My Home Was Burglarized: A Survivor's Guide to Filing an Insurance Claim
Experiencing a home burglary is a deeply violating and traumatic event. In the aftermath, the last thing you want to worry about is navigating the complexities of insurance claims. This guide will help you understand your homeowner's insurance coverage and walk you through the process of filing a claim, ensuring you receive the support you need during this challenging time. We will also discuss how a home security system like Kangaroo, especially with our Complete Protect Plan, can play a role in both preventing burglaries and assisting in the claims process.
Understanding Home Insurance Coverage
What is Homeowners Insurance?
Homeowners insurance is a type of property insurance that covers losses and damages to an individual's house and assets in the home. It also provides liability coverage against accidents in the home or on the property. It's designed to protect you financially in the event of unexpected events like theft, fire, or natural disasters.
Common Homeowners Insurance Coverages
A typical homeowners insurance policy includes the following coverages:
Dwelling Coverage: Covers the physical structure of your home, including walls, roof, and attached structures like a garage.
Personal Property Coverage: Covers your belongings inside the house, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing.
Liability Coverage: Protects you if someone is injured on your property and you're held responsible.
Additional Living Expenses (ALE) Coverage: Covers additional living costs if you're temporarily displaced from your home due to a covered event.
What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover in a Burglary?
Dwelling Coverage: If the burglar damaged your home (e.g., broken windows, forced entry damage), dwelling coverage will help pay for repairs.
Personal Property Coverage: This covers the cost of replacing stolen items, up to your policy's limits.
Additional Living Expenses (ALE): If your home is uninhabitable due to the burglary, ALE coverage can help with temporary housing and other living expenses.
Note: Homeowners insurance policies have exclusions and limits. For instance, high-value items like jewelry or artwork might have lower coverage limits unless you purchase additional coverage through endorsements or riders. It's essential to review your policy carefully and understand its limitations.
Filing an Insurance Claim After a Burglary
Steps to Take
Contact the police: Report the burglary to the police immediately and obtain a copy of the police report.
Notify your insurance company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to initiate the claims process.
Document the damage and loss: Take photos and videos of any damage to your home and make a detailed list of stolen items, including their estimated value and any supporting documentation (receipts, appraisals, etc.).
Cooperate with the adjuster: An insurance adjuster will be assigned to assess the damage and investigate your claim. Be prepared to answer their questions and provide any requested documentation.
Evidence is Key
The strength of your claim often hinges on the evidence you provide. A detailed police report and photographic evidence will significantly support your claim. If you have a home security system like Kangaroo, any footage captured during the burglary can serve as invaluable evidence.
Kangaroo Complete Protect Plan: Peace of Mind, Enhanced Security, and More
Kangaroo's Complete Protect Plan goes beyond basic security, providing comprehensive protection and additional benefits for just $8.25/month or $99/year. This plan offers peace of mind by covering your entire home when you choose a kit that includes Professional Monitoring. Plus, you get up to $1,000 in theft and damage reimbursement, ensuring you're financially protected if the unexpected happens.
Key Features & Benefits:
Enhanced Camera Features: Unlock powerful features like Person Detection, Full Event Capture, Two-Way Audio, Custom Self-Recorded Siren Sounds, Motion Detection Zones, and MicroSD Card Playback for up to 3 Indoor + Outdoor Cams.
$1,000 Theft + Damage Reimbursement: Reported damaged due to fire, water, or smoke, you're covered. File a claim directly in the Kangaroo app and get reimbursed quickly. You can submit up to 2 claims per year, with a maximum of $500 per claim.
24/7 Professional Monitoring: A dedicated team of professionals is available around the clock to respond to emergencies and contact first responders on your behalf, ensuring help arrives when you need it most.
Homeowners Insurance Discount: We'll assist you in submitting the necessary paperwork to your insurance provider, potentially saving you up to 20% on your home insurance premium.
Extended Cloud Storage: Enjoy 30 days of cloud storage for both your Indoor + Outdoor Cam and Doorbell Camera, along with a 90-day activity history.
Proven Protection:
Kangaroo's Complete Protect Plan has a proven track record of providing reliable reimbursement and support.
Approval Rate
Claims Submitted
With Kangaroo Complete Protect, you gain an added layer of security, valuable features, and potential cost savings, making it a worthwhile investment for comprehensive home protection.
Read More:
How to Get an Insurance Discount for Your Security System
10 Proven Ways to Slash Your Home Insurance Costs After Moving
Stop the Splash: How Water Leak Detectors Prevent Floods in Your Home
What Can I Claim on Home Insurance After a Burglary?
You can typically claim the following on your home insurance after a burglary:
Stolen property: The cost of replacing stolen items, subject to your policy's limits and deductibles.
Damage to your home: The cost of repairing any damage caused by the burglar.
Additional living expenses: If you're temporarily unable to live in your home due to the burglary, you can claim for temporary housing and other living expenses.
Remember:
Deductible: You'll need to pay your deductible before your insurance coverage kicks in.
Depreciation: The insurance company might factor in depreciation when determining the value of your stolen items.
Actual Cash Value (ACV): Some policies pay out the ACV of your belongings, which is their replacement cost minus depreciation.
Tips for Maximizing Your Payout
Keep meticulous records: Maintain detailed inventories of your belongings, including photos and receipts.
Be thorough in your claim: Include all stolen or damaged items and provide as much supporting documentation as possible.
Communicate clearly with the adjuster: Be responsive to their inquiries and provide any additional information they request.
Dealing with Insurance Companies and Adjusters
The Role of the Adjuster
The insurance adjuster's job is to investigate your claim, assess the damage, and determine the appropriate payout.
Tips for Effective Communication
Be clear and concise: Provide accurate and detailed information about the incident and your losses.
Keep records of all communication: Document all conversations, emails, and letters exchanged with the insurance company.
Be patient but persistent: The claims process can take time, but follow up regularly to ensure your claim is progressing.
Appealing a Decision
If you're dissatisfied with the insurance company's decision, you have the right to appeal. Gather any additional evidence that supports your claim and present it to the company. If necessary, consider seeking assistance from a public adjuster or an attorney specializing in insurance claims.
Conclusion
While a home burglary is undoubtedly a distressing experience, understanding your insurance coverage and the claims process can help you navigate the aftermath more smoothly. Remember to document everything, communicate clearly with your insurance company, and don't hesitate to seek professional assistance if needed.
Additionally, consider investing in a home security system like Kangaroo to deter future burglaries and provide crucial evidence in case of an incident. The Kangaroo Complete Protect Plan offers theft and damage reimbursement for your devices and can even help you secure a discount on your homeowner's insurance, further safeguarding your home and belongings.
Key Terms to Understand in Home Insurance
Homeowner's Insurance/Home Insurance/Homeowner Policy: A type of insurance that protects your home and belongings from damage or loss due to covered perils like fire, theft, or natural disasters.
Dwelling Coverage: Covers the physical structure of your home, including the walls, roof, foundation, and attached structures.
Personal Property Coverage: Covers your belongings inside your home, such as furniture, appliances, electronics, and clothing, in case of theft, damage, or loss.
Liability Coverage/Personal Liability Coverage: Protects you financially if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally damage someone else's property. It can cover legal fees and medical expenses.
Medical Payment Coverage: Covers medical expenses for someone injured on your property, regardless of fault.
Additional Living Expenses (ALE) Coverage/Loss of Use Coverage: Covers additional living costs, such as temporary housing and meals, if you're temporarily unable to live in your home due to a covered loss.
Endorsement/Rider: An optional addition to your policy that provides extra coverage for specific items or situations not covered by the standard policy.
Flood Insurance/Earthquake Damage Coverage: Separate policies that provide coverage for damage caused by floods or earthquakes, as these perils are typically excluded from standard homeowners insurance policies.
Deductible: The amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.
Liability Limit: The maximum amount your insurance company will pay for a covered liability claim.
Home Inventory: A detailed list of your belongings, including their value and any supporting documentation (receipts, photos), which can help you file a claim in case of a loss.
Insurance Company/Insurer: The company that provides the insurance coverage and pays out claims.
Insurance Agent: A licensed professional who represents an insurance company and helps you choose and purchase the right policy.
Policyholder: The person or entity named on the insurance policy who is entitled to coverage.
Insurance Premium: The amount you pay to the insurance company for your coverage, typically on a monthly or annual basis.
Claim: A formal request to your insurance company for compensation for a covered loss.
Exclusions: Specific events or situations that are not covered by your insurance policy.
Mortgage: A loan used to purchase a home, often requiring homeowners insurance as a condition of the loan.
Remember, it's essential to carefully review your homeowner's insurance policy to fully understand your coverage, exclusions, and limits. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact your insurance agent for clarification.
Q&A: Homeowners' Insurance
What You Need to Know
Q: What are some common exclusions in a homeowners insurance policy?
Standard policies often exclude coverage for:
Flood damage
Earthquake damage
Maintenance-related issues
Intentional acts
Certain high-value items (jewelry, art) may have limited coverage unless you add an endorsement or rider to your policy
Q: What is a deductible, and how does it affect my coverage?
A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in.
Q: How can I lower my insurance premium?
There are several ways to potentially lower your premium:
Increase your deductible
Bundle your home and auto insurance with the same company
Install security systems or smoke detectors
Make home improvements that reduce risk (e.g., upgrading your roof)
Ask your insurance agent about available discounts
Q: What should I do if I need to file a claim?
If you experience a covered loss, contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible.
Document the damage with photos and videos.
Create a detailed list of damaged or stolen items.
Cooperate with the insurance adjuster during the claims process.
Q: How is the value of my personal property determined in a claim?
Your insurance company will typically use one of two methods:
Actual cash value (ACV): This is the replacement cost of your belongings minus depreciation.
Replacement cost: This covers the cost of replacing your belongings with new items of similar kind and quality, without deducting for depreciation.
Q: What is the role of an insurance agent?
An insurance agent is a licensed professional who can help you understand your coverage options, choose the right policy, and assist with the claims process.
Q: How often should I review my homeowners insurance policy?
It's recommended to review your policy annually or whenever you make significant changes to your home or belongings to ensure you have adequate coverage.
Q: What is the difference between homeowners insurance and renters insurance?
Homeowners insurance covers both the structure of the home and its contents. Renters insurance only covers the renter's personal property and liability, as the landlord's insurance typically covers the building itself.
