What to Do If Your House Has Been Broken Into: An Insurance-Based Guide
Experiencing a home break-in is unsettling and emotional, but taking the proper steps immediately afterward can help you regain control, protect your finances, and speed up your recovery, especially when it comes to your insurance claim. Here’s what to do if your home is broken into.
Step 1: Contact the Police Immediately
Your first priority is safety. If you arrive home and suspect a break-in, do not enter the house. Call 911 and wait in a safe location until officers arrive. If you’re already inside and discover the break-in after the fact, leave immediately if there’s any indication the intruder may still be present.
Once law enforcement confirms the scene is safe, they will begin their investigation. Be sure to cooperate fully and provide any information that may help. It’s crucial to request a copy of the police report or, at the very least, the report number, as this will be essential for filing your insurance claim.
Step 2: Document the Damage
After the police have finished their initial assessment, take time to document the damage to your property thoroughly. Use your phone or camera to take clear photos and videos of all areas impacted by the break-in. This includes broken windows or doors, ransacked rooms, or damaged furniture. Avoid cleaning up until you’ve captured detailed visual evidence. Your insurance company will rely on this documentation to evaluate your claim.
Step 3: Create a List of Stolen or Damaged Items
Start compiling a written inventory of everything that’s missing or damaged. Be as detailed as possible—include item descriptions, estimated values, and dates of purchase. If you have receipts, serial numbers, or photos from before the break-in, include those as well. If you’ve created a home inventory in advance, this step becomes much easier and more accurate.
Your insurance company will use this list to determine what’s covered and how much you’ll be reimbursed for, depending on the terms of your policy.
Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Agent
As soon as you’ve spoken to the police and gathered the initial documentation, call your homeowners or renters’ insurance agent. Please provide them with your policy number, a copy of the police report, your list of stolen or damaged items, and any supporting documentation you’ve gathered.
Your agent will walk you through the claims process and explain what’s covered under your specific policy. This typically includes compensation for stolen belongings, repairs for any damage caused by the break-in, and potentially temporary living expenses if your home is no longer safe to stay in.
Step 5: Make Temporary Repairs to Secure Your Home
Once you’ve documented everything, it’s essential to secure your home to prevent further loss or damage. You may need to repair or replace broken locks, board up shattered windows, or install temporary barriers. In many cases, insurance policies will reimburse you for reasonable emergency repairs, so be sure to save all receipts and invoices for materials or contractor services.
Check with your insurance agent before making any permanent repairs, as some policies may require pre-approval to ensure reimbursement.
Step 6: Consider Preventive Measures for the Future
After the immediate crisis has been handled, take some time to evaluate how you can better protect your home moving forward. Investing in a home security system, installing deadbolt locks, motion-detecting lights, or smart surveillance cameras can make your home a more challenging target for future burglaries.
Some insurance providers even offer premium discounts for policyholders who make security upgrades, so be sure to ask your agent if you qualify for any additional savings.
Understanding Your Deductible
Remember that your insurance policy likely includes a deductible, the amount you must pay out of pocket before coverage kicks in. If the value of your stolen or damaged property is less than your deductible, it may not be worth filing a claim. Your insurance agent can help you determine the best course of action based on the total loss and your current coverage.
At Farmers Union Agency, we understand the stress that a home break-in can cause. That’s why we’re here to guide you through every step of the claims process, answer your questions, and help ensure you’re properly protected in the future. If you’d like to review your coverage or explore additional options to safeguard your home and belongings, contact your local agent today.