-886-7440 today!