Home thefts and invasions have become a real threat in Canada, particularly in Ontario. A recent study shows that as of March 17, 1,721 break-and-enter crimes were reported to the Toronto Police Service in the previous year. That represents a 31.5% increase compared to the same period in the last year.
Even as we spend more time from home, homeowners are urged to take the proper steps to prevent theft. In this article, we will go over everything you need to know when it comes to home theft and burglary. From security tips to how you can get your items replaced, isure has it covered. When we educate ourselves about the information surrounding home theft, we can work together to combat it.
Does Home Insurance Cover Home Theft and Burglary?
Fortunately, yes! Most home insurance policies will protect you against incidents such as theft, break-ins, and burglaries. To inquire about specific details, it is recommended to review your home insurance policy and examine the “property damage and theft” section of your policy.
If your home were to get broken into, your home insurance will assist you in covering the costs to repair damaged areas of your home. This includes doors, windows, and other entry points. Of course, this will be done up to your policy limit. Additional damage to your home may also be covered, such as damage to walls or landscaping!
What Items Does My Home Insurance Cover in the Event of Theft?
In the event a home theft or burglary occurs, your home insurance will also cover a wide range of expensive items that were damaged or stolen. It is essential to be aware of the limits and exceptions that will apply. These can be found on your home insurance policy! If you are unsure whether an item would be covered during a break-in, you should contact your home insurance provider for confirmation.
Some everyday personal belongings that will be protected include:
- Electronics: TV, stereo, cameras
- Computers: PC, laptops, tablets, smartphones
- Clothing: Pants, jackets, shoes, hats
- Furniture: Chairs, tables, wall decor
Home Theft and High Value Items
When it comes to high-end items and valuables that you own, many of them may not be included in your home insurance policy. To insure these items, you will likely need to purchase additional contents insurance for unique and valuable items. Some examples of items insurance companies consider high value are:
- Art: Paintings, Sculptures, Pottery
- Jewelry: Family Heirlooms, Engagement Rings
- Collectibles: Sports Cards, Rarities, Toys, Collections
- High Ticket Items: Media Centre Equipment, Furs, Wine Collections
What Happens If There Is a Break In While I’m Renting?
Unfortunately, break-ins and home theft occur to more than just homeowners. They can happen to renters, too. So, what do you do if a home theft has happened while you’re renting? Well, this is where tenant insurance comes into play.
Tenant insurance will provide you with protection for your personal belongings in the event your living space is broken into. If you rent an apartment, condo, or are away at college, this insurance is highly recommended.
Also known as renters’ insurance, this coverage protects a renter’s personal belongings and provides liability protection in the event of an accident or damage. Most tenant insurance will cover losses due to theft, fire, and water damage, as well as offer protection if a tenant is sued for injuries or damage caused to others on their property. For a more in-depth look at tenant insurance, please take a look at our article on everything you need to know!
My Home Was Broken Into: Now What?
So, you’ve just returned from a vacation to realize your worst nightmare has occurred: a break-in. Let’s take a look at the steps to take if your home has been burglarized:
- Make sure it’s safe to enter: It’s a scary thought, but before you enter your home, make sure it is safe to do so, as someone may still be in your home. If you believe this to be the case, wait in a secure area for the police to arrive.
- Contact the police: It is essential to make sure you call 911 as soon as you discover your home has been broken into. Make sure you leave everything as you found it until the police arrive.
- File a police report: Work with the police and file a police report. Please be as thorough as possible and list all damaged or missing items.
- Secure your home: If required, take the necessary steps to secure your home. This could mean boarding up a window or door, replacing locks, or installing a new security system.
- Make a list: Make a list of any missing or damaged items for your insurer. This will be much easier with the help of a home inventory list, if you have one. Take photos and videos of any damage that was done to your home.
- Contact your insurance provider: Contact your insurance provider and provide a complete statement of the incident, along with any items missing.
How To Deter Home Theft
Let’s face it, the idea of a home theft occurring can be horrifying! Unfortunately, there is no guarantee to prevent it from happening. However, there are several steps you can take to be more proactive towards prevention. In addition to ensuring you have adequate home insurance coverage and security, there are some helpful steps to take to protect your home from thieves.
- Invest in an alarm system: There are tons of different types and styles of alarm systems on the market today, such as this one on Amazon. Home alarm systems come in a wide variety of price points, so finding one within your budget should be simple. As a bonus, home alarms will also likely qualify you for an insurance discount. Remember that once your alarm system is set up, put up signs and stickers on your door or windows to notify any potential thieves of your alarm system.
- Lock your doors and windows: Though it may seem obvious, it can sometimes be easy to forget to lock your doors and windows at night or when you leave the house. This includes sliding doors, any gates that lead to your backyard, or windows that can be accessed from the outside of the home.
- Hide fancy belongings: Avoid displaying high-ticket items near windows. Additionally, try to avoid posting or sharing photos of your expensive personal belongings online.
- Install security cameras: Security cameras are a great way of deterring people from attempting to break into your home. Additionally, they are ideal for catching thieves in the event of a break-in.
- Create the appearance of someone’s home: Whether you’re home or not, it’s always a good measure to give the impression someone is home. Leaving a light on indoors is an excellent way to do so.
To learn more, read our blog about ways to prevent home theft and burglaries.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, unfortunately, there is no way to prevent home theft completely. However, with the proper steps taken to deter it, combined with the appropriate home insurance, you can sleep soundly at night knowing you are protected. Remember, if you have any questions regarding insurance or keeping your home safe, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at isure!
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