Coming home only to realize your house has been broken into can be devastating. In fact, this is the reality for many people as home burglary is on the rise. In Ontario, cities, like Toronto, saw a massive spike in home invasions during the pandemic and well into 2022. Many of these occur in broad daylight when residents were not home. Even though we spend a lot more time at home these days, home invasions and theft are still huge issues that should be taken seriously. At isure, we understand how violating it can be to have your house broken into. This is why we have the information you need to know below regarding what steps to take after a home break-in, how to prevent one from happening, and how to replace stolen items.
My house was broken into…what do I do?
Realizing your house has been broken into can be stressful. Though it may seem difficult to keep your composure, your first step should always be to take a deep breath and make sure everybody is safe! You may have temptation to tear the house apart looking for things that may be stolen, but keeping your composure is crucial in a situation like this. Remember that with the help of good home insurance, most of your items can be reimbursed. However, there is a correct way of proceeding when your house gets broken into.
3 main steps to take after a home break-in:
- Call the police: This should always be your first step after a home break-in. Always make sure that when your house gets broken into, you leave everything how it is until the police arrive. By tidying up, you may be playing with evidence that can help the police find out who broke in. From there, you will most likely be asked to file a police report. When filing a report, it is important to be as thorough as possible with the information you give. The more information you provide, the better chance the police have at finding a suspect and getting a better idea as to what occurred.
- Make a list of damaged and stolen items: Taking inventory of what has been stolen or damaged after a home invasion is crucial in making sure you get the money you deserve from your insurer. On top of this, write down the cost of the items that are damaged or stolen. Typically, we suggest always keeping an up-to-date inventory list of the insurable items in your home. That way, you always ensure you have adequate coverage in the event of lost or stolen items. If you are unsure, your insurance provider can assist you. Before you tidy your house, it is important to take photographs or videos of any damage that was done to your property. This will make things a lot easier for your insurance claim.
- Contact your insurer: Once you contact your insurer or isure broker, you will discuss the steps you will need to take for a claim. This will depend on the severity of the situation and what you are insured for. Just like the police, you should provide your insurer with as much information as possible. This includes photographs and videos, as well.
Insurance and home break-ins
Most home insurance quotes will provide protection for theft, burglaries, vandalism and home invasions. Depending on the specifics of your coverage, most of your items will be replaced or reimbursed when stolen during a home break-in. If you are unsure as to what the details include, be sure to check out the “property damage and theft” section of your policy. However, items such as electronics, computers, clothing and furniture are usually covered under basic home insurance. If your house is vandalized during the break-in, you can read more on what the insurance covers here!
Home insurance and high value items
Though most of your items will have coverage in the event of a break-in, your more expensive items may not be! This can include expensive jewelry, art collections and antiques, which often require separate insurance. Often times, jewelry items will have their own forms of insurance. Normally, these items are insured at an additional cost, but in some cases, can be bundled with regular home insurance to receive a discount. Talk to your insurer today to make sure all of your valuables are protected!
Protecting yourself from a future home break-in
Did you know that you can save money on home insurance by making your home less susceptible to burglaries? There are many steps that you can take to make sure your home is safe and secure. Though you may not be able to prevent a break-in completely, it doesn’t hurt to be more proactive. Invest in motion detectors and a good security system if you haven’t already. For more tips, check out our article: 15 ways to protect your home from theft.
At the end of the day, having proper insurance is crucial when it comes to theft and break-ins in your home. Are you in the market for a new home insurance policy, or simply want to add more coverage? Request a quote today!
