Insurance Claim following Burglary

[griffgrog]

Last night we were burgled, no sign of entry so the wife thinks she may have left the back door unlocked. They took my case which contained two laptops and a watch. Is it worth putting in an insurance claim?

[JustinP1]

How much is your excess?

How much is the loss worth?

Are you insured if your doors are unlocked?

The answer will become clear!

[russ_a]

some windows can be opened from the outside, are you sure that you left the backdoor open?

[griffgrog]

SOCO haven't confimed that it was via an unlocked door and as stated, it could have been by forcing a window ajar. They couldn't rule anything in or out.

[JustinP1]

griffgrog said:

SOCO haven't confimed that it was via an unlocked door and as stated, it could have been by forcing a window ajar. They couldn't rule anything in or out.

If that is the case then I would seriously consider claiming. When I was burgled the sods literally ripped a window out of the wall, so that was obvious, but there are other costs to think of as well.

Of course, it would help to get a definative anser from the investigators. I would check your insurance policy for the exact terms of coverage. For example, if they only cover forced entry, without the evidence of that it makes things difficult.

The other costs I mentioned would be getting all of your locks changed - the insurance should cover that, as if you don't know how they got in, they may have a key!

[Jemco]

griffgrog said:

Is it worth putting in an insurance claim?

Firstly, really sorry to hear. It's one of those terrible moments when people often feel violated. Good that the boys in blue are so keen to investigate & sympathetic......best you can probably expect is a bland "dear victim" letter.

I'm assuming that this is a burglary at home, rather than your business? A business insurance policy will often contain a clause that theft cover is operative only when there is forcible or violent entry or exit. Leaving a door unlocked at business premises will very often mean that your theft cover is not operative.

If it is a home policy, there is normally not the same kind of restriction. However, back to your question.....is it worth putting in an insurance claim?

In practical terms, what is your excess? How much is your time worth in completing the paperwork, finding invoices, etc.? Also, remember that most insurers have a low or no claims discount scale meaning that your premium might increase by, say, 20% next year and take a couple of years to regain the same level of discount.

I would suggest that you have a quick chat with your broker to clarify the cost side of things and balance that against the actual financial loss that you've suffered.

I hope that this helps.

[Gordon Brown]

In my recent flood claim they checked the window locks! Condition of my insurance that all ground floor windows have window locks or are screwed shut with the screw head concealed. I also have to wear red socks and call myself Barry on Wednesdays or the policy is invalid apparently.