After a burglary, certain steps must be taken quickly to facilitate your compensation. Discover how to protect your rights and build a strong case.

Home insurance after a burglary: what to do to be compensated?

A burglary is always a difficult ordeal.

Beyond the loss of sometimes valuable possessions, one must also deal with the damage caused by the break-in, administrative procedures, and formalities with the insurance company.

👉 Fortunately, if your contract includes theft coverage, you may be compensated under certain conditions.

However, it is still necessary to follow the correct procedures and deadlines.

Here's everything you need to know.

Is theft coverage always included in home insurance?

Not systematically.

Theft coverage is generally included in multi-risk home (MRH) contracts, but its extent depends on the conditions stipulated in your contract. It most often covers burglaries committed with forced entry, violence, climbing, or under other precisely defined circumstances.

👉 Before any claim, it is therefore important to verify the guarantees actually subscribed to.

First step: secure your home

After discovering the burglary:

• do not immediately touch the premises if it risks destroying clues;
• check that no one is still in the dwelling;
• secure access if necessary (door, lock, window).

If urgent repairs are essential to prevent another theft, keep all supporting documents.

File a police report quickly

Filing a police report is an essential step.

You must go to a police station or gendarmerie brigade to report the burglary.

At the end of this process, you will be given a receipt for your police report.

👉 This document is generally requested by your insurer to process your claim.

Declare the claim to your insurance company

After filing the police report, you must declare the burglary to your insurer.

For theft, the minimum period stipulated by the Insurance Code is 2 working days from the discovery of the loss, unless your contract provides for a more favorable period.

Depending on your contract, the declaration can be made:

• by phone;
• via your customer area;
• in agency;
• or by registered mail.

👉 A prompt declaration generally facilitates the processing of the claim.

Prepare a complete compensation file

To assess your damage, the insurer will generally ask you for several elements.

It is advisable to gather:

• the police report receipt;
• photographs of traces of forced entry;
• purchase invoices for stolen goods;
• warranty certificates;
• old photographs showing the items present in the dwelling;
• repair quotes for damaged doors, windows or locks.

The more precise your file, the easier the processing will be.

Is an expert appraisal mandatory?

Not always.

For the most significant claims or when circumstances need to be verified, the insurer may appoint an expert.

The expert may:

• examine traces of forced entry;
• assess the damage;
• verify the supporting documents provided;
• estimate the value of the stolen goods.

Following this expert appraisal, the insurer will make a compensation offer.

How is compensation calculated?

The amount depends mainly on:

• the guarantees provided in the contract;
• the compensation limits;
• any deductibles;
• the value of the goods.

In many contracts, compensation is calculated on the replacement value (taking into account depreciation).

However, some contracts provide for a new value guarantee for certain goods, allowing for more favorable reimbursement.

In what cases can compensation be refused?

Certain situations may lead to a refusal or limitation of coverage.

For example:

• the loss does not correspond to the situations covered by the theft guarantee;
• the security conditions stipulated in the contract were not respected;
• the declaration deadlines were not respected, and this delay caused prejudice to the insurer;
• the requested supporting documents cannot be provided.

Each file is examined based on the general and specific conditions of the contract.

Can compensation be challenged?

Yes.

If you believe that the proposed amount is insufficient, several solutions exist:

• request additional explanations from your insurer;
• request a counter-expertise if your contract allows it;
• contact the Insurance Ombudsman free of charge in case of persistent disagreement;
• take legal action if necessary.

In home insurance, the limitation period is generally 2 years.

How to limit the risk of burglary?

Although no device guarantees zero risk, certain measures can strengthen the security of your home:

• install a quality lock;
• systematically close doors and windows when you are away;
• use an alarm or video surveillance system;
• avoid leaving visible valuables;
• report a prolonged absence to a trusted relative.

These measures may also meet the requirements of certain insurance contracts.

Mistakes to avoid

❌ Waiting several days before filing a police report.

❌ Declaring the claim out of time.

❌ Discarding damaged goods before the expert's potential visit.

❌ Carrying out major repairs without the insurer's agreement, except in an emergency to secure the dwelling.

❌ Not keeping invoices or proofs of purchase for valuable goods.

Why check your contract regularly?

The value of your possessions changes over the years.

You may have acquired:

• new electronic equipment;
• furniture;
• jewelry;
• computer equipment;
• valuable objects.

👉 A contract signed several years ago is not always adapted to your current assets.

A regular review of your guarantees helps to avoid unpleasant surprises in the event of a claim.

Have your home insurance reviewed with KT ASSURANCE

At KT ASSURANCE, we assist owners, tenants, and non-occupant owners in choosing home insurance tailored to their needs.

We specifically analyze:

• theft and vandalism guarantees;
• compensation limits;
• deductibles;
• protection of movable property;
• additional guarantees adapted to your home.

Request your personalized quote

Do you want to check if your contract effectively protects you in case of burglary?

👉 Fill out our quote request form.

Our advisors will study your situation to offer you home insurance adapted to your home, your belongings, and your budget.

KT ASSURANCE supports you in permanently protecting your home and your assets.