We know that our goal is to make it as difficult as possible for a burglar to break into our home. Our task is to ensure that, as cynical as it may sound, they choose an easier target. But at the same time, we know that there is no such thing as an impregnable fortress. Despite all precautions and levels of protection for your home, determined thieves may still manage to rob it. That’s the bad news. The good news is that your world won’t fall apart if you have the right home insurance in place. Let's talk about that.
If you've been a victim of a burglary at home and want to be compensated by your insurance, this is only possible if your home insurance policy includes theft coverage. If that's the case, you need to file a police report and notify your insurance company within 2 business days following the theft. Here's what you need to know.
Is theft coverage automatically included?
No, theft coverage is not automatically included in basic home insurance policies. If you want to be covered against theft, you must specifically add this option to your contract. However, it is usually included in "comprehensive home insurance" policies.
What types of theft are covered?
Your insurance contract specifies which theft incidents are covered and which are excluded. Generally, the following types of theft are covered:
Burglary with forced entry (breaking a door or window) or by climbing over obstacles
Theft involving threats or violence (for example, a thief forcing you into your home under threat)
Secret entry (when a burglar enters your home while you're there)
Using tools to force entry (lock picking, using a stolen key)
The insurance can also cover damage caused during a theft or attempted theft, such as damaged locks, windows, or doors, as well as costs for repairs or security services. However, it doesn’t cover theft committed by a family member or theft made possible by their negligence (like leaving doors unlocked). Losses during long periods of absence may also be excluded, depending on your policy terms.
What items are covered by insurance?
Theft coverage applies to different items depending on your contract. These can include furniture, electronics, and clothing present in your home at the time of the theft, whether they belong to you or not. For certain items (valuable objects, electronics, cash), stricter conditions or reimbursement limits may apply.
What steps should you take after a theft?
Here’s what to do in case of a burglary:
Secure your home: Replace locks, repair doors or windows, or hire a security company.
File a police report: Report the theft to the police or gendarmerie. You can also fill out a pre-complaint online.
Declare the incident to your insurer: Do this within the time frame specified in your contract (usually 2 business days after discovering the theft). The declaration can be made by mail, phone, online, or directly with your insurance agent.
How to prepare documents for compensation?
You will need to provide proof of the damages. This includes documents like a police report, photos of damages, receipts for stolen items, etc. You can also get estimates for repair costs but wait for the insurance company’s approval before starting any repairs.
Is an expert assessment mandatory?
Not always, but the insurer may request one if needed. The expert will evaluate the circumstances of the theft and the damages, then submit a report to the insurer. If you disagree with the findings, you can request a second assessment.
How is compensation handled?
If the insurer recognizes the theft as covered under your policy, they will evaluate your losses and propose compensation. This is usually based on the replacement value of the stolen items, considering depreciation.
Can you contest the compensation amount?
Yes, if you feel that the proposed amount is insufficient, you can contest the evaluation and take legal action to seek fair compensation.
Source of information - https://www.service-public.fr/. There, you can also explore the topic in more detail, find forms to fill out, and learn where to seek assistance.
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