Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Theft or Break-Ins?

Any type of theft can be catastrophic to homeowners. Your home contains objects with monetary value and items with emotional significance for you and your family. That is why, in the unfortunate event of a break-in, having the appropriate homes insurance policy is critical.

If you've recently been the victim of a theft or break-in, contact the police immediately to submit a report. Then, as quickly as possible, file a claim with your insurance company.

Is theft from a home covered by homeowners insurance?

Personal property coverage is included in most homeowners insurance policies (including renters' and condominium plans). Theft-related loss is typically covered as part of personal property protection. This implies that if an intruder breaks into your home or detached structure and steals goods, your home insurance should cover the loss. Most policies also cover your property when it is not in your house, subject to certain limitations. On the other hand, personal property limitations are initially set as a percentage of your dwelling coverage, which calculates how much your insurance company will compensate you for theft. It's critical to establish reasonable limitations depending on the value of the objects in your home to avoid suffering a significant loss.

In addition to our regular homes insurance, Nationwide offers supplemental coverage such as Brand New Things, which pays to fix or replace your covered belongings without regard for their age or condition in the case of theft. Learn more about how Brand New Belongings coverage can reimburse you for the cost of repairing or replacing your possessions.

However, your home insurance coverage does not cover theft from a construction site or stolen vehicles. Additionally, the personal property coverage under your policy may have limited liability limits, or sub-limits, on particular pricey possessions if they are damaged or stolen.

Is your homeowners' insurance going to cover damage to your property due to a break-in?

Structural damage to your home caused by a break-in is typically covered by your policy's dwelling part, up to the policy's coverage level. This implies that if your windows or locks are damaged during the break-in, your policy may also cover the cost of lock replacement or window repairs.

Likewise, this holds for any additional constructions on your land. If a burglar damages your detached garage, garden shed, or guest house, your other structures policy may pay the cost of necessary property repairs up to your coverage level, which usually is 10% of your dwelling coverage maximum.

Apart from a burglary on the covered premises, your property coverage will often cover theft in the following situations:

The incident occurred while you were away from home - If your luggage is taken while you are on vacation, your insurer can assist you in replacing your property. Off-premises coverage is generally limited to 10% of the value of your items.

Personal property was taken from a guest - If a nonresident's belongings are stolen from your home, your homeowners' insurance may also cover them.

The dorm room of a dependant was broken into - If your child is away at college and their dorm room is burglarized, your home insurance may also cover the loss. However, if they relocate off-campus, your insurance may cease to protect them.

Personal property taken from your automobile - Theft of personal goods from your car is typically covered by homes insurance as well.