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Burglary: Which insurance pays and how you are optimally covered
A burglary is a shock that can have significant financial consequences in addition to emotional ones. Do you know which insurance provides coverage in such cases and how you can protect yourself and your possessions? This article sheds light on the matter and offers you concrete recommendations for action.
The topic in brief and concise terms
In the event of a burglary, it is primarily the home contents insurance that covers stolen and damaged movable property, while the building insurance covers damage to the building itself.
Immediately after a burglary, notifying the police, securing the crime scene (without alterations), and providing detailed damage documentation are crucial for the insurance claim.
Preventive measures such as mechanical security devices and avoiding gross negligence (e.g., tilted windows) are important to prevent burglaries and ensure full insurance coverage.
Immediate Actions After a Burglary: First Steps for Those Affected
A burglary is a traumatic experience that requires prompt and thoughtful action. First, you should immediately notify the police by calling the emergency number 110 or 117. Try not to enter the crime scene before the police arrive, to avoid destroying evidence.
Once the police have cleared the scene, document all damages and create a detailed list of stolen items, known as a theft inventory. Take photographs of any signs of forced entry and damaged items as evidence for the insurance. Immediately block any stolen cards (debit cards, credit cards) and inform your bank; the costs for this are often covered by insurance. Report the burglary to your household insurance without delay, ideally within a few days. These initial steps are crucial for later claims processing and help to partially alleviate emotional stress.
Contents insurance: The primary protection against burglary
Contents insurance is the crucial protection in the event of a burglary. It typically covers damage to your movable property, such as furniture, electrical appliances, clothing, and even valuables. Compensation is usually based on the replacement value, meaning you receive the amount necessary to purchase equivalent new items.
Consequential damages, such as vandalism following a burglary, are also usually covered. For valuables like jewellery, cash, or artwork, compensation limits often apply, which can vary depending on the policy; it is important to review your policy carefully here. A good contents insurance can also cover hotel accommodation costs if your home is uninhabitable after the burglary or the cost of changing locks. The specific benefits and compensation limits, for example, cash often only up to 2,000 euros outside a safe, should be found in your insurance terms and conditions. Knowing these details helps you to correctly assert your claims in the event of a loss.
Building insurance: Protection against damage to the house itself
While contents insurance covers household items, the home building insurance steps in for damage that occurs directly to the building. This includes, for instance, broken doors, damaged windows, or damage to walls caused by a break-in. It is important to know that break-in damage is not automatically included in every basic home building insurance policy.
Often, a specific clause like "Building damage caused by unauthorised third parties" is necessary to ensure this coverage. This clause then covers damage from break-ins, vandalism, and sometimes even arson. The repair costs for such building damages can be substantial, which is why adequate insurance cover is essential for property owners. Therefore, check your policy thoroughly or seek advice to ensure your current protection is sufficient. The home building insurance can also be useful if the tenant does not have contents insurance that covers building damage. This way, you are protected against the financial consequences of repairs to your property.
Claim report and settlement: Correct procedure secures entitlements
After you have taken the initial immediate measures, the correct reporting of the damage to your insurance company is the next important step. Submit the police report with the reference number and the compiled list of stolen goods as soon as possible. Include photos of the damages and, if available, purchase receipts for the stolen items.
The insurance company requires these documents to examine the damage and calculate the compensation. Be as precise as possible when creating the list of stolen goods and provide realistic replacement values. Be aware of any deadlines for reporting the damage, as stipulated in your insurance policy. Good documentation and cooperation with the insurance company expedite the settlement process. Our expert tip: Keep important receipts and an inventory list of your valuables in a safe place so you can act quickly in case of an emergency. This greatly facilitates the process.
Expert Knowledge: Legal Aspects and Recent Judgments
In insurance law, there are always interesting developments and rulings that can be relevant to those affected. The Federal Court of Justice (BGH) has, in a ruling (Az. IV ZR 91/23), strengthened the rights of policyholders by clarifying that not all traces need to be completely consistent to prove a burglary theft. A minimum level of facts is sufficient to make a theft probable based on life experience, such as existing signs of a break-in and the inability to find items.
Another ruling (BGH, Az. IV ZR 118/22) dealt with the loss of keys: if the insured loses their key and it is used for a burglary, the insurance may under certain circumstances reduce or deny the benefit due to negligence. It is therefore important to know and fulfil your obligations as a policyholder. This also includes minimizing the damage as much as possible and informing the insurer immediately. Our expert tip: In case of uncertainties or disputes with the insurance company, consulting a specialist lawyer in insurance law can be advisable. This ensures your interests are optimally protected.
Special cases and supplementary insurance: What goes beyond basic protection
Not every burglary damage is automatically covered by standard home contents or residential building insurance. For certain risks or items, additional insurance or special clauses may be advisable. For instance, bicycle theft is often only insured up to a certain amount or only if the bicycle was specifically included or certain security measures were met. Also, for expensive artworks or collections, a special contents insurance or valuables insurance may be necessary, as the compensation limits of standard home contents insurance are often insufficient here.
Burglaries in outbuildings such as cellars, garages or garden sheds are often co-insured, but there are also differences depending on the policy and insurer. The so-called external insurance covers home contents that are temporarily outside the home, for example, in a holiday hotel – here, special conditions and deadlines of mostly three months often apply. Examine your policies carefully for such details. Our expert tip: Regularly reviewing and adjusting your insurance cover, about every two to three years or when making significant purchases, ensures that you are always optimally protected. This way, you avoid coverage gaps and are prepared for various scenarios.
Your partner for comprehensive protection: Individual consultation by nextsure
The complexity of insurance coverage against burglary makes a personalized assessment of your situation essential. At nextsure, we understand that every household and property has unique needs. We help you find the right coverage from a range of home contents insurance policies and building insurance policies. Our digital platform enables you to easily and comprehensively compare and secure tailored solutions.
We value transparent information and support you in identifying and closing coverage gaps. With our expertise in niche insurance, we can also cover special risks. Trust our over ten years of experience in the digital insurance market. Use our advice to ensure that in the event of a claim, you are not only financially but also emotionally well supported. A call is all it takes, and we will review your existing coverage.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked for free and receive concrete optimization proposals.
More useful links
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive overview of burglary theft.
Gesetze im Internet contains the full text of Section 244 of the Penal Code, which regulates aggravated theft.
K-Einbruch, an initiative by the police and other partners, provides valuable information and practical tips for burglary prevention.
FAQ
Which insurance is most important in the event of a burglary?
The contents insurance is the most important insurance for tenants and homeowners in the event of a burglary, as it covers the loss and damage of moveable property (contents). For property owners, the building insurance is also important for any damage to the building itself.
What should I do immediately if my home has been broken into?
Immediately call the police (110 or 117). Do not alter anything at the crime scene. Report the damage to your insurance company. Make a list of the stolen items (list of stolen goods). Block any cards if necessary.
Does the contents insurance also cover vandalism after a burglary?
Yes, contents insurance typically also covers damage due to vandalism that is directly related to a burglary.
What is the difference between replacement value and current value in compensation?
Replacement value is the amount needed to buy a stolen or damaged item new today. Current value takes into account the age and wear of the item, usually making it lower. Contents insurances typically pay based on replacement value.
Are damages to doors and windows covered by contents or building insurance?
Damages to doors and windows that are permanently attached to the building are generally covered by building insurance, provided burglary damages are insured. Sometimes contents insurance covers such damages, particularly if the tenant doesn't have building insurance.
How can I improve my insurance coverage against burglaries?
Check your insurance amount for accuracy (underinsurance waiver). Consider adding extra coverage for bicycles or valuables. Ensure the inclusion of gross negligence coverage. Invest in burglary protection to minimize risk.
