People often interchange the terms burglary and theft. However, there is a distinction between the two, especially in insurance claims. When trespassers commit a crime and intentionally steal from your property, it’s important to know what kind of insurance claim you need to file.
Before filing for an insurance claim, whether you have homeowners, renters, or business insurance, you should take photos and videos of the property damages. Additionally, should you need to make emergency repairs to prevent any other danger (e.g. fix the tampered doors or replace the shattered glass windows) make sure you keep the receipts.
A Florida public adjuster can also help you assess the cost of damages and process your claim, ensuring you get a fair payout from your insurance company.
The Legal Difference Between Burglary and Theft
Your property insurance policy should compensate you for damages made when someone breaks into your home and steals your possessions. However, when filing for an insurance claim, how do you define the damage done? Is it burglary or theft?
While the terms may be interchangeable, insurers observe the legal difference between burglary and theft in Florida. Burglary is when people trespass to your property and not only attempt to steal your valuables but also have the intent to commit violence or unlawful damage.
Meanwhile, theft is defined as when someone else who has access to your space steals from you. Examples are when they steal from your shop or when thieves who have keys to your house take something, like your jewelry and any other belongings, without permission.
What is covered in burglary insurance?
When you have burglary insurance, you can have financial protection when your valuables are stolen or damaged. Depending on your insurance policy, some of the assets that are usually included are:
- Cash and valuables
- Electronic gadgets
- Cash stored in a safe
- Home appliances
- Business assets
Burglary insurance will also cover losses and other crime committed, that occurred because of forceful entry, like the damages to your home or business space.
What is covered in theft insurance?
When you lose your valuables from theft, you’ll most likely get reimbursed for the lost items as part of your property insurance. However, the list of valuables that are covered will depend on your policy. The covered items are usually:
- Money
- Trailers
- Jewelry
- Silverware
- Guns
In a standard home insurance policy, your claim will most likely get denied if the theft was unreported, made by someone who’s a named insured, or happened during property construction, among others. With this, make sure that after the property theft has transpired, you will formally go to the authorities to get a police report.
If your space experienced burglary or theft, you should immediately report it to the police, take photos, and call an experienced Florida Public Adjuster to help maximize your insurance claim. Our associates will make sure that you get the best payout for your damaged and lost goods as a victim.